Cracking Cobra

Cobra Crack is the de facto kingline of North American trad climbing. A stunning wall of overhanging granite split by a singular seam, barely wide enough to get your fingers into; it's a crack climber's dream. Since Mason Earle first tried Cobra Crack in 2009, the route has called him back to Squamish, BC again and again. For better or for worse, the route has become a part of his history. Take a look as Mason goes back to confront the Cobra this past summer. This is Cracking Cobra.

[@HokiePitcher22]

I feel like every non-Alex Honnald climbing video i watch somehow ends up with Alex Honnold showing up to suck the joy out of other peoples climbing accomplishments. Lol

[@wombra8314]

HokiePitcher22 lmao 😂😂 will be watching for this moment 👍

[@wombra8314]

HokiePitcher22 yup rekt 😂😂😂😞😞

[@bizmonkey007]

HokiePitcher22 Did I miss something? Honnold's in the video for 20 seconds at most and doesn't say a word. His part could've been cut entirely. He didn't "suck the joy" out of anything.

[@MPHshoots]

HokiePitcher22 except for ondra’s climbing lmfao.

[@nikhileshsharma5360]

Insane finger jam at @6:18

[@sc9160]

Hard to watch this. Love Mason, hope he gets better soon and is able to get back to his life, climbing or otherwise.

[@MissSunflower242]

Alex Honnold: yea I'll take a crack at it Bad I know

[@deanwilson9094]

Don't worry, I cracked a little smile, it's not your fault

[@albertohart5334]

that jump off the cliff at the end looked soooooooooooooooo fun

[@sapinva]

Nice job. Those mono digit cracks scare the crap out of me, always afraid of leaving a finger in the crack.

[@stevewalston7089]

No doubt. A pocket is one thing but a crack like that could just pull it right off.

[@gagekelly2027]

Hello! I just had a quick question: Can you explain to me what a mono digit crack is? I am unfamiliar with the term. There isn't a whole lot of trad or crack climbing where I live! Thanks!

[@PhaseXXX25]

Its when you lock one finger, in this case the middle, in the hold only as seen at 6:17

[@sk69to96]

I've always been curious about that. I'm don't climb myself (not yet at least), but is it actually possible to lose a finger that way in this style of rock climbing?

[@ColeMorgan258]

@@sk69to96 There has been stories of climbers losing fingers to the first knuckle or so but I've never heard of anyone losing an entire finger. That being said, the types of cracks that you could potentially lose fingers on are really steep finger cracks that are typically graded pretty hard. I wouldn't worry about it to much as a beginning climber!

[@jrblackify]

7:40 I can read Sonnie Trotter (1st ascent), Nico Favresse, Ethan Pringle, Matt Segal, Yuji Hirayama, Will Stanhope, Alex Honnold, Pete Whittaker, Tom Randall, Ben Harnden, and now Mason. All heavy hitters!

[@thomasbyrne9127]

its funny as he went to write his name down I was wondering if the Wide boyz had given it ago

[@AFilmChannel]

That Naruto run off the cliff at the end was awesome.

[@dangerouswater]

Many people don’t realise how just 1 millimetre on a route like this can spell the difference between success and failure. When he made it at the end I don’t think he was stronger than when he started. He must have tweaked something in his knee position or hips that made it so much smoother that last move. Impressive!

[@flowerpower111]

While everyone is goin crazy over Alex’ new film, watching overshadowed accomplishments like this is beautiful.

[@mattvan2015]

I used to live in Whistler and whenever i would drive up from Vancouver I would always be amazed by that giant mountain

[@brianpharder]

Great insight into an obsession worthy effort. Such a smooth send.

[@randydewees7338]

Nice comment, my feeling too.

[@danielengle4089]

Crack climbing is absolutely insane, on a wall at a crazy angle hanging from a crack only using your knuckle?!?!?

[@ripgnar4352]

Very beautiful climbing, story, and video!! Glad you overcame your nemesis man! There really is no other greater feeling in the world 🤘🏻

[@hristobadakov393]

Great video and awesome climbing! I hope you keep on it. Thanks for posting.

[@hersenskim]

This climb was first attempted by one of my favorite rock climbers! Didier Berthod... Legend video mate

[@ast453000]

So the moral of the story is: Alex Honold is a beast.

[@jamester000]

dude sometimes its nice to have a video about someone who doesn't appear to be perfect at their passion and tells the story of failing and then becoming humble and shit like why do you have to bring up hannold, what a fucking stupid thing to say, my god.

[@mjfortner23]

@@jamester000 I think that was a joke my man, lol

[@MJLeger-yj1ww]

Alex Honold is a very enigmatic human being, who dares himself to die and yet seems to enjoy it! His braininess lies in the fact that he memorizes every hold and step on the area he's climbing, but, I'm afraid that some day, he is going to be a different kind of statistic. I know he's very careful, but he should quit while he's ahead! Don't press your luck, humans age, and their aging body just cannot do what it used to do, and if you don't realize that, you can die. I'm sure that MUST enter their minds, but they brush it aside, but they can't do that forever.

