Free Solo Climbing With A Parachute - Dean Potter

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Published 2021-05-16

Dean Potter died on May 16th, 2015 in a wingsuit accident in Yosemite Valley. For two decades he was the de facto leader of the Yosemite monkeys, and was a pioneer in what he called "the dark arts" -- free solo and speed climbing, BASE jumping and wingsuit flying, and highlining. Dean combined his pursuits to conceive the idea of FreeBASE - free solo climbing up tall, overhanging walls, with a BASE jumping parachute on his back for a marginal degree of safety should he fall. One of the world's first freeBASE climbs was this 2008 ascent of The Rostrum, with The Alien Roof finish (5.12). At the time, it was the hardest long free solo ever done in Yosemite. This is a remastered and extended cut of Dean's historic climb.

To learn more about Dean, check out our documentary films that feature him:

FIRST ASCENT - THE SERIES:
reelrocktour.com/collections/films/products/first-…

VALLEY UPRISING (Feature Documentary)
reelrocktour.com/collections/films/products/valley…

All Comments (21)

@REELROCK1 2 years ago

Watch epic new Reel Rock films here: reelrocktour.com/
@kameronconely7291 3 years ago

"Move your feet please". What a legend!
@bigmutant69 3 years ago

The absence of music is really nice, I was holding my breath from suspense without realizing. When he got that foot on I breathed out lol
@RevLeonPLeon 1 year ago

I can relate to this a lot. It inspired me. Today I walked up three flights of stairs free solo. It was kinda scary at times and I almost grab the hand rail. But fortunately I caught my balance and made it all the way. The descent, to be honest was more athletically challenging. I'm really not trying to brag here. But I'm damn proud of myself. But seriously folks, I have endless admiration and pride for Mr. Potter. RIP Good Brother!
@ripgnar4352 1 year ago

I never truly relaized the amount of skill he had until now. Wow. Truly such a legend. RIP Dean. You inspire me to this day
@GreedyOrange 3 years ago

FINALLY a video without music! thank you so much! you earned the like.
@atentat07 3 years ago

If you are wondering, no he didn't die parachut climbing, instead he died like everyone else, wingsuit flying.
@driftingdynamic 10 months ago

I struggle with making the move from the ladder to the roof of my one story house. Fearless in many ways, but heights do not work for me. This guy was a legend. RIP
@bgjb-r1499 1 year ago

This man lived what many consider a very dangerous life. Still, it was his life to live. RIP
@geodude7919 3 years ago

Bro is hanging off the side of the mountain with swollen hands, and straight up said "move your feet please" in such a calm tone, when I say hey to strangers I sound more unhinged than he did... what a Legend.. RIP Dean
@mikethompson8296 2 years ago

RIP Dean. You were, and still are an inspiration to the community.
@sumitdange2507 1 year ago

You're nailing it, Man!
@tarajoyce3598 10 months ago

Thank you for the way this was shot! Perfect
@noiseforthealgorithm4668 3 years ago

The things that some human beings manage to achieve in their lives is absolutely incredible
@StaggerLee68 3 years ago

He was a great person and a dear friend to those who had the pleasure of knowing him. He inspired people in everyday ways as well. There was something about climbing with him though, as if gravity took the day off for you too. A truly wonderful beast he remains in our hearts, forever.
@travelwithkashif996 1 year ago

Thanks for showcasing such a wonderful video.
@ksb2112 4 months ago

That quiet "Move your feet please" and "Thank you" tells you all you need to know about his composure.
@carlbarenbrug 3 years ago

What he managed to do absolutely boggles the mind. Incredible courage.
@Zarek523 3 years ago

-“Wanna Freebase on some cracks?” -“what did you say??”
@ashok26166 1 year ago

My heart pounded with each step up towards the top