Cover Photo: Philippe Larivière
Feature: Le Temps Suspendu - Suspended in Time
Surrounded by granite, water, and moss, Canadian climber Tom Canac established a new bigwall line, Le Temps Suspendu, on Cap Trinité in Quebec, Canada. The initial attempt began with two friends, Tom Canac and Hugo Drouin. Progress was slow-but-steady, but was ultimately thwarted by record-setting rains. Hugo decided to move on from the project and Tom was left to complete the line. Tom's journey, including his ultimate aid-rope-solo effort, was captured in an award-winning documentary, Le Temps Suspendu, filmed, directed, and edited by Philippe Larivière. Common Climber interviews Tom to learn more about this climb and some of the behind-the-scenes moments of this solo endeavor.
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Stories
Alan Watts: A Smith Rock Legacy
By Jeff Smoot Alan Watts is the Godfather of climbing at Smith Rock State park in Oregon - the birthplace of sport climbing. In 2023 Alan released his much-awaited new edition of the classic and comprehensive "Rock Climbing: Smith Rock." Climber and author Jeff Smoot (who met Alan in 1983) provides history and an interview. |
An Ode to Ice and Friendship
By Hendrik Schaal Handrik Schaal shares a very personal story - his struggle with bipolar disorder and how ice climbing gives him hope, focus, and friendships. Trigger Warning: The following article contains themes of mental health and suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, there are some resources at the end of this article. |
Touchstone Gyms' Staff Unionizing
By Stefani Dawn In late 2023, the staff at Touchstone Climbing gyms in California began the process to unionize. In this story Common Climber interviews members of the organizing team to learn more about the whys and hows of this process. |
Sierra's Volcanic Plug: Da-ek dow Go-et
By Dylan Kilby Between Lake Tahoe and Ebbette pass lies a series of volcanic plugs, the largest of which is Da-ek dow Go-et. Author Dylan Kilby takes some friends up this crumbly, yet rewarding alpine adventure. |
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Tribute
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Doug Fife (1962 - 2023)
By Gerry Narkowicz Gerry Narkowicz shares a tribute to legendary Tasmanian climber and first-ascentionist Doug Fife (1962-2023). Doug was on the first ascent of 30 routes in the Organ Pipes, Tasmania, along with other spots around Australia. |