​Daredevil Tourists Are Taking On A 121ft Free-Standing Climbing Wall

Most of us get vertigo climbing up a sodding ladder, but there are people out of there made of much braver stuff – so much so, in fact, that they’re willing to take on the world’s tallest freestanding climbing wall, which stands at 121 feet.

NO THANK YOU. ABSOLUTELY NOT.

The Excalibur climbing wall is located at Klimcentrum Bjoeks in Groningen, Netherlands, and it looks nothing short of absolutely terrifying.

According to Atlas Obscura, an online guidebook that catalogues unusual and obscure landmarks or travel hotspots, the wall weighs 50 tons and is supported by 36 beams and a metre-thick slab of concrete – though the real challenge is a 36ft overhang created by a huge curve built into the design.

Apparently it’s all worth it, though, as the website says there are ‘breathtaking views from the top’ for anyone brave enough to scale the wall.

To be honest, I think I’d be breathless enough climbing the ruddy thing.

​Daredevil Tourists Are Taking On A 121ft Free-Standing Climbing Wall
Credit: George King/Caters

The Klimcentrum Bjoeks website only recommends the mammoth wall to ‘experienced’ climbers, and that it is open whenever the climbing centre is – meaning it’s available to tackle in ‘all seasons and in all weather conditions’.

“Beware thunder!” the website warns.

If you’re really into it, you can even camp by the wall on the lawn beneath it. Imagine having that looming over you as you crack into a sausage butty in the morning.

​Daredevil Tourists Are Taking On A 121ft Free-Standing Climbing Wall
Credit: George King/Caters

George King, an urban climber who was recently imprisoned after scaling London’s enormous Shard monument, is one of the ballsy people who’s taken on Excalibur.

Even more boldly, he even decided to free-climb it, having hopped the fence of the climbing centre at 4am to begin his ascent (not something we’d recommend kids, just FYI).

Speaking about the stunt back in 2018, he said:“The Excalibur is a very unique climbing wall.

​Daredevil Tourists Are Taking On A 121ft Free-Standing Climbing Wall
Credit: George King/Caters

“Instead of being vertical, it has a high-gradient overhang to it – the structure seems almost alien.

“I first saw it on YouTube and said to myself that one day I would free climb it.

“As the years have gone on, I’ve progressed, trained hard and now my dream has become a reality.

“I ensured I took my time, making sure every movement was as secure as possible.

“When I got to the top, it really was the most rewarding view I’ve ever witnessed.

​Daredevil Tourists Are Taking On A 121ft Free-Standing Climbing Wall
Credit: George King/Caters

“It’s definitely the greatest feeling in my life to date – and to be first to do it is something I could only dream of.

“Nutrition was very important leading up to the stunt, it was vital that I kept my weight low so my muscles wouldn’t tire during the climb.”

George added: “Climbing is my passion and I find a tremendous amount of purpose from doing it.

“But I don’t encourage anyone to do what I do – everyone is unique.”

Releated

Donald Trump Says He's Heard 'Interesting' Things About Aliens

BY THEREDNOW STAFF President Donald Trump has admitted that he’s heard ‘interesting’ things about alien and an alleged UFO crash site in the US. Come on, Donny, just tell us. The POTUS was taking part in a Father’s Day interview with his son Don Jr, who is seemingly as keen as any of us to […]