First Free Climb of Underground Big Wall in Macocha | Adam Ondra

People often travel halfway around the world for an adventure, even though there are some epic adventures almost in your backyard. Macocha is this massive hole, an abyss that is 138m deep, in the middle of Moravsky Kras (Czechia, Europe). Deep at the bottom is a massive arch that had never been free-climbed. Undoubtedly the longest and steepest wall in the whole country, in the most bizarre location. It is usually climbed within a few days as an aid climb during a special 5-day window every December when it is allowed to climb here upon special permission.
Look at the video featuring me climbing a route called Příklepový strop, an adventurous 5-pitch route up to 8b+, full of rusty pegs and bolts and surprisingly excellent climbing. The overlook of the pitches: 8b+, 8b+, 8a+, 7a and 6c doesn't really make much justice for how adventurous, difficult and unique an experience it was. Poor protection, humidity, cold temperature, wild overhang and a limited number of days you can try it make it something I will never forget.
It's one of my all-time favourite climbing experiences and one of my favourite videos!
ENGLISH SUBTITLES AVAILABLE IN THE VIDEO SETTINGS
ČESKÉ TITULKY JSOU DOSTUPNÉ V NASTAVENÍ VIDEA
00:00 - Intro
01:27- Adam Ondra introduces the Macocha light hole (Moravian Karst, Czechia, Europe)
02:28 - Dušan Janák (Czech climber) found out Příklepnový strop line in 2015
03:44 - Pavel Weisser - Back in 1996
05:30 - Dušan "Stoupa" Janák (Very accomplished all-round climber and mountaineer)
07:14 - The first pitch, 8b+
14:48 - Not enough energy?
15:42 - The first pitch, 8b+ and the second try
18:20 - Small talk while making the kneebar :-)
19:14 - Anchor 1
19:40 - Dušan Janák talking about the first pitch
20:00 - The second pitch, 8b+ (the onsight try)
22:13 - No chance!
23:34 - The second pitch, 8b+ and the second try
23:40 - Slip
24:02 - The second pitch, 8b+ and the third try
27:03 - Anchor 2
28:02 - The third try pitch, 8a+ and the second try
29:20 - Anchor 3
29:42 - Lukáš "Asu" Abt - Adam's friend and Moravien Karst lover
29:56 - The fourth pitch, 7a (onsight try)
30:02 - SUBSCRIBE = SUPPORT
30:44 - Anchor 4 and onsight
31:27 - The fifth pitch, 6c (onsight try)
32:25 - Anchor 5, onsight and BRAVO!
33:02 - Dušan Janák talks about Adam's ascent
33:25 - Outro
Get yourself amazed by beautiful pictures in my AO Photo Book:
eshop.adamondra.com/p-ao-book
Have you seen this video of mine ?!
• This Is B I G | Adam O...
Thumbnail picture by: Petr Chodura
Special thanks to
Pavel Weisser
Dušan ”Stoupa” Janák
Lukáš “Asu” Abt
Filip Chalupka
Moravian Karst Protected Landscape Area
Cave Administration of the Moravian Karst
Story by
Adam Ondra
Directed & Edited by
Pavel Klement
Camera
Pavel Klement
Laco Korbel
Jan Vogl
Drone pilot
Vojta Ličko
Sound mix
Jiří Klement
Motion Graphics
Michal Fíbek
Archive footage
Petr Kašpar
Pavel Weisser
Míra Šmíd
Ivan Berka
Rope work
SKYMAN.CZ - Marek Šmerda, Miroslav Hrnčíř
Jakub Sobotka
Production
Kateřina Kuřátková
Jan Verner
Jakub Pína
Subtitles by
Jarka Marčeková
© Adam Ondra 2023
Songlist
Vesper Tapes - Unwavering
Flash Fluharty - South City Limits
Ballian De Moulle - In Between Heaven and Earth
Magnetize Music - The Night Falls
Vesper Tapes - Swarms
Marc Walloch - Breezeway
#climbing #mammut #rockclimbing

[@titiuclaudio]

AO team is giving us "reel rock" level films for free. No clickbaits or fancy collabs, no hyped trailer. Just another crazy banger of a video, respecting history and adding his own chapter. Thanks again! 👏

[@Euroholds]

Truly amazing

[@AB-fh9zh]

Couldn't agree more.

