Deep Water Soloing In Britain

Ever Thought about taking a 50-foot fall off a sea cliff into the chilly North Atlantic? Time for some British deep water soloing. When we think of deep water soloing, it usually involves warm-water paradises like Mallorca, Thailand, and Vietnam. However, contrary to popular opinion, there is far more to British climbing than scary ledge-shuffling on the gritstone escarpments of the Peak District. British climbing has a long, colorful history of sea-cliff climbing. The Pembroke, Swanage and the Devonshire coasts have long played host to some of the country’s finest traditional lines but in recent years, the development of the country’s sea cliffs has been revolutionized by the burgeoning deep water solo scene. The sea is no longer the enemy, to be avoided with rope and rack, but the safety net, cushioning failures and encouraging a try-hard attitude. This video is a tribute to that spirit: one of freedom and exploration that is seeing a new generation of pioneers drawing lines on the British coast.

Dave MacLeod - Fight The Feeling (8c+/9a)

From bold trad to sketchy rime to hard sport, Black Diamond athlete Dave MacLeod has something of an obsession with first ascents in his native Scotland—a land not known for its ideal climbing weather. A little sleet and rain, however, has done little to dampen Dave's passion for scouring the island for new climbs. His latest FA, Fight The Feeling, is an interesting tale of an FA legacy being carried on from one generation of climbers to the next. This video is part of our Climbing 2013 digital catalog. Through photos, videos and narrated slideshows, the Climbing 2013 digital catalog highlights first ascents and first free ascents from recent years, as well as the crucial pieces of Black Diamond gear that helped make them a reality. In addition, the digital catalog showcases historical images from past first ascents—chosen by our athletes—that have fueled their own personal FA pursuits.