
BABSI FLASHES FREE RIDER
A film documenting the first flash ascent of El Capitan by BD Athletes Babsi Zangerl and Jacopo Larcher.
Add 100 EUR more to quality for free Shipping!
€0,00 EUR
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
BD Athlete Natalia Grossman’s inaugural World Cup season is one of the best debut’s we’ve ever seen.
“I didn’t know what to expect heading into my first full IFSC season. I knew that I was the strongest I had ever been, but I had no idea how I would compare to others. My main goal was to seize every opportunity I was given, and enjoy all the competitions.”
Images by Daniel Gajda and Jan Virt
After the first bouldering stop in Meringen, Switzerland, Natalia came in third behind Janja Garnbret and Oriane Bertone. Setting the tone for rest of the season in both bouldering and lead, Natalia explains how this created a bit of confidence, especially when the next two events were in her adopted hometown of Salt Lake City. “After some initial success, I began to believe that maybe I had what it took to be competing against the best in the world. However, at the same time, I had to fight the little voices in my head that told me that my initial success was just luck. In the end, I was able to drown out those voices, and deliver two proud performances. ”
As the season stretched through the summer and bouldering gave way to the lead events, Natalia kept finding podiums and showed her versatility in both disciplines. As the last World Cup in Kranj, Slovenia convened, Natalia had racked up eight podiums from the season: 2 Gold Medals; Three Silver Medals; Two Bronze Medals. After the dust settled Natalia would clinch the Overall Bouldering Season Gold Medal and a Silver in Overall Lead.
Next came the World Championship event in Moscow, Russia. Competing in both Bouldering and Lead, Natalia had a real chance to take the title in both disciplines. In the Bouldering final she showed her competitive edge and climbing skill with four tops in less tries than the next best climber. She was crowned World Bouldering Champion. After an exciting Lead Final, she came away with the Silver Medal in Lead at World Championships.
With the poise of a seasoned veteran, Natalia burst on to the scene as THE breakout climber on the world stage. This is what Natalia has to say about her first full World Cup Season… "In the past six months I have accomplished more than I ever thought possible. I am still at a loss for words as I try to process everything that has happened. For now, all I have to say is how grateful I am to have been given this experience. I was able to bond with my team, visit some amazing countries, meet new people, and experience new cultures. I will never forget this season!”
A film documenting the first flash ascent of El Capitan by BD Athletes Babsi Zangerl and Jacopo Larcher.
BD Athletes Aaron Mulkey and Yannick Glatthard take the new Hydra into the backcountry of Montana in search of steep ice and...
BD Athletes Aaron Mulkey and Yannick Glatthard take the new Hydra into the backcountry of Montana in search of steep ice and mixed climbing.
Close
Follow Dorian Densmore and Mya Akins for a month-long, exploratory mission in the Chugach Mountains.
Two BD legends walk into the Valley. What happens next? Watch and see.
With ski season kicking off, the QA Lab crew dives deep into the world of electromagnetic interference and how it can affect...
With ski season kicking off, the QA Lab crew dives deep into the world of electromagnetic interference and how it can affect backcountry safety.
Close
Light is right, but steel is real. So, when it comes to ice screws, what’s the deal? In this QC Lab, Will...
Light is right, but steel is real. So, when it comes to ice screws, what’s the deal? In this QC Lab, Will Gadd and Matt Berry thread their way to the source of truth when it comes to aluminum vs. steel ice screws.
Close
She was many things—a Stonemaster, an outdoor industry visionary, a physicist. A rock dropped into a pond that created ripples, affecting many...
She was many things—a Stonemaster, an outdoor industry visionary, a physicist. A rock dropped into a pond that created ripples, affecting many lives and generations of climbers. This is the story of our unsung hero, our co-founder.
Close
Go ahead, take the whip. You’ve got a trucker bolt just below. But wait … you sure about that? In this Gear...
Go ahead, take the whip. You’ve got a trucker bolt just below. But wait … you sure about that? In this Gear Myths, Kolin “KP” Powick shares a recent close call, which resulted in an exploration of safety protocol when it comes to sport climbing.
Close
The QC Lab team is joined by IFMGA Mountain Guide Mark Smiley to discuss the subtle art of building, testing, and using...
The QC Lab team is joined by IFMGA Mountain Guide Mark Smiley to discuss the subtle art of building, testing, and using snow anchors.
Close
Follow these expert pointers on how to properly build out your very first trad rack.
A look into the technology and construction of an essential tool for hiking and trail running.
Find out from the experts at Black Diamond, the tips to find the best rock climbing harness for you.
In this Gear Myths, we’re opening the lid (pun intended) on the topic of helmets—more specifically, how climbers decide when to wear...
In this Gear Myths, we’re opening the lid (pun intended) on the topic of helmets—more specifically, how climbers decide when to wear helmets and a few predictions on the future of the brain bucket.
Close
Physical Therapist Esther Smith joined BD Bootcamp for a few days to work with BD Athletes Babsi Zangerl, Daila Ojeda and Colette...
Physical Therapist Esther Smith joined BD Bootcamp for a few days to work with BD Athletes Babsi Zangerl, Daila Ojeda and Colette McInerney to address any injuries they had before training. This article will highlight Babsi’s treatment protocol as her shoulder injury was limiting her ability to climb and train. Esther shares what optimal shoulder posture looks like when climbing, hanging and training.
