Steph Climbing

Photo Blog

In 2003 I freed El Cap for the first time on Free Rider over 3 days. I went back a week later to shoot photos with Heinz Zak, and he encouraged me to go for a one day free ascent—and even offered to belay and jumar for me. A week later we started up, and I became the second woman to free El Cap in a day. It was something I never imagined I’d be capable of, and I will never forget the power of Heinz’s support and encouragement. After that, he also encouraged me to think about freeing the Salathe Wall... Never underestimate how much it can mean to someone to show them support at the right moment—it can mean more to them than you can imagine! A little bit of history—what is now referred to as the “boulder problem pitch” on Free Rider was always called the Huber pitch when I lived in the Valley. The belay anchor at that time was two not very confidence-inspiring cams, and for protection on the pitch there was a 5 foot piece of thin cord hanging off one old bolt, providing two clip points—(all has since been upgraded). 📷 Heinz Zak Yosemite, CA

In 2003 I freed El Cap for the first time on Free Rider over 3 days. I went back a week later to shoot photos with Heinz Zak, and he encouraged me to go for a one day free ascent—and...