[@stephenr80]

No it isnt

[@MJLeger-yj1ww]

Not by a long shot, but he certainly is probably the best climber in the world, free-climbing, anyway! He is simply brave, a bit daring and very competent and self-reliant, all extreme necessities in his free-climbing, plus, maybe a little good luck! I wouldn't do that for all the money in the world, but then, he doesn't do it for money, for him, I think it is strictly self-accomplishment. I wish he'd quit that though, I don't EVER want to read about him having a fall free-climbing! But then, I think ALL mountain climbers are very brave and some, more than a bit daring! As long as they aren't trying to impress anyone but themselves, I can't knock it! But today, especially on Mt. Everest, crowds are spoiling it for the true alpinists, causing their deaths from over-crowding and WE HATE THAT! Tyros who climb it to brag should never even BE on that mountain!

[@christinegerard4974]

Beautifull,beautifull film! ...my heart beats fast ! ...it is superlative. Beauty in every directions. Thanks so much for sharing those images,those efforts I keep it in mind for years.

[@XibaXela]

6:18 where he literally gives the wall a middle finger

[@k.ekkonen4688]

Coming back a second time. Really entertaining dude and a beastly climber!

[@johnfellas7899]

I seriously can’t stop watching this video, soo motivating

[@ljam445]

I didn't know Eddie Baur covered climbing stuff! This was great!

[@mjisurdad]

ljam445 😂

[@bikeclochard]

NIce send from an down to earth climber. I am by no means a crack climber, but since the movie first ascent this line and the people battling it get me motivated to try my best at the crag like nothing else, I don't know why... Thank you so much for sharing!

[@uselesshero]

People must understand that while climbing is very competitive, it's not as intense as the completion going on in your head, when your fighting your own demons, a personal war. First ascends, being the fastest, that's all great. But when you top out your project, you are the king of your kingdom. Alex or anyone cant take that away from you, and they don't want too, climbers are a special type of folk. That's what makes climbing great.

[@bengordon2330]

True, but it applies to any sport with risk/reward in my opinion. You let ego be your motivation, you'll mostly ever know frustration. Skiing, climbing, skateboarding, mountainbiking - in all these sports I've only had the greatest joy when, as you say, I am the king of my kingdom, focussed on making something I want happen, not something I think will impress my peers.

[@BrunoMalherbe]

that is a great video, loved how he ended the climb nervous but you could feel the happiness

[@CpttCanada]

Good for you man! That is so inspiring! Thank you good sir.

[@StewartGartland]

Great climbing video, great video period, lovely feel

[@pablofts1569]

Very fockin nice video!

[@debarshisinha]

Love for this climbing from India!

[@bg23428]

I like how calm he is while saying “yeah I’ve never done a 5-13, so that’s gonna be nice” like *wow*

[@Ryan-yf5ds]

I have so much respect for these people pushing the limits it's amazing to see

[@kevin_howell]

Climbing and paragliding... doesn't get much better than that!!!

[@badnews9312]

right on man! would have liked to see you do it first but you are definitely a world class climber and trad climber at that which is big in my books....I am from eastern Canada, been climbing about thirty years now....I remember my first trip to Squamish....I thought I was a half decent climber....I'd spent a decade doing ice and rock in the Lake Louise area - i was consistently climbing in the hard 10s on trad only gear which made me happy - but when i hit squamish the first route i did was on the Apron I believe it is called - a 5.9 crack which I was on the sharp end ....never have I ever felt like a bigger idiot in my life - had no clue how to climb a fairly wide granite crack....my feet kept getting stuck, in to deep, my hands were shredded - looked like I'd been in a bare knuckle brawl....so anyway, much respect to you man - such a great accomplishment you should be very proud!!

[@EGbean2]

When you say world class I think you mean "above average"

[@georgeofthejungle175]

Great send! Great video!

[@Farao7933]

excellent video! keeping it honest and simple!

[@sethcornell1273]

Eddie B. jumping into the climbing game! Bout time guys.

[@donjohnson5653]

Awesome perseverance ✌👊😎 Amazing really

[@Cragcloud]

Really nice video, guys! 😄 Looks like an insane crack line! Just subbed to your channel! All the best, a fan from Denmark

[@alexsika7160]

I gripe about having to work a problem for a few weeks. Home boy worked on this one for 8 years... lmao So insane, way to stick with it dude.

[@logicalamerican]

Happy to see you send a long term project. Once you did it, it was for yourself! Maybe thats why you finally did it.

[@RustuPai]

Nice video! Congrats for the send!

[@VerticalLiving]

Super nice video! Even nicer climb :D

[@liamereiam]

Sitting here at home with sweaty palms - good climb. :-)

[@skotscott4246]

Great video - congrats !

[@salzy1864]

The reason I climb is to get the hell away from the people down below who are 'talking about climbing.'

