Oh, now I see why he was running…
A friend pointed me to an awesome video of Bear Grylls “rock climbing” in southern Utah. It’s a commercial for Degree antiperspirant, though I reckon pit sweat is not a man’s biggest concern when he’s hundreds of feet off the deck jamming in a sandy crack.
UK Climbing has a nice post on the video, in which they identify the route as Rigor Mortis (5.9 C2), on the Tombstone.
If you watch closely, you’ll notice that Grylls himself is never actually shown climbing, only jumping around and vigorously slapping areas of the rock where there appear to be no holds.
Two ropes, no gear, and a big old stem on a blank wall.
We can only assume that the climbing was done by a stunt double. My question is, who was this masked man? Any climbers involved in the making of the video have a duty to come forth and tell us how hilarious it was working with Bear Grylls… unless of course you are contractually obligated not to do so.
A few more burning questions I have after watching this video: Why was Grylls running through the desert (see opening image — after examining the footage closer, I believe I have found the answer)? Why was he climbing in a pair of old, ill-fitting approach shoes? Why was he tied in to a toprope and a lead line? Where was his belayer? Why was he doing the splits and on a blank wall wearing approach shoes? And, most importantly, what type of antiperspirant could a man wear to stay dry on such a daunting adventure? At least we know the answer to the last question.
The website says ‘Full video launching April 23rd’. Put it in your calendar folks.
I’m not sure what else they can add really as they’ve pretty much covered every embarrassing scenario possible.
Yes, yes, yes!
Bear made it clear that running at top speed is the best way to get through the desert. He covered this in his adventures in West Texas.
Sounds like a certain blog author is bitter that there wasn’t a helicopter around to film the last time he climbed a 5.9.
Sounds like a certain blog author is bitter there wasn’t a helicopter around to film the last time he magically levitated up a 5.9.
Another favorite moment: 1:53. After topping out, he drags his 30 foot unclipped free-hanging tag line after him. Must discover his secrets.
This video confuses me a bit!
Is he trying to sell us something or just showing of?
its supposed to be inspiring!!! well at least thats how i took it.
Deodorant commercial. Heh.
This is the funniest thing I’ve seen since “Guy on a Buffalo”
How bout the black rope that he ties into before smacking all the chalk off his hands?!? Easier to edit out is my unprofessional opinion. I love the fake as hell hawk soaring over at 1:20