Ice Climber of Niagara Falls, Will Gadd, on q

Summary

In this interview, the host engages with GAD, an accomplished climber, who recounts his thrilling yet secretive preparation to scale the formidable Niagara Falls. GAD shares the intense physical and psychological challenges he faced during the climb, including the 'Caldron of Doom' and the deafening power of the falls. He reflects on the transformative impact of such experiences, the role of fear in his life, and the parallels between his adventures and the passions that drive others. GAD also discusses the addictive nature of his pursuits, the influence of his father—a renowned guide and naturalist—and how witnessing the effects of climate change on Mount Kilimanjaro has shifted his focus towards documenting the world's disappearing wonders.

Takeaways

• 🗻 The climber was not allowed to disclose his plan to climb Niagara Falls due to permitting restrictions, which made him keep it a secret from his friends.
• ⛷️ Preparing for the Niagara Falls climb took eight months and involved navigating the American political system to obtain permission.
• 🧗‍♂️ Climbing ice requires specialized equipment like ice tools and crampons to grip and scale the ice.
• ⚠️ The climber faced the 'Caldron of Doom', a dangerous section of Niagara Falls where a fall could lead to fatal consequences.
• 🌊 The power of Niagara Falls was overwhelming, shaking the climber's senses and leaving a lasting impression.
• 🧘‍♂️ The climber believes that physically experiencing landscapes like Niagara Falls leaves an 'imprint' on a person, different from mere intellectual knowledge.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 Having children has influenced the climber's motivation, making him consider the balance between his adventures and his role as a father.
• 🏔 The climber's experience on Mount Kilimanjaro highlighted the rapid disappearance of ice, emphasizing the impact of climate change.
• 🌍 The climber aims to document and share stories of places that are disappearing due to environmental changes.
• 🤝 The climber feels a connection with his audience, believing that everyone has something that ignites their passion, similar to his own adventures.

Q & A

Why couldn't the climber tell anyone about his plan to climb Niagara Falls?

Part of the permitting process for climbing Niagara Falls required secrecy, so the climber couldn't tell anyone about his plans due to restrictions in place.

What was the initial reaction from the park official when the climber asked for permission to climb Niagara Falls?

The initial reaction was negative, with the park official responding with an emphatic rejection, which the climber humorously interpreted as an expletive in government speak.

How long did it take to prepare for the Niagara Falls climb?

The preparation for climbing Niagara Falls took eight months, which included navigating the American political system and obtaining necessary permissions.

What equipment did the climber use to scale the ice of Niagara Falls?

The climber used ice tools, which are like big claws for hands, and crampons for feet to attach to the ice, similar to how a grizzly bear would use its claws.

Who was the climber's partner during the Niagara Falls climb and what was her role?

The climber's partner was his girlfriend Sarah Hoonigan, whose role was to hold the rope and ensure safety, as the climber emphasized the importance of not dying during the climb.

What was the 'Caldron of Doom' and why was it feared?

The 'Caldron of Doom' was the area below the climber where the Falls hit the bottom, surrounded by 50-foot ice walls. It was feared because if the climber fell, there was no gear to protect him, and he would likely be destroyed or trapped under the ice.

How did the climber describe the feeling of the powerful water around him during the climb?

The climber described the feeling as powerful, shaking his guts, and a visceral reminder of the immense scale and force of Niagara Falls.

What was the impact of experiencing Niagara Falls physically on the climber?

Experiencing Niagara Falls physically left an imprint on the climber, giving him a deep, personal knowledge of the falls that most people do not have, including the taste and feel of the water.

How does the climber perceive fear in his adventures?

The climber views fear as a sign that he does not fully understand a situation yet. He breaks down challenges into smaller steps to overcome fear, and if he doesn't, he knows he's about to make a poor decision.

What is the climber's perspective on the similarities between his extreme adventures and other people's passions?

The climber believes that everyone has something that fires them up, and that the psychology behind pursuing passions is similar, regardless of the activity. He sees common ground in the intense meaningful experiences people have in their own lives.

How has having children influenced the climber's approach to his adventures?

Having children has added another layer of consideration for the climber, making him more cautious and focused on returning safely to his family. However, he also wants his children to see him living a meaningful and passionate life.