[@tobiasbrunner4720]

We don't deserve Adam.

[@astral-evolution-33]

Reel Rock used to make $20 of content and manage to sell it twice, first you buy it to stream it, then you buy it to own it. So they were charging double, then just decided to switch to charging $100/year which seems like a low monthly rate until you realize, again... there's a few hours of new content per year that should go for at most $20.

[@donkyuhbuhts540]

They are actually much better then even Reel rock.

[@SyRyanYang]

This gotta be the most relatable Ondra video ever -getting scared on sketchy gear -struggling to put in a draw -hesitating and not omniscient about the beta -getting short roped -wearing a helmet

[@mistproductions9844]

This is how all my onsights look

[@gergelymartonffyclimbing]

So true, i realized the same thing. It was really authentic. We always see the draws already in place for the send tries.

[@LongBoy.0]

yo can see the fear. this is a first.

[@maximedelmas]

It's the shaking heel for me

[@AllegraClimbingPsychologist]

Stunning! Also love how full of history your videos are. You really give credits to the place and the people that came before you, it's amazing. It's not just about you doing superhuman achievement, it's about the place, it's magic and how it attracts people like you!

[@Darcmora]

Totally agree!

[@Bratres]

True adam is real champ

[@jennymchandler]

Yeah I really love this too ❤

[@quitx8028]

Adam Ondra is a really humble person! He always credits people that did something before him.

[@RustyShackleford_]

Look up the definition of humble. He is a humble person, for sure, but crediting others for their accomplishments has nothing to do with humility.

[@BodhiJMSRyder]

@@RustyShackleford_humble is to act without pride so yes this could also be humble, and, really dude? Lol for reals

[@RustyShackleford_]

@Bodhi J.M.S Ryder the question is, how would he credit them while being selfishly prideful? Is he gonna lie and say he did the first ascent? Giving credit is not being humble. Him acknowledging the skill and nerve of the previous climbers compared to his own is humble, but it's not necessarily humble to credit people that are due their propers.

[@dexterbjuveus6056]

When Adam climbs in a t-shirt you know that it’s seriously cold😂

[@gergelymartonffyclimbing]

Haha yes, i was surprised with that too, he does not complain about cold hands though :D

[@Fuzzira]

I could tell by his breathing in the beginning it sounded like he'd taken a plunge into an ice bath.

[@jacobgaylord9277]

Spectacular! As enjoyable as it is to see you trying huge projects, there’s something special about watching you with a harness full of gear, going through the whole process. It isn’t often we get to see your thought process of when to hang draws, when to place protection, or even how you adapt to slipping off holds. Great work, incredible route!

[@AdamOndra]

Hi all, I just wrote a quite detailed article about the first free climb of the route Příklepový strop in the Macocha Abyss (Czechia). You can find out some interesting facts from the history of climbing in this magical place and get to know more about my 5-pitch route climb, which I made in December and which I really appreciate! www.adamondra.com/article-truly-epic-free-climb-of-138-meters-deep-wall-inside-the-large-abyss-macocha/

[@MacGlourson]

It's the first video, where i felt Adam scared. I guess even climbing gods are not immune to fear. Amazing climb !

[@roosnuts]

And a first wearing a helmet. Never seen Adam so stressed.

[@allyhvis6046]

What a great climb! I've been waiting for Adam to post this video since the ascent of Macocha has been all over local media. It's really great to see an iconic climber climb an iconic route near my home.

[@codyheiner3636]

18:23 hanging upside down in a kneebar casually talking to his belayer has to be the most Adam Ondra thing in the world.

[@kevedwards]

Beautifully shot, amazingly climbed. I love how no matter how long Adams been at the top of his game, he still loves climbing so much that the look on his face when he sends is always full on psyche.

[@gergelymartonffyclimbing]

Yes, i agree it is something special, how he still enjoys every minute of climbing even if it is his job now.

[@Gollum1905]

All the videos on this channel are amazing but this one hits different. I don't know what it is, but everything is filmed and edited so crisp. The camera angles and the depth in that video feel surreal. Amazing work here. Propbably one of the best videos ever.

