Chris Sharma's First Ascent of Es Pontás, Mallorca

Watch epic new Reel Rock Films here: reelrocktour.com/
One of the most beautiful and outrageous rock climbs ever filmed. Chris Sharma envisioned a line up the underside of this free-standing limestone arch off the coast of Mallorca. Climbing ropeless above the Mediterranean Sea, Sharma spent months attempting the seven foot dyno, splashing down at least 50 times before finally sticking it, then falling many more times at the even harder lip of the arch. He finally made the first ascent of this masterpiece in September, 2006. This is a remastered cut of the send, adapted from the original sequence in our feature documentary King Lines, available here: reelrocktour.com/collections/....
Es Pontás (The Bridge) is unrated, but considered one of the hardest climbs in the world. It was unrepeated for a decade, and even today has only been done by two other climbers.
This piece is dedicated to the late Miquel Riera, the godfather of Mallorcan Psicobloc (deep water soloing) who introduced us all to the fantastic sea cliffs here, loved sharing the beauty of his island, and even pointed Chris to Es Pontas, the ultimate "King Line."

[@REELROCK1]

Watch epic new Reel Rock films here: reelrocktour.com/

[@Ididathing]

It must be the blood mixed with chalk that gives him extra grip

[@ermenegildogutierrezpanter9993]

Are u a climber?? just when I thought ur channel couldn't be better.

[@donovanholm]

Please tell us you're a climber I find your content so funny

[@MachineManGabb]

Eyyyyy, please tell me you are climbing with the apron equipped

[@lithiumfire9693]

aye u climb, I guess that's why u fit af

[@thepudge6953]

oh my gudness

[@00Sportsguy]

this guy decides to rest his arms while holding on half an atom

[@redcalx9568]

A split atom? Huh

[@T6travels]

@@redcalx9568 💣

[@snortchgortch4253]

😂😂👍

[@egoworks5611]

I love this

[@awhittlesey]

I used to work for this guy's dad. The way he used to talk about his son to us (who knew nothing about climbing) you could tell he was so proud and stoked for his son.

[@sagaronline265]

is hiis father india.thats an indian surname ,sharma.

[@ThePolishTraveller]

@@sagaronline265 nope as white and as 'Murican as it goes :D

[@reemaskain5096]

@@sagaronline265 Mr Sagar is an Indian fellow. This is why he was asking in case people were curious.

[@jtasgl88]

@@sagaronline265 Does the guy in the video look even 1/4 Indian. Stop being retarded

[@sagaronline265]

@@jtasgl88do u even know how indians look? u r telling an indian about indian looks,really?though m not saying him indian bcause of looks but because surname.stop being oversmart.

[@nobodynobody6216]

The strength of those fingers, arms, hands, are at a whole different level. Incredible. Shoulders, legs, SUPER HUMAN.

[@eloimauri6235]

This Arch in Mallorca is massive, I've been there, the video doesn't do justice. You can't understand how high that is!! A fall on the top part can be deadly or really hurt you. Truly astonishing climb, only a true legend like Chris could accomplish this. Greetings from Barcelona!

[@arminb.9214]

yeah, the arch is really intimidating. Over ten years ago I visitied the place (I was watching King Lines like every other day back then :-D) and I swam over and just got to the right base of the arch. Even calmer waters day it took me a lot of courage, there is a crazy underwater-rockworld there. Super impressive and beautiful place, but totally rad to climb this hard and this high without a rope :-D

[@denismarcel2295]

Je pense que tout le monde comprend Inutile d'être un expert en varap pour imaginer la difficulté ++!×++×de cet exploit: le bruit de la mer suffit !!!

[@clashroyalgameplay2077]

search jyoti raj he is considered as one of the best solo climber in world and in my opinion he is 👍......he have climbed waterfall which is 800 meter high with water falling on top of him most of the time see any of his video its jaw-dropping

[@brianthrom6858]

@@clashroyalgameplay2077 Raj isn’t doing anything close to Sharma’s Deep Water Soloing in terms of technical difficulty. Then you have Honnold soloing El Cap. Raj deserves respect but his climbs are more flair than technical. To place him best on anything is a stretch or ill informed

[@clashroyalgameplay2077]

@@brianthrom6858 he is poor guy he dont even have a good camera to capture his accent to jog fall...... 800 meter high you will find a 2min s clip on KZbin......he solo climbed 800 meter rock wall chris got water down below him but not jyoti if he fall he die if he had money thier will be more opportunities have you seen his clip climbing jog fall without rope on slippery rocks that is thing chris will do with ropes ......and honnold is best climber in world i have seen all his documentarys but no documentation have been done jyoti raj climbing the jog fall instead of some shitty 2mins clip capturing him 500 meters .....i am sure you just seen him climbing walls or rock in fort nothing else he have climbed free solo jog fall with 11 different routes and set the world record

[@Toopa88]

This looks easy, greetings from my bedroom.

[@BatkoBrat]

Easy if you are a lizard

[@joshjenkinson1929]

A spider can do a V100

[@13THPR0PH37]

😂😂😂 I was thinking the same thing while eating some chicken fingers from Burger King! 🤪

[@DaftFader]

Supprised there's no Autistic kids under this comment going "No it's not, it a 15.4d". xD

[@dco8886]

@@joshjenkinson1929 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Aelwyn666]

In my opinion, this is one of the greatest and most beautiful climbs of all time. It's elegant and brutal all at the same time. Breathtaking!

[@jaytitan3902]

yea maybe second place to Alex free solo of El cap 3000ft climbing for hours under documentary pressure .Zero room for error. Easier level of course but still crazy

[@Nightwishmaster]

@@jaytitan3902 There's really not much comparison between Freerider and this to be honest, this route is wayyyyy harder, like 8 grades higher. Alex's solo of Freerider is one of the most ballsy climbs of all time but a 5.13a big wall trad route is an entirely different beast than a 5.15a deep water solo sport route. He's never climbed 5.15 but he has said it's still a goal of his and I'm sure if he decides to train hard for it and put all the other stuff he does on pause long enough he'll probably be able to do it at some point, he's sent 5.14d so he's almost there.

[@Nightwishmaster]

@Amelia-we7sy Bad bot!

[@Nightwishmaster]

@Amelia-we7sy Oh yikes if you're not a bot that's even more pathetic.

[@xXxBladeStormxXx]

@@NightwishmasterWhich 5.14d did Honnold climb?

[@consciousobserver629]

Not just an amazing athlete, but he remembered each and every movement perfectly. Climbers like this are geniuses imo. Imagine being the first one to CREATE that pathway!!

[@Ocelot429]

Hes over here making incredible climbs and all i can think about is how nasty and gunky his chalk must get from falling into the water lol

[@garyco766]

First thing I thought of when he fell in. And I immediately wondered if he just has 10 spare bags of chalk with him every time.

[@nathanwilliams4005]

Absolutely. Maybe the chalk is waterproof. 😋

[@AveSicarius]

I think he probably brought spares haha, or he has a waterproof bag.

[@PoisonNuke]

the cost of flying a single time to this location with your friends is higher than 100 spare bags filled with chalk

[@_.3086]

@@PoisonNuke what is the location?

[@CelticGladiator7]

After seeing the first attempt, I was sure I'd leave a comment how impressed I am. But eventually, having watched the whole video left me speachless. It's one of these few things you see in life that you literally do not find proper words to describe and express emotions.

[@CLPPED]

came here to say the same thing

[@atxlatino]

I'm over here stress eating these fritos and cheese-bean dip in support like a boss. Good work Chris!

[@S3RAVA3LM]

What we're all unconsciously fascinated by is the fact, you have no escape, no way out, and have no choice but dealing with and pushing through such a situation. And that is Courage.

[@JohnDoe-lc9yj]

Hilarious. He completely missed the stair steps going up the other side.

[@keinmyster8549]

Hope ur joking bruh

[@anupbarua6151]

who is dumb

[@joseph1845]

@@keinmyster8549 Obviously he is man

[@lemonke8132]

@@keinmyster8549 i hope ur joking bruh

[@Darenbranch]

@@keinmyster8549 what do you think !! Lol

[@dantelaw7759]

This has to be some of Chris's most intricate and beautiful climbing, on the of the most incredible lines 👌

[@GardenGuy1943]

I thought it was one of his easier climbs

[@romanformicola5517]

@@GardenGuy1943 He didn't give it a grade, potentially because of it being a deep water solo and that provides its own complexities that might make it difficult to grade. Given the level he was climbing at at this time, how long it took him, and what he has said about the route, people have estimated it at 9a. Which would not make it one of his easier climbs by any means, but not his hardest.

[@peterneumann7145]

@@romanformicola5517you mean the water downgrades it ?

[@romanformicola5517]

@@peterneumann7145 Well I would imagine if anything it would seem harder then it actually is. The fact that he's going to fall 50 feet and it's definitely going to hurt must have some psychological effect. Also, and probably more importantly, it's harder to get attempts, and you can't hang in your harness and try the moves, so it's hard to project. These factors make it different from other sport routes so grading it might be difficult.

[@lankstaroutdoors7333]

What an unbelievable climb. I've watched quite a few the past week or so, and this one was probably the best...

[@damianreid2452]

Just love how the gentle lapping of the waves forms the most serenely beautiful soundtrack to this clip. Fantastic effort.

[@amirulrazak7793]

To do that dyno with waves crashing underneath that’s mental🤯

[@REELROCK1]

This is the first in a series of recut and remastered footage of Iconic Climbs. Subscribe to catch them all, and let us know in comments which big sends from the archive you'd like to see next!

[@gdoliner]

thank you! Love to see the detailed move by move footage after all these years, great edit.

[@pelac6708]

Biographie's first ascent! That one is amazinggg

[@calnick0]

Dreamcatcher obviously but the edit was pretty sweet

[@alexwankowicz7630]

Loskot and 2 Smoking Barrels, Witness the Fitness, China Beach, Coupe de Grace, and the Mandala would all be sick to re-release!

[@aspuzling]

Dreamcatcher without a doubt

[@pushingpositivity518]

To see someone with such a dedication and a determined mind to climb this it really is inspiring and beautiful. You do not see that very often these days.

[@greatestinspirationalvideo9368]

I watch a free solo video every morning to remind myself of the greatness of the human being, how amazing things can be accomplished if we prepare relentlessly, live fearlessly and focus minutely on our goals. This stuff is just so unbelievable to me, makes me know that what ever achievements that I’m striving for in life, I can accomplish them, because their degree of difficulty and danger is no where near what these amazing people do. They are some of the greatest among us in unlocking the potential of the human mind.

[@drygordspellweaver8761]

Yup

[@Deerber]

Thank you so much for remastering this! The King of Kings Line ❤️

[@ugc1784]

Defying gravity. Watching him from the bedroom is one thing. Being in that condition is quite another. Many salutes for the resolution and perseverance.

[@paulolima6407]

This is something else. A short climb, but super difficult. This was the first 9a+ ever! Wikipedia: "It features a 7 feet (2.1 m) dyno that took Sharma over 50 attempts to stick." Wow, hats off, Sharma! Edit (9 months later): if you think about it, 50 attempts are not that much. At that time, any other human, including the greatest professional climbers of all time, would need a lot more attempts. Provided they wouldn't didn't give up! Truly amazing.

[@gnarmarmilla]

Wow man…that was so impressive and spectacular to see. Thank you so much for putting this up. I think I saw a poster of this at a rock climbing gym and so I knew this would be an awesome video.

[@dnny9486]

1:29 is the new star wars nocopyright scream 😂

[@jonathanmorabito2192]

A new Wilhelm scream?

[@dnny9486]

@@jonathanmorabito2192 yes)

[@15coals39]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Improveng1]

Absolutely phenomenal. Balls of steel, gravity defying free climbing, superb stuff.

[@Immortal.Dragon]

Love how he's celebrating getting a good grab with one hand after struggling to just stay on is amazing. He knows hes in control, just holding with one hand. The Endurance and power to weight ratio you have to have, maintaining a consistent contraction must be hell, Lactic acid just burning. Can see how amazing the skill to rest each Limb enough to go again.

[@maxidlab]

Like many others, this climb inspired me in the very beginning of my climbing life. And it still does to this day. More so even. So happy you decided to remaster.

[@nayaleezy]

Like many others this climb inspired me in the very beginning of my KZbin climb video watching life...

[@ozmundsedler]

Same here, started climbing because of that

[@ddemyanek]

I began climbing in 2007 right when the footage of this came out and I didn't appreciate it enough at the time. There may not exist a more perfect route on the planet.

[@chrissmithdoe2100]

i think nowadays nobody really bothers to seek the king line in the same way anymore - because they know no line will every match this one right here...

[@nhovyjann]

This looks childish compared to El Cap. Tbh.

[@maskcollector6949]

@@nhovyjann Lol, it's a completely different style of climbing, shouldn't really even be compared to bouldering. I like Alex Honnell but free soloing isn't bouldering, he'd have trouble with a more aggressive route like this, he's an endurance climber.

[@user23724]

What an incredible route! This gave me goose bumps!

[@tomredman5411]

Hello guys ,I don’t know if this counts but I left my keys in the house and managed to make my way up the drain pipe and on through the window,filled with pride I made my descent down the stairs…just simply an awesome climb 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@MrSupernova111]

I was not expecting to watch this entire thing. Insane!

[@undercover1921]

Came up in recommendations. Incredible to watch!!

[@gregoryash9074]

That was super human! Spell binding and Incredible display of years of disciplined conditioning. Amazing what any of us can achieve when we harness our minds, focus and sense of discipline! Inspiring🤙

[@gautamdeusa]

I wonder how much strength one needs on hands and fingers to achieve this!

[@pseudophp]

@@gautamdeusa Think of it like this - his muscles burst with explosive potential energy.. you feel like you can do anything. It feels like adrenaline to normal people, but he gets that in addition.

[@billybud9557]

I've been able to mow my yard in 38 min while driving my mower backward. Never been done before. The Earth is a better place because of Chris and me.

[@tommuhlemanjr.3871]

The best in the world and he just keeps getting better! Incredible!!!

[@Hanuman_]

Thanks for remastering this, spectacular is the word.

[@GettingHighWithEZHNO]

funny seeing you here, jimbo

[@emanuelebartolini6047]

Hey line rider person

[@modgrip805]

I shout like this when I take things off the shelf in the supermarket. Froot Loops? DaaaRRRggGghH. Spaghetti? BEERRggghHHH. People love it.

[@mjb6446]

😂

[@Assiro051]

Hahahahahah

[@mdunity1018]

4:39 ooooo pizza! 4:43 mmm i need that pineapple 4:53 YESSS lucky charms!

[@jordann2879]

"People love it" made me spit out the beer I was drinking, it also came out my nose because I laughed so hard. Well played.

[@zs2597]

LOL!!!!

[@michaeljuritsch9393]

This was one of the most impressive things I have ever seen

[@mictlansahip925]

Excelente video, excelente ruta, excelente escalador, ¡Grande Chris!

[@harveyhonor3670]

2:55 woww , move of the climb , love from India .

[@cyrrean7373]

Fr I don't think I can even jump that high If I had something to stand on

[@ThisHandleFeatureIsStupid]

I know I'm supposed to enjoy the subtleties more, but I just keep thinking about that dyno. (2:55) Perhaps the stakes weren't as high as Osman's, but the technique was damn near FLAWLESS! He got a lot of swing on that landing, but nailed the grip so thoroughly that it didn't even seem to phase him. Legend! 🤩

[@larryslemp9698]

Yes, and are you referring to Osman's Lover's Leap climb?

[@Carpenters_Canvas]

This is insane man the determination this guy has is respectable on a whole other level

[@fourteen-steps9434]

This is absolutely insane. I don't even have anything else to say. I just don't have the words. Absolutely nuts.

[@Zachinhollywood]

So badass! Gnarly climb, beautiful scene, can't ask for more!

[@Brian..........]

Like watching a moving piece of art. What a beautiful climb, Chris!

[@Brian..........]

@@SalmonPenny ...what???

[@Brian..........]

@@SalmonPenny ...no I did mean moving , physically. But I totally missed the joke. Haha, but I appreciate it now! Thanks for piping in. Have a good one, stranger friend 😁❤️

[@nathanielgriffith5342]

I met him at a bouldering competition when I was younger, probably like 2000ish. He won overall, of course. I placed 4th in my age group so that was cool

[@davidalvarezgarcia3784]

everything is perfect here, the atmosphere created by the sound of the wild water crashing, the roar in that wild dyno and graceful movement of Sharma, no words, great camera work, beautiful location

[@urmaker]

The camera person made it look easy. ;)

[@the_original_skytiger]

Falling into the water looked easy too.

[@niinuetey9878]

its the water below that makes it look easy bro

[@jtdilauro]

The camera man is immortal

[@sanjaya718]

Utterly stunning..that leap at 2:58 is epic

[@flaviomicheletti8654]

real life uncharted!

[@yunliang7942]

Is he even human

[@flaviomicheletti8654]

@@yunliang7942 Yes of course! But he is a very crazy business brother. It's amazing!

[@radharamanivasam7269]

Apparently Chris Sharma is the best rocker in the world and this is the toughest rock climbing, WOW! --- all from wiki. Chris literally rocks, :)

[@user-rt6mt7op6l]

Incredible. Never ceases to amaze what a well trained well focused human can achieve.

[@lukasluftlaufer1093]

My hands got so sweaty just watching this! OMG! So amazing!

[@middle-agedclimber]

You need balls of f..g steel to do a sequence starting at 3:35 THAT F..G HIGH above crashing waves. Chris is a superhuman

[@BatkoBrat]

Balls of steel would only weigh him down, and if he falls he would sink like Titanic. His balls are massive air balloons so he can easily go upwards, even in case of falling 👍

[@davehughesfarm7983]

And a a pea brain that didn't heed the warnings..

[@waiyee4410]

Such a beautiful place and such an art of sport! Salute from my living room and admiration! Great work, young man!

[@gerryfromthevoid8986]

Rock climbing is fascinating. At first I was mainly interested in the Guys doing the crazy scary solo climbs, but this is also interesting - the technicality of it, the fact that there's basically a science to it as much as strength and fitness. Awesome

[@_stonejelly]

Legend says he’s still up there, trying to find a way down that doesn’t involve jumping off

[@leonardodalongisland]

That's what I want to knowhow does one descend?

[@emanuelebartolini6047]

@@leonardodalongisland no, one just dies there of satisfaction

[@rebeccacail3444]

I guess I can handle going to work on Monday morning. Lol. This was epic.

[@humanentity2214]

Yes you can, you will tame Monday.

[@WeiFinder]

fun fact; going to "work" when someone doesn't enjoy what they do is harder than the most challenging "work" that someone is passionte about

[@Notimp0rtant523]

I've been looking for footage of Chris' Es Pontas for over ten years. Thanks for putting it up

[@REELROCK1]

You can see more of the story in the full film King Lines, which you can rent or buy at reelrocktour.com

[@ProfessorChomsky]

I've said before, I climbed Jack's Rake on Pavey Ark in the Lakes about 10 year ago, I felt like I had conquered K2! What these guys do is just phenomenal.

[@ryanrougeux214]

I went to the premier of King Lines in San Francisco that was presented by Sharma. What a rad time in our sport.

[@REELROCK1]

That was an awesome party!

[@harlekin8116]

1:30 nearly perfect imitation of the wilhelm scream

[@felixramos3078]

Men, you have to be young, strong, fearless, and a little crazy to do what this guy did here. Respects my friend. 👏👏👏

[@Takticals]

So sick,balls of steel

[@paupanades9957]

The sequence of moves from 3:50 is beautiful. Sick route and sick climb!

[@muumarlin1731]

I have no words - this is so intense to watch! My God... speechless.

[@johnjay5143]

The jump was phenomenal ! Awesome climb .

[@chrominox]

This is amazing. Such a massive inspiration.

[@Fourside__]

As a "weightlifter" i cant quite comprehend his strenght. It really amazes me how he "relaxes" a moment while having 3 point contact with 2 legs and one arm holding with his damn fingers in an arch like that at 2:48

[@danieldoes4568]

Another climbing move for resting is called a knee bar, which might be a little crazier than this, Adam Ondra is a good example, he hangs from one leg to rest his hands which is pretty awesome

[@stevey6294]

It really depends on a type of hold there. At some point in climbing you trust your grip enough to relax in quite weird positions

[@louiedrummond7795]

Climbing is next level strength, you need to optimise when you rest

[@santoshwalavalkar2390]

No words to describe strength, skill of ghis man!

