Rock Climbing…Gaining Momentum…The next sport on ESPN?

Rock Climbing and Bouldering have been gaining considerable media attention as of late.  Michael Reardon’s disappearence, as well as some pretty top notch new routes–have been turning a few heads towards this much overlooked sport.

BBC 2 in Scotland is preparing to air a program entitled “The Great Climb”–this is by far no reality TV as we have ever seen before and could actually be a world first for actual Rock Climbing coverage.

On April 18, BBC2 Scotland will be filming eight teams of two climbers as they try to ascend and put up new routes in Cairngormes National Park–Live.  The broadcast will seemingly be aired for 6 hours straight as these teams try to put up a few routes.

This could very well be the next wave of so called reality TV…recording every moment of the events as they happen.  BBC2 Scotland has negotiated filming in the Park and were only allowed to do so if they followed by one simple rule–what goes in, goes back out.  Leave no trace.

The filming of this special program will be done in full High-definition television and is being done in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the Television station.

This program sounds like a very exciting idea.  If all goes as planned, this could very well bring alot of new attention to this great sport–and quite possibly make it’s way overseas to here in the US, as other famous BBC programs have done in the past…we can always hope…

Man vs. Wild, Bear Grylls, and the Discovery Channel Disclaimer-

Two hours after posting an article on “The Fall of Bear Grylls” by The Adventurist,  a post has come up from Reuters, the world-wide syndicated news agency, calling into question Bear Grylls antics on Man vs. Wild.

The Reuters Reporter, Andrew Wallenstein, has actually went to Discovery Channel and questioned them on their program..here is part of The Discovery Channel’s Response:

Discovery Communications has learned that isolated elements of the ‘Man vs. Wild’ show in some episodes were not natural to the environment, and that for health and safety concerns the crew and host received some survival assistance while in the field.

Moving forward, the program will be 100% transparent and all elements of the filming will be explained upfront to our viewers.  In addition, shows that are to be repeated will be edited appropriately. Bear Grylls is a world-class adventurer and a terrific talent.

So it sounds to me like the Man vs. Wild, will now be the Man vs. Wild–with a disclaimer.  At least this will be a little bit of acknowledgement towards the fact that they, as well as Bear Grylls, have been leading the public to believe that everything that happened on the show–was indeed truthful, when in fact, some aspects have been set-up.  It is also noted though, that Discovery Channel plans to stick by Bear Grylls and his Man vs. Wild television show.

What is even a little more amusing are the comments that people are writing in about this article.  I will share a couple of them now as well:

From Wackytraveler:

Of course the Bear Grylls show is staged. In one episode, he parachutes into a rain forest. Next, we see him demonstrating how to extricate himself from the tree in which he’s landed. So, did he just happen to land exactly where the camera crew was posted; or did he land in the tree for hours until the video crew could reach him; or was he hoisted into the tree in order to be filmed? As long as a full camera crew follows him around in the “wilderness” his survival experiences won’t be genuine. Watch SURVIVORMAN Les Stroud, also, on Discovery, who films himself in the wilderness. He’s the real deal.

From Dennsnyd7:

Some of the situations were a little dramatic and hard to believe and others were simply not true. ie. A piece of steel wire cannot be magnatized by rubbing it in your hair. If the leaf compass did in fact work the wire was already magnatized before he rubbed it on his hair. I hope no one would be foolish enough to try some of the things he proposes in the name of survival. Check your facts people and don’t believe everything you see in the movies.

So now this has erupted into a much larger debate, and I am sure more will be coming out about this situation.  As of this time, Bear Grylls remains amazingly quiet and has not commented on these new allegations, or the fact that his show will now be disclaimered and edited–so as to not fool the audience.  Will be very interesting to see how this all pans out in the future…

(Editor’s Note:  At this time, the news article being discussed is found on the AOL News Service.)

The Fall of Bear Grylls

ExplorersWeb is at it, yet again.  When I first started following this story, I questioned ExplorersWeb’s intentions.  Well it looks like they just may have been on to something.  Information is coming out of the woodworks on Bear, not only about his supposed flight over the top of Mt. Everest..but now it seems it may just be about his whole career…

I recieved a tip today about Mr. Grylls, in regards to his previous military service–after stopping by ExplorersWeb, it seems that they have recieved the same tip, as they have included this in their lead story…seems like the viewers are starting to get disgruntled at Mr. Grylls and are passing on the tips to sites like this one, The Adventure Blog and ExplorersWeb.  Here is the lowdown:

Mr. Grylls was indeed in the SAS or the British Special Forces, as he claims.  What he doesn’t mention to the public is that he was in the SAS (21)–an easier and less dangerous branch filled with prospects looking to get into the SAS (22)–the hardcore, real deal.

