As someone who has a healthy fear of heights, I have been both intrigued and concerned about the rise of people taking on risky climbs. These crazy kids are taking on some of the tallest and most complicated structures in the world in the hope of bragging rights, notoriety and YouTube views.
Strap yourself in as we take a closer look at the most insane climbs that have been published on the internet.
* Warning: These climbs are not for the feint hearted. Proceed with caution if you suffer from Vertigo and please, please do not try any of these stunts at home.
1. Shanghai Tower and Two Crazy Russians
Vadim Makhorov and Vitaliy Raskalov sneak in to climb Shanghai Tower, China – the second tallest building in the world at around 650 metres. The walk along the red crane at the end is insane!
2. Stairway to Safety
Many in the tower industry believed the above video misrepresented what technicians do. In response to the video, Nick Bassarab and Todd Horning from Safety One Training Incorporated climbed to the top of a 1700 foot tall tower to change a couple of light bulbs.
They used attachments the whole time, however the climb still looks scary!
3. Free Climbing the Seven Sisters of Moscow
With balls bigger than monster truck wheels, this daring daredevil free climbs to the top of the Seven Sisters skyscrapers of Moscow.
4. An English POV Crane Climb
This climber takes on a crane in Southampton, England. The video starts with him just climbing up via the crane ladders; however it is not long before he walking along the side and hanging over the edge of the crane with one hand.
5. Four Kids Vs Suspension Bridge
Three guys and one girl walk from the base to the top of a suspension bridge. In comparison to tower climbs, this does not look as scary or as technical. That is, of course, until you look down and see how high they are up and how much room there is for mistakes to happen.
6. Climbing the Burj Khalifa
Photographer Joe McNally went to the top of Burj Khalifa in Dubai – the tallest building in the world. They only climb the last part of the building; however the sheer height of the building makes it a scary challenge. Not to mention the fact that the workers simply dangle themselves along the side of the tower.
7. Russian Daredevils
The video that brought the attention of Russian free climbing daredevils to the world. This twenty five minute documentary shows behind the scenes of climbers. It is a great insight into what they do, how they do it, and why they do what they do.
I hope you enjoyed this list of death defying climbs. If so, I encourage you to share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter.