22–23 Mar 2025 359 days to go! #GetOutside

Pete Whittaker

Pete is one of the world’s top big wall solo climbers. In 2016 he made the first solo-free ascent of El Capitan (3000ft) in under 24hrs. 2017 brought the first solo-free ascent of Mt Watkins (2000ft), which he clocked-in just over 15-hours. In 2018, he made a sub 24hr solo of both El Capitan and Half Dome (5000ft). Then in 2020 he made the first Free Solo of Kjerag (2500ft), in 2 and a half hours.

As a top climber, Pete continually challenges himself both physically and mentally, and is passionate about completing adventurous climbs which haven’t been accomplished by others.

In 2009, his drive and motivation led him to set a body breaking goal, a tried but unaccomplished rock climb deep in the American desert. He trained alongside his long-term climbing partner, with just two photographs serving as information about the climb! After two years they succeeded in making their first ascent of what is now considered as the world’s hardest off-width climb.