Seb Berthe makes fourth ascent of the Dawn Wall
- Sunday 9th February 2025
Hot news from Yosemite is that Belgian climber, Seb Berthe, has just made the fourth ascent of the Dawn Wall on El Cap.
After a month of working the route with Connor Herson, Seb Berthe - now supported by French climber, Soline Kentzel, topped out on the Dawn Wall after an all-out effort over a two week period.
“This is it! The most intense two weeks of my life ended on the morning of Friday, January 31st.” Seb said after topping out.
“It was so close 😅” he added giving the details of just how finely balanced his ascent was. “@solinekentzel ❤️ and I made it out just in time before the big storm, after 14days on the wall and an entire night of climbing to complete the last 12 pitches, with all my fingers and feet bloody. 🩸
Several times over these 14 days, for different reasons, the adventure almost came to an end, and the final hours were so painful that I sincerely believe I came face-to-face with my physical and mental limits for the first time in my life.”
Summing up his epic ascent Seb said: “I climbed my very best in those last days, and I fought hard. At the end of this journey on the Dawn Wall: a dream, an incredible achievement, and a major milestone in my climbing life, of which I am more than happy and proud!”
It’s a decade since Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson made the first ascent – over a 19 day push - of Dawn Wall in a blaze of world-wide publicity back in early 2015. Adam Ondra stormed in for the third ascent – over eight days – a year later in 2016.
Seb had previously spent a month working the route with Siebe Vanhee two years previously. On both occasions, Seb has travelled to America via sail boat rather than flying. For his latest Atlantic crossing, Seb was joined by other climbers including Aidan Roberts.
After completing his ascent of the Dawn Wall Seb made the following statement:
“I dedicate my ascent to the 𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗮𝘀𝗰𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗹𝗲!
Sure, this is “just” a climbing ascent, a sporting achievement. But this climb is particularly important to me—probably the most significant of my life as a climber. I also know that it will likely have some impact in the climbing world.
That’s why I want to use the Dawn Wall to bring this issue to the forefront.
ꜱɪʟᴇɴᴄᴇ ɪꜱ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟɪᴄɪᴛʏ; ʀᴇꜱɪꜱᴛᴀɴᴄᴇ ɪꜱ ᴀ ᴅᴜᴛʏ.
What is happening right now in Belgium, France, Europe in general, and the United States is deeply concerning. We will all face the consequences, even within the privileged bubble of climbing. Fascism is not just about hateful rhetoric—it manifests in police violence, systemic racism and discrimination, and attacks on the rights of women and gender minorities. Being antifascist means rejecting all forms of oppression. Let’s talk about it, organize, protest, resist...✊️
My thoughts and solidarity go to all those who are suffering and will suffer the most from this rise of fascism.
A project like the Dawn Wall is never a solo endeavor. It relies on the support of many people, and I have been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by amazing individuals who made this adventure possible.
Thank you!!! ❤️”