When we’re not outdoors, we get our adventure fix by exploring social media and the web. Here are some of the best adventure links we’ve discovered this week.
Thirty-meter Wave Surfed at Mavericks: On December 23, Alessandro Slebir took on the massive waves at Mavericks, a famous surfing spot in northern California. During the peak of the swell, Slebir rode a wave so big that many believe he broke the world record. Initial calculations put the wave’s height at 32.9m (108 feet). The current record is 26.2m (86 feet).
A Ski Media Renaissance Is Happening on YouTube: There used to be a handful of skiers and snowboarders who were also interested in filmmaking. But with the advent of GoPros, iPhones, and drones, creating a ski video is easier than ever.
Taking on the Ivindo River. Photo: David Sodomka/Red Bull Content Pool
A first descent in Gabon
Historic First Descent of the Ivindo River: In February 2024, Adrian Mattern, Dane Jackson, Kalob Grady, and Bren Orton made the first-ever descent of the Ivindo River in Gabon.
Over 12 days, they covered 145km, taking on some of the toughest uncharted waterfalls and rapids on the planet. This documentary shows the teamwork and risk management needed to succeed.
First Female Ascent of The Zone: Norwegian climber Mari Augusta Salvesen has made the first female ascent of The Zone (E9 6c) in the Peak District, UK. John Arran first climbed the wall in 1998. Only 10 have repeated the line.
Salvesen discusses each section, her thoughts on the grade, and why finishing the project felt anticlimactic.
Mountain lion attack
A Mountain Lion Attacked My Nephews: A mountain lion attacked Taylen and Wyatt Brooks while they looked for shed deer antlers in California, north of Sacramento. The young male lion approached them and would not be deterred. When Wyatt tripped and fell, the lion pounced. Wyatt managed to escape, but it then killed his brother. Their uncle delves into the history of mountain lion attacks in the area and questions how rural communities can coexist with the big cats.
Walter Bonatti, Beyond All Limits: This documentary delves into the life of mountaineering legend Walter Bonatti. From his ground-breaking first ascent of K2 in 1954 to climbing glaciers in the Alps and opening new lines in the Karakorum, he pushed boundaries.
Unfinished thru-hikes
How to Make Peace With Not Finishing A Thru-Hike: Many thru-hikes end prematurely. In 2024, this hiker could not finish the Pacific Crest Trail because of wildfires. They are still struggling to get over the disappointment.
The Canoe in the Forest: Sitting in the forest on Prince of Wales Island in the Alaska Panhandle is a 140-year-old canoe. Its exact location is a secret to keep tourists away.
A man looking for logging sites first spotted the canoe. The man saw several felled tree trunks, all with 10m sections missing. Among them lay a single hand-carved craft. Brought in to inspect the site, Stormy Hamar knew exactly what he was looking at: an unfinished Haida canoe.