Bear also mentions on his site that he got out because he was in a “horendous” helicopter accident in Africa that left his back broken in three places…  We are still looking to verify this information as well–

So much has been coming out about Bear making up stories, changing words as he pleases–and in a sense trying to create a persona in the media that is a little far from the truth, that nobody is real sure about what to believe…

Even his shows Man vs. Wild and Born Survivor: Bear Grylls try to create him as this mythic superhuman that can and does get out of any situation–Alive.  Over the past couple of weeks, reports of what is really going on during these “Adventure Excursions” is starting to become more clear–they have been meticulously set-up to trick the viewer that Bear was actually doing everything he says, yet in reality, it was prearranged.

ExplorersWebs intentions, I am sure, was not to discredit Mr. Grylls in the beginning, but as the story has come around full circle now and every detail of Bear’s career is being analyzed, I think it is safe that we can all assume that nothing is as it seems.

For the complete breakdown of the truth vs. lies of Bear Grylls, I request that you head on over to the ExplorersWeb site and check out their lead story…

I guess to me, personally, I am now even questioning whether or not their is a Bear Grylls, or if this is all just a made up media blitz as well.  I guess we will all have to wait and see..

Free-Solo Climbing? Magazine Looking to Interview YOU!!

Would you like to be interviewed for a magazine?  A good friend of mine is currently seeking Free-Solo Climbers to interview for an upcoming magazine with Free Solo Climbing as the focus of this special issue.

With the recent death of Michael Reardon making headlines around the world, it has brought this sport into the headlines like never before.  Want to speak out and be a part of this experience?  Send a short note to my email in the box below.  (It goes directly to my email)

As if this isn’t cool enough, there is going to be a Michael Reardon tribute, photos, and interview, with the tribute written by myself, as well as an interview with the man known as “Spiderman”, Alain Robert–who has scaled some of the world’s toughest climbs, as well as tallest skyscrapers…YIKES!

Let me be absolutely clear.  I am currently looking for Free Solo Climbers (Only) to take part in a special magazine dedicated to this sport.  If you are a Free Soloist..Contact me!  Through this process, the goal is to help demystify a sport that gets a lot of bad press.  This could very well be a crucial piece of the puzzle in the sport we all love.  Now get to writing….

[contact-form]

The Story Gets Deeper…( A Note on Bear Grylls)

Many of my readers will recognize Bear’s name.  I covered his recent attempt to Paraglide OVER Mt. Everest.  It seems like his name is back in the news again..

A couple of weeks ago, ExplorersWeb ran a piece about Bear not flying over the top of Mt. Everest.  Many people were led to believe that this was his intentions–yet, we think Bear Grylls may have pulled a whammy on everyone and played with the word “Over” a bit.  Over, referring in this case to above the height of Mt. Everest, not actually over the top.

Bear Grylls is now being questioned once again.  This time it is about his Television series Man vs. Wild.  Bear has made it seem that at points he was fighting for ultimate survival on his show, when in fact, once the tape ends, he high-tails it out of Dodge and relaxes in the sweet comfort of the Hilton, till the next taping.  Now I am not so sure what to make of all this.  I mean, Bear did officially summit Everest at 23 years old…

It seems that his antics have once again landed him in some hot water.  For more on this story I will refer you to The Adventure Blog who has been doing an excellent job of following all the latest with Bear.

K2 Summits, New Route on Gasherbrum II, and more..

Over the past week most of my time has been used covering the recent Michael Reardon tragedy.  This is not to say that nothing was happening though, but I felt that I had the opportunity to do something for Michael and his family and friends that other sites just couldn’t do.

To get back up to pace, I will be offering a synopsis of what has been going around in the headlines.  So let’s jump right in…

Avalanche on Gasherbrum II

On July 19, a massive avalanche was reported from Gasherbrum II.  The Amical Team, hoping for a summit push, was suddenly buried in snow.  One member died in this tragic incident, another member was unable to be located, and the rest of the team suffered various degrees on injury.

Hirotaki Takeuchi, a member of the devestated Amical team, reported in to ExplorersWeb about the incident saying that the group got swept up in the avalanche and carried down 300 meters to the seracs. 

Other teams on GII soon went up and helped in a massive search and rescue which resulted in Hirotaki and others being able to survive this ordeal.  Much credit is given to these teams in their efforts for this rescue between Camps 2 & 3 on Gasherbrum II.

Italians Summit Gasherbrum II, Establish New Route

Karl Unterkircher, Daniele Bernasconi, and Michele Compagnoni made alpine history today as they successfully summited Gasherbrum II via a new route–The North Face.

The team had been climbing for the past three days, and began a successful push for the summit a bit earlier today.  This is great news following the tragedy on GII earlier this week with the Amical Team.

For more on this story, please stop by The Adventure Blog for more information.

Massive Summits on K2 Today

Around 3:30 Pm today reports started circulating that the first team to reach K2’s summit this season had arrived.  That was just the beginning though…17 more climbers would soon top out on what many people claim as the world’s deadliest mountain.

Over the years, K2 has had a total of 269 summits.  That is right, 269.  In Comparison, Mt. Everest, the world’s highest peak as well as most publicised, had well over 500 summits….this year alone.  K2 has also claimed the lives of 69 people in the process, giving it a death-to-success ratio of 24%.  One in four have died trying to bag this coveted peak.