Close
Follow BD athlete Sam Elias and filmmaker Mike Call in this exploration of climbing legacy and land stewardship while rebolting classic routes...
Follow BD athlete Sam Elias and filmmaker Mike Call in this exploration of climbing legacy and land stewardship while rebolting classic routes with the next generation.
Close
Our QC Lab posts aim to answer some of climbing's most common gear-related questions. This round we talk about carabiners.
In this article, we’re sharing our tips on what to wear while bouldering, sport climbing, or multi-pitch & alpine rock climbing.
Featuring young crushers and BD Ambassadors Tanner Bauer and Chris Deuto, this film captures the magic of two friends on a summer...
Featuring young crushers and BD Ambassadors Tanner Bauer and Chris Deuto, this film captures the magic of two friends on a summer mission to climb the iconic golden arete of Doubloons (5.14b) in the Colorado alpine.
Close
Watch BD athlete Seb Bouin attempt Céüse’s hardest route.
A documentary film currently debuting in film festivals around the world.
Watch Connor claim the coveted second ascent of this California testpiece.
We see it all the time. People at the cliff with one or two daisy chains girth hitched to their belay loop...
We see it all the time. People at the cliff with one or two daisy chains girth hitched to their belay loop or tie-in points, and using them as a personal anchor system when at an anchor. Wrong.
Close
We see it all the time. People at the cliff with one or two daisy chains girth hitched to their belay loop...
We see it all the time. People at the cliff with one or two daisy chains girth hitched to their belay loop or tie-in points, and using them as a personal anchor system when at an anchor. Wrong.
Close
The following QC Lab was originally posted years back after Todd Skinner died in Yosemite when his belay loop broke.
The bigger the better, right? Well, not so fast. In this QC Lab, Quality Engineer Hunter Gvozdich goes deep into the world...
The bigger the better, right? Well, not so fast. In this QC Lab, Quality Engineer Hunter Gvozdich goes deep into the world of testing to explore the strengths and weaknesses of our new monster cams—the #7 and #8 Camalots.
Close
It is with much sadness that we say goodbye to Kyle Dempster, one of our climbing ambassadors and a dear friend to...
It is with much sadness that we say goodbye to Kyle Dempster, one of our climbing ambassadors and a dear friend to many of us in the BD family.
Close
Gear Myths: Essential Climbing Knots, Figure 8 vs Double Bowline
Our QC Lab posts aim to answer some of climbing's most common gear-related questions. This time we talk about connecting slings.
Remember that weathered tree tat you were eyeing? Or how ‘bout that 20-year-old rope you found sitting in a basement completely unused?...
Remember that weathered tree tat you were eyeing? Or how ‘bout that 20-year-old rope you found sitting in a basement completely unused? Rest assured. KP and the QC Lab crew head to the testing room to answer your age-old question … how strong is it?
Close
Here's the question we get asked probably more than any other: "Can I use a Sharpie to mark the middle of my...
Here's the question we get asked probably more than any other: "Can I use a Sharpie to mark the middle of my rope? "Our answer: "I don't know."
Close
Ever wondered exactly how strong a cam placed in “umbrella” mode actually is? Or what about the strength of your knotted slings?...
Ever wondered exactly how strong a cam placed in “umbrella” mode actually is? Or what about the strength of your knotted slings? Don’t despair!
Close
In this QC Lab, BD’s Climbing Category Director Kolin Powick (aka KP) digs into the world of Personal Anchor Systems. How should...
In this QC Lab, BD’s Climbing Category Director Kolin Powick (aka KP) digs into the world of Personal Anchor Systems. How should they be used? And what happens if they’re MIS-USED??? Well, buckle up and take a ride with KP and the QC crew as they journey into the complex world of the PAS.
Close
In this Gear Myths, we talk about your quickdraw orientation preference. More specifically, opposing the gates or having them face the same...
In this Gear Myths, we talk about your quickdraw orientation preference. More specifically, opposing the gates or having them face the same direction? And more importantly, does it matter?
Close
Follow BD Athlete Antte Lauhamaa on an exploratory winter mission in the remote Scandinavian Mountains of Sweden.
This film contributes to the rising tide of voices elevating the importance of safeguarding the Grand Canyon region against uranium extraction in...
This film contributes to the rising tide of voices elevating the importance of safeguarding the Grand Canyon region against uranium extraction in its watershed.
Close
Featuring blind athlete and BD Product Developer Seneida Biendarra on her emotional journey to gold at the 2023 Paraclimbing World Cup in...
Featuring blind athlete and BD Product Developer Seneida Biendarra on her emotional journey to gold at the 2023 Paraclimbing World Cup in Salt Lake City.
Close
Watch these BD shredders send it in South America.
Watch the uncut of BD athlete Babsi Zangerl sending the iconic Yosemite trad testpiece.
Black Diamond Ambassador Will Gadd offers advice for building a Plice, a.k.a plywood ice.
It's hard to find a climber who hasn't experienced elbow pain at some point. You’ve likely lowered from many a route rubbing...
It's hard to find a climber who hasn't experienced elbow pain at some point. You’ve likely lowered from many a route rubbing your elbow to ease a nagging ache in your arm. Such was the case with BD Ambassador Brittany Griffith … that is, until she met Esther Smith. In the second installment of their Hang Right series, Physical Therapists Esther Smith and Katey Blumenthal explain the cause of elbow pain and tell us what we can do about it.
Close