[@LinhNguyen-tb9lc]

Those waves scare me through the screen omg 😭

[@ironmarc7881]

This is dope. Such a personal goal. I completely vibe with his determination.

[@modernarchitecture3807]

Love the video, thank you for this.

[@trentfrancis4646]

Amazing, I found myself holding my breath willing him not to fall. Great job

[@Jok3rzGrinn]

The change in his voice is hilarious 1:29 😂

[@Deus0tiosus]

From a manly feat of strength to a little girl falling into her death.

[@harmony331000]

That was a cliffhanger, punn intended, very intense to watch…what an amazing climb😻✌️

[@spicyowl3348]

what a talent! flying while holding a large camera like that

[@Story-sp7db]

There's no end to human challenges are endless. Respect.👏👏👏👏👏

[@Louisthesaxman1]

Immeasurable amounts of strength, stamina, perseverance and skill.

[@benjaminsmith4058]

I remember going to theaters to watch this when it came out and being blown away, and am still blown away. Definitely my all time favorite climbing clip, thank you for releasing this!

[@G.u74]

Yeah looks great , But I still prefere free solo el cap.

[@vladimirnajibov3800]

What a challenge! Great video man. Congrats.

[@kirkhenry3867]

I'm totally amazed. Seams extraordinarily dangerous. Can't imagine his determination and the strength of his hands and fingers. Just awesome.

[@joaquimg5361]

It's actually Es Pontàs, with accent on the a! Always nice to see this man climbing!

[@matje103]

3:14 That moment you get past the crux and realize that you don't know how to finish the route

[@Larrypint]

"The crux" or der "Knackpunkt" literally " crackpoint" is a good description for that moment. Greetings from Germany

[@TheSteinbitt]

I can’t fathom how you cling on after such a leap. Exceptional strength and ability.

[@IAmPinkalPatel]

Beautiful 💗 Thank You 💕

[@ScottishGoldHunter]

I can’t begin to imagine how strong his fingers are😱

[@maxgerstberger3559]

Lucky girlfriend

[@ScottishGoldHunter]

@@maxgerstberger3559 🤣🤣🤣

[@maxgerstberger3559]

@@ScottishGoldHunter wow quick answer😂

[@ScottishGoldHunter]

@@maxgerstberger3559 😂 I am replying to comments on my latest vid and got a notification for you post lol!

[@maxgerstberger3559]

@@ScottishGoldHunter nice you look like a really interesting channel to me 👍 keep up the work

[@Schrodinger_]

The shot at 6:16 gave me vertigo. Even if I were anywhere near as good as him, I still wouldn't have the balls to get that high without a rope.

[@LazarCir1c]

i can say you didnt watch movie ,,Free solo,, 🤣

[@mohammedkasimmirza2466]

Chris Sharma i salute u you are real hero ,real brave climber , God bless u ❤

[@isshiomi6364]

Unbelievable....What a skill!....Best wishes and God bless you

[@35oz19g]

Watching this made my hands sweat!

[@thaiexpert8413]

Great job! I thought I know this place, then I realized that it is Mallorca, South East cost. We stayed at the Ibera Star Cala Barca. That is very close from this place. There is a beautiful natural park...anyways, you did it!

[@cornholius]

So graceful screaming during every move.

[@TheBlackJewelz]

Holy bonanzas that’s beautiful. Man was/is absolutely fierce

[@BostonsF1nest]

The average person probably thinks Mt Everest is the most impressive feat in climbing and have no idea who Chris is- but this is far and away one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen

[@chrishill5511]

I'm an average rock climber. Sometimes non-climbers ask me "what mountains have you climbed?" I guess expecting some big mountain they have heard of. I'll reply "Manure Pile Buttress" and that pretty much ends the conversation.

[@mirekf89]

Damn it was 15 years ago :o

[@slaphappyduplenty2436]

This is the most beautiful line in the world. It’s perfect.

[@francramirezherraez2034]

Es Pontás, en Mallorca! Buen video!!

[@toni_Menorca]

Rip Miquel Riera, father of psicobloc.

[@REELROCK1]

This piece is dedicated to Miquel, who shared his love for psicobloc in Mallorca and showed Chris the arch.

[@dr.doppeldecker3832]

Fasinating how he basically got blonde "frosted tips" from the exposure of sun and saltwater^^