Tommy Caldwell and the Return to 9a: Chapter One - Empath | EDELRID
"Tommy Caldwell and the Return to 9a: Chapter One - Empath | EDELRID" is a rock climbing video (7 minutes) published by EDELRID on April 7, 2025 with 150K views. Available to watch free on CouchClimbs.
Tommy Caldwell, one of the most celebrated climbers in history, embarks on a deeply personal journey in this first chapter of a compelling new series from EDELRID. What begins with a bold adventure in Alaska and a friendly wager among climbing partners evolves into something far more meaningful — a pursuit to return to the elite grade of 9a. But this isn't simply a story about athletic performance. As Tommy chases that goal, the film captures the full weight of the life he carries alongside it: fatherhood, his role as a public figure, and his passionate commitment to outdoor advocacy and climate action. Empath sets the tone for the series with rare emotional honesty, offering a side of Tommy Caldwell that goes well beyond his legendary ascents. Director Hendrik Pot brings an intimate, unhurried eye to the storytelling, and the Alaskan backdrop gives the film a sweeping sense of scale that contrasts beautifully with the quiet, reflective moments at its core. Whether you're a seasoned climber or simply drawn to stories about people pushing against their own limits, this film delivers something genuine — a reminder that the drive to climb hard doesn't disappear with age, it just gets more complicated, and more interesting.
EDELRID · 7:32
A bold adventure in Alaska leads to a gentlemen’s wager among friends that propels Tommy Caldwell on a journey to climb 9a once again. As the series follows his journey, Tommy balances his responsibilities as a father, a public figure in the climbing industry, and his push for outdoor advocacy and climate action - all while attempting to get back to elite level sport climbing. Chapter One | Empath Tommy climbed using our SISKIN rope, the lightest single rope in the world. Shop the SISKIN: https://edelrid.com/eu-en/sport/ropes/siskin-eco-dry-8-6mm Filmed, Directed, and Produced by Hendrik Pot Photography: Taylor Shaffer Music: "Built to Roam" and "Doe, Jane" by Shakey Graves and original soundtrack by Tony Furtado Follow Tommy! Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/tommycaldwell/ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/1tommycaldwell/ Follow us! Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/edelrid_sport/ LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/edelrid/ https://edelrid.com/