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mont-rebei project

Chris Sharma attempting pitch two, at around 9a, of his mega multi-pitch project at Mont-rebei, Spain.

Chris Sharma attempting pitch 2, at around grade 9a (35), of his mega multi-pitch project at Mont-rebei, Spain.

Hi there!

So many cool things happened this year. One of the best was back in April when I had the great pleasure of photographing the legendary Chris Sharma on his new hard multi-pitch project at Mont-rebei, in Spain.

I’ve known Chris for quite a few years now and I always consider it a real honor to work with him. Yeah yeah, he’s one of the strongest, most accomplished, and best known sport climbers in the world, we know that, but the thing that actually impresses me about Chris is his character. Basically, it’s one thing to be strong but another thing altogether to use your ability to inspire others, constantly put out genuine good vibes, and to have such positive influence on the scene. So I was really psyched when Chris gave me the the opportunity to get some of the first still images of this project — even though I knew it would be a lot of work.

The route is located in a windy gorge formed by the river Noguera Ribagorçana. To the east side of the river is the province of Catalunya and on the west is Aragon, and it is here on the west cliff that Chris bolted his approximately 250-meter project, entirely “ground up”, about five years ago — before becoming distracted by other things, like climbing La Dura Dura (38). This year Chris teamed up with Slovenian climber Klemen Becan and they began working the project in earnest. So… game on! They think the pitches will go at about 6c+, 9a, 8b, 8c, 8c, 7b and 8c+, that’s 23, 35, 31, 33, 33, 25 and 34 on our scale. It is obviously going to be quite something to put it all together. The route is approached by an hour and twenty minute hike, then you have to cross the river, an obstacle solved with an inflatable raft.

I photographed the route on two different days. They had made a lot of progress by the second time I went there, and were working the higher pitches, but the hardest individual pitches were still yet to be sent. As well as shooting stills I shot as much video as possible while I was with them on the wall. Some of that footage is used on Chris’s Youtube channel in this video; that will show you much more about it all if you have 20 minutes and are interested. Anyway, enjoy the pics!

Ah, yeah, CHRISTMAS! Don’t panic! It’s OK, you still have time to order from our shop for Christmas delivery (for Australian orders). Here’s the deal:

  • On all Australian orders over $50, we will upgrade the postage to EXPRESS POST at no extra charge, from now until Wednesday 21 December (that’s our Christmas deadline).
  • Also, because you’re a newsletter subscriber (thanks!) we are offering you a 10% discount on all shop orders over $100 until Christmas. To get the discount, enter the coupon code “Christmas” at the checkout. This includes PRINTS. But excludes items already on sale.
  • The deadline for prints for Christmas has passed, they will now be received in the new year (but the wait is worth it).
  • Our World Climbing Calendar features work from seven photographers (and 12 climbers, not just a few…). Order this item to get 4 copies for the price of 3.

Thanks for reading. Be safe and have an awesome Christmas!

~Simon

Two climbers, up creek, with paddle.

Two climbers, up creek, with paddle.

The route goes something like that.

The route goes something like that.

A man and his dog go multi-pitching!

A man and his dog go multi-pitching! (It’s OK, there’s a big ledge up there).

Chris attempting pitch two, at around 9a.

Chris attempting pitch 2, at around 9a.

Klemen sending pitch three (8b).

Klemen sending pitch 3 (8b). Buy print.

Chris giving Klemen the beta on p4.

Chris giving Klemen the beta on pitch 4.

Chris Sharma attempting pitch four, at around 8c.

Chris Sharma attempting pitch 4, at around 8c.

Klemen Becan attempting pitch four.

Klemen attempting pitch 4. Buy print.

Klemen crossed up in extremeus. Pitch 4.

Klemen unlocking the sequence. Pitch 4. Buy print.

Chris attempting p4.

Chris attempting pitch 4. Buy print.

Chris Sharma and Klemen Becan descend after a hard days work on Chris' hard muliti-pitch project, Mont-rebei, Spain.

Chris and Klemen descend after a hard days work. Buy print.


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Order the calendar here. See the specials here.

Order here.

Order here.

Rock Climbing Down Under: Australia Exposed, Deluxe Limited Editions available –> here.

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