For more on the list of successful K2 summiters today, I will refer you to ExplorersWeb for the complete story.

On a sad note, a yet unnamed Sherpa took a tragic fall and perished during today’s activities.  The Sherpa, who was working with the Korean Men’s Team, slipped and began to fall.  Two climber’s close to him tried to grab him as he came by, but they were unsuccessful in their attempt.  More details on this tragic incident will be expected in the coming days.

BREAKING NEWS: FAMED AMERICAN SOLO CLIMBER< MICHAEL REARDON DEAD AT 36

BREAKING NEWS–BREAKING NEWS–BREAKING NEWS

Famed American Climber Michael Reardon, 36, has died in Ireland.  He was taking part in a special shoot for an American Climbing magazine, had just finished his climb and was standing on a rock shelf–when a wave knocked him off and into the sea.  Michael was unable to get out of the water.  The Coast Guard immediately put out an alarm, but as of this time, Michael Reardon has not been found and is feared dead.

Michael’s wife Marci and 13 year old daughter are scheduled to arrive in Ireland some time tomorrow.  Michael was scheduled to leave back for the states today.

This story is still developing.  As far as I know this news has not hit the US newswire at this point.

If you don’t know Michael Reardon, Please follow the following links to learn more about this incredible climber–

Climber Reaching for New Heights

Interview with Michael Reardon

From Wikipedia

I will be updating you when more is known.  At this time, it is rumored that Michael Reardon was doing a shoot for Climbing Magazine.  No word has been mentioned from their site at this time.  Efforts continue to try to locate his body, but it is being called a recovery mission at this time.  He was staying with a close friend in Ireland when this tragedy struck.  His friend has been on the Irish News Services discussing these tragic events

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Marci and his daughter, as well as their family, friends, and associates.  Micheal Reardon will be greatly missed in the climbing world, but his legacy and never-give-up attitude will be with us forever.

Lewis Gordon Pugh SWIMS at North Pole

Lewis Gordon Pugh, 37, A british adventure swimmer, has become the first person to ever swim at the North Pole.  Doing the stunt to bring awareness to Global Warming in the Arctic, Pugh dove into the 29 degree water.

His swim lasted aproximately 18 minutes and 50 seconds and went for a distance of 0.6 miles.  The water, at 29 degrees, is the coldest known temperature that a human has ever been able to swim in.

I hope my swim will inspire world leaders to take climate change seriously. The decisions which they make over the next few years will determine the biodiversity of our world.

I want my children, and their children, to know that polar bears are still living in the Arctic. These creatures are on the front line up here.

I am obviously ecstatic to have succeeded, but this swim is a triumph and a tragedy: a triumph that I could swim in such ferocious conditions but a tragedy that it’s possible to swim at the North Pole.

Pugh’s swim was conducted in a free-flowing waterhole.  The hole was used to demonstrate the effects the climate has been having on the arctic.  He went on to explain that over the next years, waterholes like these will become more prevelent in the Arctic.

Lewis Gordon Pugh is best known for having swam on 5 of the seven known continents of the world, as well as being the first person to ever swim the Sognefjord, Norway’s longest fjord.

The Adventurist: A Call to All Outdoor Writers and Photographers!

I have just put the finishing touches on a new “Submit & Contact” Page here at The Adventurist.  I am hoping that this new feature will be accepted and used by all of my great readers.

This page goes into detail about a few things I am looking for here at The Adventurist–and ways you might be able to get involved.

Do you love Adventure Writing or perhaps Great Outdoors Photography?–Help me share your incredible talents with a much bigger audience!

Head on Over to the “Submit & Contact” Page, found on a tab right up above this article, and Share your Adventures with the World!

Also, if you are looking to put me to work, there is info there as well….

Cheers-

J. Alan Hendricks, Editor

The World’s Highest Peak Rocks with Jake Norton and The Alarm

Jake Norton from The MountainWorld Blog has informed us that he will be embarking on a photographic journey in October to Mt. Everest Basecamp–so what is so unusual about this?  His latest project could very well be the first Rock Concert ever held on Mt. Everest.

Jake is teaming up with Entertainment insurance executive James Chippendale and Mike Peters from the Welsh band The Alarm to embark on a trek to Mt. Everest Basecamp.

James Chippendale and Mike Peters are founding members of the Love Hope Strength Foundation (LHSF) .  They share a common bond as both are Cancer Survivors.  Through this common bond and their dedication to amking a better life for cancer patients and people affected by this terrible disease, the two are coming together to offer up a trek to the Mt. Everest Basecamp.  Many other people affected by this disease will be joining up with the two and the trek will culminate in an acoustic concert at Everest Basecamp followed by a full blown Rock Bash in Kathmandu.

This trek and following concerts will be recorded by both MTV and BBC crews.

Jake Norton’s part in this will will be as a guide and photographer for this important cancer awareness project.  We wish him the best as this project moves forward.  This is a great opportunity for all involved to bring awareness to this terrible disease.

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