Michaela Kiersch | Necessary Evil 5.14c | First Female Ascent

Michaela Kiersch | Necessary Evil 5.14c | First Female Ascent follows Michaela Kiersch into the limestone depths of the Virgin River Gorge as she takes on Necessary Evil (5.14c), the legendary Chris Sharma testpiece first climbed in 1997. With a calm, focused presence and a voice that brings you inside the attempt-by-attempt grind, Kiersch steps onto one of sport climbing’s most storied lines—often tried, rarely repeated, and long treated as a myth you measure yourself against. What makes this short film hit hard is the mix of history and immediacy: crisp filming, honest audio, and the tension of a route that doesn’t give anything away. You’ll get the full arc—precision, doubt, fight, and commitment—captured in minutes, plus a front-row look at what 5.14c really means when the holds are sharp, the clips are earned, and the outcome isn’t guaranteed. Whether you chase numbers or just love the craft, it’s a fast, inspiring watch that leaves you buzzing to try harder.

Digital Stoke Media · 7:38

Watch and listen to Michaela Kiersch as she makes the first female ascent of Necessary Evil (5.14c), a mythical route (in the Virgin River Gorge) first climbed by Chris Sharma in 1997. Often tried and rarely repeated, Necessary Evil ranks among the most storied and sought-after sport climbs in the world. A Digital Stoke Media Production Climber: Michaela Kiersch Produced by: adidas Terrex/Five Ten Produced by: Petzl Produced by: John Long Directed by: Ted Distel Edited by: Ted Distel Camera A: Ted Distel Camera B: John Long Riggers: Ryan Sheridan, Pricilla Mewborne Music by: Pat Dimitri Special Thanks to Adidas Terrex/Five Ten and Petzl for their support in the making of this video! www.adidasoutdoor.com www.petzl.com Extras: Our IG: @digitalstokephoto & @digitalstokemedia Websites: www.digitalstokemedia.com & www.digitalstokephoto.com Follow us on FB: www.facebook.com/digitalstoke/