The Slovak Direct is one of the most notable prized routes in the Alaska Range on North Americas tallest peak, Denali 20,300ft. This 9,000 foot face is one alpine climbers dream of. In this episode I sit down with Sam Hennesey, Michael Gardner and Rob Smith after their ground breaking Nascar ascent of the Slovak Direct in 17 Hours and 10 minutes. We dive into their strategy and how they set themselves up physically and mentally execute the climb. 

Partner Dynamics and your mental state while climbing typically change partner to partner. After a recent First Ascent mission with Dan Vastyan and Christian Baumeister we dive into what was going on in their head when things got over their head!  Chris Guyer also joins in the conversation.  

Ryan Vachon and I sit down and talk about how we got started climbing and many of the bad decisions that were made. Ryan talks about his first rope being a clothesline and I talk about my 2 hour first ice lead on the Rigid Designator.