1. Fritz Wiessner was a German American pioneer of free climbing.
17 Facts About Fritz Wiessner
1. 2.
Fritz Wiessner had a wide and friendly grin and his speciality was wide crack, or off-width, climbing, a technique that demands both technical mastery and uncommon strength.
3.
In 1931, Wiessner made contact with members of the American Alpine Club and immediately set a new standard in American rock climbing.
4.
In 1935, while climbing at Breakneck Ridge on the Hudson River, Fritz Wiessner spotted the gleaming white quartzite cliffs of the Shawangunks in the distance.
5.
In 1935, Fritz Wiessner established a climb in Connecticut called Vector.
6.
When rock climbing, Fritz Wiessner often paired himself with novices, and with women in particular.
7.
Fritz Wiessner always insisted on being the lead climber.
8.
Fritz Wiessner's team agreed to allow the others a first chance at the summit but that group failed to find a route up the south face.
9.
Fritz Wiessner led several pitches up technically difficult rock including several overhangs.
10.
Fritz Wiessner recounted that, although the difficulties of the climb had been passed and the remainder was straightforward, he turned back in deference to the wishes of his sherpa, Pasang Dawa Lama.
11.
Fritz Wiessner successfully developed his company during the Great Depression of the 1930s.
12.
Fritz Wiessner was reportedly disappointed that he was not allowed to fight for the US in World War II, serving instead as a technical advisor to the 10th Mountain Division, and to the "equipment for cold climatic areas commission" of the office of the Quartermaster General of the United States Army in Washington, DC.
13.
Fritz Wiessner remained an active climber up into his eighties, often stunning onlookers in the Shawangunks by soloing his early routes.
14.
Fritz Wiessner loved to solo his climb Gargoyle at Skytop by the light of the full moon.
15.
Fritz Wiessner died after suffering a series of strokes at age 88.
16.
Fritz Wiessner's family, including his wife Muriel and children Andrew and Pauline, honored his legacy by continuing to participate in outdoor activities.
17.
In recognition of his contributions, the Fritz Wiessner Woods was established as a memorial, and several climbing routes and areas have been named in his honor, ensuring that his influence on the sport endures.