[@walrusclimbing]

7:05 "So it has to be someone who's able to climb 8b, 8b+ in sub-zero temperatures, very quickly." CUT TO: AO ❤

[@elliarts]

So far my fav video of yours ever, the sense of adventure and fear you all conveyed through the video was amazing to watch - it's the exact feeling that attracted me to climbing in the first place!

[@ProudToBeAHillbilly]

Sadly i didn't even know who Adam Ondra was until about 4 days ago... Since then, I have binge watched every single video on this channel. Adam Ondra, you are truly a world inspiration and an amazing person. Climbing with such grace and calmness, really is a beautiful thing Awesome video! 🇺🇸✌️

[@jaredasa626]

Amazing as always. Seeing Adam searching for holds, looking slightly nervous, AND wearing a helmet, tells me that this was a serious adventure!

[@afterthought9]

So great to just have the sound of breathing and occasional screams in the silence of the cave with those awesome shots. No bad music and fast cuts to make it 'exciting'

[@alvaroe7678]

Super tasteful use of music (no music when he's climbing). Five stars. Fantastic video!

[@eyquem8874]

I think that Pavel Klement needs some gratitude, it's thanks to him that these videos are so amazing. And of course, bravo Adam Ondra for this splendid ascent !

[@YouTubKomentarKiller]

I realy enjoy this relaxing style. Just silently whatching you climbing, finding your way through the rock, is beautifull.

[@s1lvrinferno]

Adam, thank you for the content you produce. It's one of the purest pursuits to embark on and an absolute joy to watch you ascend to new heights both physically and mentally. I see these men of old that you bring with you who previously ascended these routes and just picture you 30 years from now, mentoring the next generation as well. It's a privilege to watch and support someone like you. I wish you the best in all your adventures my friend.

[@j90648]

I got into climbing only a handful of years ago, but have spent a lot of time watching any climbing films I could get my hands on. I am totally blown away by the production quality of these videos. They really are amazing. The zeal and love you have for climbing is contagious, and the insight and history you unearth in your travels has given me a profound respect for Czech climbers. I can only say how privileged and thankful I am to be alive during the time of rock climbing's renaissance. Here's to more sends!

[@ralphmunn1685]

Absolutely beautiful. I've done enough caving to be aware of how the limestone can just ooze water constantly, and how apparently solid rock can come off without warning. What a next-level adventure! 🙏

[@A.B.43459]

I just want to thank you for this amazing Video. To be honest, I don’t know how you manage to do such a good job every single time. Very well done! Also all the people who helped you with the project and created this excellent Video are amazing ! 🙌

[@digger6986]

Seeing Adam panick clipping makes me feel a lot better in a strange way. It shows anxiety in one of the best climbers of the world, making him a lot more human and shows, that one can overcome his fears in most situations :) Thx for sharing this!

[@paulheimweh]

Thats exactly the stuff for what i love to watch this guy climbing. And thats also the stuff whats makes him to the best climber in the world.

[@michaellloyd2489]

Adam is a pure legend and to top it off a really humble and kind person. Thanks for your great content

[@sharkema]

Woah! Thanks Adam for sharing this experience!

[@i_like_hike]

Your passion is contagious and your, ironically, down to earth nature is a breath of fresh air. Thank you for continuing to document and share these incredible pieces of climbing history. You are a wonderful ambassador to the sport. ❤

[@SageandDust]

Thank you for the continued inspiration, Adam. I appreciate you for all that you do.

[@DrCrimp-sg5pb]

rare to see Adam having them shaky legs! that was great content!!

[@gabrielcamacho6308]

I love this type of videos about more adventurous climbing. Beautiful location, including traditional climbing. Please more videos like this. Is incredible how versatile Adam Ondra is. I hope your channel gets millions of subscribers.

[@pinkyfull]

30:20, the encoding of the video and the moss on the rocks makes this look positively otherworldy, like you're climbing in a dithered 90's video game.

[@weicat23]

Amazing video, it is really motivating to see you breathing like this and not being 100% efficient (as we always see you). I have felt full empathy and it made me to connect with the video. Thank you Adam and all people involved.

