News•Mar 13, 2026
The First Free Ascent of Kama Sutra
In 1975 a New England climber achieved the first free ascent of the off‑width route Kama Sutra on Mt Arapiles, Australia, using a single 150‑foot 9 mm rope and scant protection. The climb featured a dramatic pendulum swing when his partner Ray was unintentionally dropped, forcing a precarious rescue. The ascent, recounted in Alpinist’s Winter 2025‑26 issue, illustrates early free‑climbing daring and the limitations of period gear. The narrative blends personal adventure with a milestone in climbing history.
