The Line of the Week
Donner Summit, Lake Tahoe
Hanging Out
I really wish I brought up a pair of flops with me. I already had 15 pounds of camera gear on my shoulder and my Klean Kanteen attached to my harness. I had Matt’s camera clipped on not to mention the climb was in direct sunlight and I was pouring sweat. This is generally not the way I prefer to climb. I have always seen climbing as light and fast.
We had chose “One Hand Clapping”on Black Wall, one of those perfect Donner Summit classics to climb and the goal was to hook me up to the bolts where I could ascend and descend at my own pleasure in order to get some great rock climbing shots. Although it’s not the toughest climb in the world it follows a beautiful crack system and finishes on a perfect double hand crack. At the crux I could feel my camera bag smacking the walls behind my back.
I was up there with my buddy, Matt Waskiewicz who is a rope access supervisor and outdoor educator based in Kings Beach. Matt is a master with rigging and it seemed like the perfect way to get me started in my climbing photo career. As I stood up there practically dangling, the ground was a blur and my toes were starting to cramp up in my shoes. I made a few moves to loosen my shoes but was wishing for some comfortable footing. After a couple minutes I began to feel pretty loose and comfortable. As I photographed Matt climbing I made every move with my camera gear with complete precision. I was quite worried if I made any mistakes I would drop my $1200 piece of glass a hundred feet or so down to the base of Black Wall and maybe take out Neva as she belayed Matt.
It all went smooth. Matt aced the climb, Neva followed and I chilled high off the deck with a stunning view of Donner Lake and the Summit backcountry. We spent a few hours lapping other cracks in the zone and enjoying a quiet early fall day void of people in the Tahoe region.
“One Hand Clapping (5.9) is a rock climb that upon recognition people respond “mega classic, dude”. I’ve been fortunate enough to bring friends up to Donner and give them their first run through One Hand, as a good friend once did for me. Now that Rock-tober is officially here, go out and get some Sierra granite before its too late…..”. – Matt Waskiewicz
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The Line of the Week is a weekly photo piece by Ryan Salm featuring some of Tahoe’s finest athletes doing whatever we deem rad. We will be using the term “Line” loosely to describe anything resembling chutes, big airs, pointers or any general madness. All images are the property and copyright of Ryan Salm Photography. All images are only to be used in conjunction with the Line of the Week. Any other usage must be cleared in writing by Ryan Salm.