[@marcelmikulasko2745]

nádherné video a atmosféra, jedno z najlepších od teba...

[@Bulldawg1975]

This is incredible! Thank you for this amazing content- the quality of everything is next level. From the climbing itself, the historical footage, the interviews, to the editing, cinematography, description of the climb, chapters...so grateful for this. Thank you, Adam and your team!

[@NAAZAAAR]

The last sentence made me feel an immense gratitude for living where I do. Thank you Adam!

[@WalkingNose]

Only chills while watching this video. Props to everyone involved in the film, the pioneers of this line and Adam for climbing this masterpiece. Just wow!

[@pierftw]

naso quando la provi tu?

[@nutellalover2677]

Amazing climb, what a feat to climb this kind of place, the first climbers who bolted it were fearless truly ! Thank you for sharing these amazing moments

[@cebollas2379]

This video to me is truly flawless, will rewatch until I’m able to see it in person. Amazing and inspiring to say the least

[@pavelbelik6174]

What an adventure. The most all-round sport climber for sure!

[@JTJ92]

This is one of if not your best video yet Adam i loved this! Would love to see more epic adventures like this!

[@AndyBizzzle]

Beautiful video. I love that you include the history of each crag and the people before you. Never change your style of video

[@targettony1122]

I could watch you climb all day. Thank you for the longer video, it was a great adventure.

[@dieguinesdieguines]

Far away your most epic video. Gracias por tanto!

[@clericGG]

Thanks for all the content, it's very inspiring to see and very much so makes me want to get up and climb every time I see a post of yours

[@milanvans9586]

This really looks like it's one of the most beautiful routes in the world. Absolutely stunning scenery. Incredible lines. And with how this is filmed and edited it makes me emotional just watching this. Stunning.

[@jasonnielsen3157]

Your appreciation for things is amazing. I loved this video, thank you!

[@jalanG10]

This is so good! been watching Adam's channel lately and I really appreciate his style and personality. This is my favorite vid on the channel yet.

[@bertalanhadhazi877]

THIS IS what rock climbing is for most of us mortals. Just way harder. Amazing film! Thank You

[@Dsh281]

I can only imagine the physical endurance and stamina it takes just to achieve what Adam is doing, video was amazing brother respect to you and the crew

[@jiribuzek9522]

No prostě nádhera.... úžasné místo skvělý hudební doprovod a nejlepší lezec světa....to prostě musí šlapat super Ondro.

[@nickjoyner631]

One of my favorite videos! Such pure climbing

[@jonnysolaris]

Man, was super enjoyable to watch Adam having fun on this esoteric route

[@PapousWebNode]

Tesat do kamene: "It's great to see that the greatest things aren't necessarily at the other side of the world. Sometimes they're waiting for you in your backyard." Epic večerníček, thx Dipsy!

[@fish3170]

This might be the best video Adam has ever put up. What an emotional rollercoaster!

[@riccardospqr44]

This gotta be your best video ever. Serious congrats not only for the climb, but for the amazing atmosphere and the storyteling as well.

[@kamilcieslawski1248]

Amazing to watch the champ do his thing. Also I'm really loving the quality of the whole video - top notch 👏

[@deebojones]

Amazing! Adam pushing limits as always

[@supriya55]

at the start.. the breathing, the echos.. the difficulty, the danger.. the scope and scale! wow this was breathtaking to watch!

[@dianajohnston6032]

This is an amazing video! I loved hearing about the cave's history and the climbing was awesome. Thanks for sharing!

[@oldi6btm6t9d4]

What an adventure so close to home! I hope you and your family are having a good winter.

[@hunsonabadeer7945]

Still can't believe I'm watching all that for free. Thanks for the amazing work !

[@simplyTaddo]

Breathtaking footage of the best climber in the world. I was watching the whole video with opened mouth 😮

[@scoobtoober2975]

Adam you, magnus and geek climber all have me inspired to get going in the sport. I've been 3 times indoors and love it now. I was very intimidated and your relaxed nature has calmed me down. And all the people i've come across are laid back and not judgy or looking at me funny as a noob. Camera guy amazing. Audio is the best I've ever heard of a man dangling from a cave in the dark. Those are some serious lights. Casting shadows from his body. I'm sure it's better than headlamp. Who ever is the production crew is spot on. You are inspiring!!!! Keep these interesting videos and projects going.

