Climbing
Hear from Sasha DiGiulian as she gets ready to climb a jungle tower
The next step for the American rock climber is to climb the Pico Cao Grande tower in Africa with her friend Angela VanWiemeersch. Find out how she is preparing for the attempt in her own words.
As a pro-climber I'm always looking for the next big project. Since last year one project has loomed very clear in my mind. I had the idea to climb the 455m tall tower of Pico Cao Grande on São Tomé and Príncipe, an island off the west coast of Africa.
I first learned about the climb through Instagram. Spanish pro climbers Iker and Eneko Pou put up a new route on the island and posted about it. The Pou brothers are tremendous sources of inspiration to me.
The imposing Pico Cao Grande in all its glory
© Jordy Canyi/Filmut.com
Climbing is good with a team
Two years ago, I met Angela VanWiemeersch. We were setting off on an ice climbing trip on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Being green to the challenges of ice, Angela mentored me through my first leads and taught me how to ice climb.
I was floored by Angela’s gritty nature and optimism for new experiences. We bonded over heart break, loss and enthusiasm to harness female empowerment and equality in our sport. Last November, I asked if she would like to be my partner in Africa.
DiGiulian and Van Wiemeersch, a friendship formed in icy Michigan
© Keith Ladzinski/Red Bull Content Pool
This project is female led
Then, it came down to building out the rest of the team to capture the expedition. I often I travel with a photographer and/or videographer to help capture content. For this trip I've looked to women leading the space of adventure photography, videography and filmmaking. Joining Angela and I here are photographer Savannah Cummins while Adriane Ohanesian and Heather Mosher are the on the ground videographers. Julia Steers is the director bringing everything together.
I strongly believe that there is more than one seat at the table when it comes to success. I want to use the privilege that my athletic career has afforded me to support other women. Last year I started a production company, Female Focused Adventures.
Equipment needs
Last week, I left Boulder in the United States with four bags, including 200m of static line, three 9.2mm 80m dynamic ropes (the rock is supposedly very sharp), four racks of trad gear, 50 draws, camping equipment, snake boots and wall gear.
Once we all met in Portugal for a day layover before our flight to São Tomé, we took our cumulative twelve bags (256kg) to air cargo to arrange next day shipping. Since the flight had a 23kg, 1 bag per person strict policy, that was our first ground issue to navigate.
There's a lot to take for a trip like this
© Savanah Cummins
Excitement but also nerves
The island is pretty isolated in the middle of the Bay of Guinea. I am feeling nervous about bushwacking through a jungle of venomous snakes but also excited by the prospect of living the next three weeks in a relatively primal state in the jungle. Of course I'm anxious about the climbing. I don't know how climbing a 5.14 route in 80-90 degree Fahrenheit heat and weather with heavy humidity will feel. There's also trad climbing through wet, highly chossy (loose rock) terrain on a jungle tower.
DiGiulian and VanMiemeersch with Cao Grande notes from the Pou Brothers
© Savanah Cummins
A project that has no expectations
There are so many unknowns. If this trip turns out to be a recon mission, if the climb will go easier than expected, if we get rained out the entire trip (270 days of rain a year here) or… what? However, my dad always told me – be safe, have fun, do your best.
His simple words have carried with me each new trip I take on. Through his loss, I learned the delicate nature of life and the importance of not taking days for granted. In committing to what sparks fire in my heart, I believe that I will find the most satisfaction in my own life, regardless of outcome. You never know what is out there or what you are capable of, until you get out there, outside of your comfort zone, and try.
Smiling and having fun is just as important as being focused
© Savannah Cummins
Here's to a good trip
My expectations for this trip are actually not manifested in anything beyond my hope that we have a safe journey, a fun adventure and the chance to put forth our best efforts. In the end, the bonded smiles and shared memories of a new experience are what make me feel like I have arranged a successful expedition. Of course, achieving a goal always provides the cherry on top!
The hard work begins now
© Savannah Cummins
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