Gripped Magazine
Jakob Schubert Drops First Ascent Film About Big 5.15d
On Sept. 20, 2023, Jakob Schubert made the first ascent of Big, a massive route in Flatanger, Norway. The line had been a long-standing project, attracting attempts from some of the world’s strongest climbers over the years. Schubert proposed a grade of 5.15d. During his send, Schubert battled an intense pump, wet sections and a broken hold. Around 4,000 people watched the livestream as he clipped the chains.
Big is a steep, overhanging line through the Hanshelleren Cave that was originally envisioned by Adam Ondra. Widely considered one of the crown jewels of the crag, it was among the last major hard projects left in the area. Ondra bolted the route during the same period that he established Silence. Before sending Silence, he referred to the climb as “Project Hard” because of its demanding boulder problems. He postponed attempts on the route, knowing that its length and difficulty would require a significant time commitment to complete.
“I can’t believe this is actually over,” Schubert said after his send. About the broken hold, he noted, “This horn could have ended my career. This was the biggest mental battle that I have ever had in my career with a route. I have never tried a route that much. This is actually the first lead route that I have tried and didn’t finish in one trip. I have almost tried it for two months.”
Schubert has now dropped the full documentary, which he described as “capturing not only the ascent itself, but also the mental side of pushing my limits on a route that once felt nearly impossible.” He added, “After screening at festivals like Mountainfilm Graz, the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival and the BOFF Tour I’m excited to finally share this award-winning film here on YouTube.”
Big Film
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