[@Cullzor]

This video brought tears to my eyes

[@linot111]

this is such an amazing scenery: the scale, the darkness, the artificial light, the accustics in the cave.... great film, great location, great climb!

[@emrahokumus2832]

Breathtaking, monster attempt. That was even more of a ballbreaker than Project Big I'd say! I salute you mate, good luck.

[@Anton-wz4yg]

Wow that looks stunning!

[@cent-kz2ti]

so good Adam. i love watching you climb!

[@LukasHilding]

Crazy good video, the suspense, the aesthetics, the big moves... well done

[@BenitoMistt]

Frajer jak hovado ! nádherný video, nádhernej výkon, jen tak dál:)

[@julienaaron7708]

I swear he always finds or gets told we’re the best climbs are at. This one especially is breath taking awesome climb man.

[@tinopack4152]

Every Adam Ondra video, i click the like button as soon as i open the vid- i just know that i will love it without even watching it. On this video, i wish i could like it twice

[@digicard1870]

Terrific and emotional first class video! Excellent performance and work. 👍🏽

[@bbfletch268]

Again, an epic video. The quality of your content is next level - congrats to you and your team

[@amandinezink5480]

This video is dope, so much tension in a good way ! And this beautiful ligthing of the cave at the beginning of the ascension ! Thank you !

[@hagalien]

Youre videos are so well thought out and so amazing quality, it is just art to watch. This should be in youre own movie! Much love

[@projekceros]

Adame je to naprostá bomba! člověk se radši dívá na tohle, než na nějaké závody ;-)

[@northdankota]

seeing Adam like this realized my own climb much better if i read next section smootly, lack of beta hits hard even Adam, excellent video and ascent

[@slz4evs]

Další skvêlé video Adame, jsi borec!

[@heighRick]

So cool to see man. GG Adam, thanks, helps a lot!

[@grzrgorzwikiert7032]

Extremely well put together and enjoyable to watch . Thank you

[@denislejeune9218]

Great video. Congrats on the filming, details and editing. Really liked the breathing as well, more immersive.

[@jimmyyungg7329]

These videos are a combination of beauty, performance, athleticism, narration, all in one, relaxing, engaging, motivating beautiful blend. I feel blessed that i share my generation with you Adam, thank you.

[@thompstonescider]

Well done Adam, that looked incredible! Especially the on-sight attempt of pitch one, you had a few "gripper clippers" there! Lol. Totally brilliant and giving it 100% as always. Respect to all the team. 🙏

[@Gordyyx]

Amazing to watch as always! The first onsite tries had my hands sweating like crazy...

[@Nurg1982]

The camera work of this video is of excellent quality. The framing is amazing, giving the the cave this awe feel while you see Adam climb the pitches. Kudos to the cameraman (men?)!

[@jimaoo]

Just hanging casual like a Bat in that big cave.. Adam is amazing

[@sondrekristiansen7163]

what a stunning view, amazing climb Adam :D

[@zionraymondcastro]

Beautiful. What a monster. Always a pleasure to watch my idol. 💪🏻

[@caparicap]

Thank you for making these videos, i find your channel today and i start to learn about climbing today im from Portugal, im thro some hard times and these videos helps a lot ! Keep going great work

[@sofadomonge8633]

Incredible video! U make my life happier. Thank u!

[@hansfahs1151]

the most beautiful climbing symphony ive ever saw :) gongratz :)

[@fab1000]

The definition of EPIC!!

[@TheNails3]

Adam you have such a beautiful speaking voice! Really enjoy listening to your narration.

[@gregorychollet8828]

What a great performance Adam ! You're Amazing. Congratulations from France 👏👍

[@zbedr]

Krása. Díky. 👍🖖

[@hudys04]

I thaught there weren't any impressive rocks in czechia especially in Moravia but this changed my perception quite a lot

[@kaspianocz6330]

Ohromující video Adame!