Video: Chris Sharma Makes First Ascent of Pont-d’ Arc in France

In this video, climber Chris Sharma travels to the south of France to attempt the first ascent of a stone arch known as the Pont-d’ Arc. The rock formation serves as the gateway to the Ardèche Canyon, with the Ardèche River running through it. Over the past few years, Sharma has become increasingly drawn to deepwater soloing, in which he climbs without ropes over a body of water, which prevents him from becoming injured should he fall. But, those climbs have usually taken place by the ocean, and this was his first attempt at such a route over a river. As you’ll see, he made the most of it, putting together yet another impressive ascent for his resume.

Kraig Becker