[@mattkim9024]

great great job dude. I managed to feel you strugglin

[@gyanchudasama4412]

great video!! good quality

[@MyLifeRSC]

Yes mannnn, sweet job!

[@tricore6408]

That 2x4 with those names! Thats a legendary piece of wood!

[@warcan9286]

great video

[@ChrisHaileyTrainHardDiveEasy]

What a boss!!!! Epic send dude

[@sofifi03]

it’s kinda funny, i never noticed the weird stuff we do while climbing or when we’re prepping *smack smack smack smack smack* RRAAAAAGRR

[@farvertex]

You are the coolest guy in climbing

[@wombatlover2796]

Excellent, presentation, excellent.. it takes me back to my youth.. but, I never climbed anything harder than a 5.8 !!!!!

[@myfirstcrappyvideobilly]

I've been doing 5.8 5.9s at this indoor gym until I actually went to Nevada and Colorado. Apparently whoever rated those routes doesn't know what they're doing and I need to train on a hang board.

[@leoingson]

Awesome. Thanks!

[@tonygreene81able]

This sport is just so spooky, I can barely get through a documentary on it. HE'LL to the na,na, na . That said I got mad respect

[@jerrydelyea5820]

sweet , congrats man, love the pg exit hehe

[@901Jayden]

Looks like beautiful BC :D

[@nicklozica8914]

Awesome dude

[@elkabomb1]

So good!

[@stardust6773]

Congrats! When there's a will there's a way

[@BoyFromTheOtherSide]

Freaking incredible.

[@Ponem]

Great video

[@tmkim]

Holy sh##TTTT.. That was so beautiful!!!

[@Reaper-J129]

Falls of pretty high: WOOOHOOO

[@user-ls1jn1by8m]

This is one of the best climbing films on KZbin. Great job, Mason. You keep me stoked on crack!

[@KazarianKzar]

Mason's beard gave him the power to conquer!

[@Medtrotters]

Woah, amazing

[@MPHshoots]

0:38 I thought he said “coke and crack”

[@CrOaTiAnN1]

bro me too

[@jb1876]

Crazy people, well done.

[@BlocBusters]

uhh, those mono crack jams :O

[@rhidiandavies1991]

These videos make my palms and soles sweat...

[@LiamAndOthers]

great video :)

[@staygold5280]

GREAT CLIMB BRO!

[@ryanjohnston8237]

Huge whippers onto one nut and you are almost decking. Intimidating!

[@efraindejesusgarciaorozco7525]

I love squamish!!

[@skipdoyle6774]

Cracking a SmileA very funny parody of climbing videos. Loved the clichés, the Alex Honnold 3-second insert, the famous date July 2017, the tongue-in-cheek "I did this just for myself, and paragliding off to try something new. And at 8+ minutes long, a touch of Seinfeld: an awfully long story "about nothing." :)Ps. Love EB -- from my multiple jackets to pants to boots.

[@Marauder1981]

Ninja looks fresh as hell!

[@yusukeheller168]

This brings me back to watching didier bertohd and Sonnie trotter going after the FA.

[@tranhau3818]

Amazing people!

[@medettecaasi1813]

AWESOME

[@rayjingbul7363]

We all know that the real breakthrough beta here was the TC Pros

[@friendofilah1929]

Climbers.. the most ballsy extreme athletes ever!!

[@tranhau3818]

Amazing climbers!

[@NCloyd51]

Great!

[@justinjakimiak1998]

Fookin love it. The ending is hilarious though... You don't need to walk back into camp to tell anyone, you brought a goddamn film crew ya dink 😂😂😂

[@RedX2276]

Well it's not like he knew ahead of time that he'd feel so inwardly accomplished. The film crew was brought up before he sent

[@camilorosas5966]

Persevera y triunfaras, si fallas vuelve a intentarlo, pequeña paradoja de la vida 🙋

[@adventureleopards]

Nice job

[@gustopher6500]

I've only watched this video 5 times

[@charlesmeadows6869]

I'm not a climber. But I felt this video

[@mcbrite]

7:53 I think to myself: "That would be such a nice start for my paraglider!" - 2 seconds later he get's out his speedwing... ^^

[@rbelatamas]

Good job :)

[@Zekbo]

RIP Eddie 💓

[@ameer1752]

Ending was cool

[@skaterkid445566]

that upside down heel hook is crazy lol

[@zhamoua]

congrat buddy

[@ltb81]

Cool remake of Mortimer’s first ascent.

[@alexescalada13]

Super!

[@eternalme6077]

You FUCKER'S ARE INSAAAAANE!!! YOU ARE ROCK-MONSTER'S............AWESOME!!! I wish I had the BALL'S to do what you guys do, VERY INSPIRATIONAL..........Love from Maui 🎸💚

[@michael2305]

it's TOTALLY time to move on... goes ahead and paraglides down the mountains... **ARGH**