A Light Through The Cracks
Beth Rodden started climbing in 1995, and it wasn’t long before she radically changed the sport. Within three years, she’d become the first woman to climb 5.14; within five, she established a still unrepeated free route on Yosemite’s El Capitan. Today, Beth is leading the climbing community in difficult, vulnerable conversations. Fitz chats with Beth about her new book, A Light Through The Cracks, and what it means to live a big life.
Image: Beth Rodden Collection
Bit Of Gold Bonus: Pizza Party
Beth Rodden inspired a generation of climbers with her incredible free ascents of El Cap and hard trad climbs. Her leap into that realm began at an impromptu pizza party hosted by Lynn Hill. When a living legend asks you to ditch university and come to Madagascar, the only answer is “Yes.”
Image: Jeremiah Watt
Chapter 05: A Magician Needs A Stage
El Cap. Free. In a day. Putting those words on your resume puts you in the league of legends. When Lynn Hill freed the nose, she redefined what’s athletically possible in climbing. Emily Harrington and Beth Rodden add their perspective on the momentous achievement.
Image: Heinz Zak
Chapter 03: This Is How You Spell Climbing
Climbing’s first bonafide phenom, Chris Sharma ushered in a new chapter of athleticism.
Image: Boone Speed