Will Gadd (born March 8, 1967)[1] is a prominent Canadian ice climber, mixed climber[2] and paraglider pilot. He formerly held the paragliding world distance record,[3] with a flight of 423 km in Zapata, Texas.[4] He is the host of the documentary series Fearless Planet, working with regional scientists and traveling with them, or by himself, to various locations that are in the individual episode's focus.[5]

Gadd explaining the physics of ice screws, 2012

He is the son of Ben Gadd, award-winning Jasper, Alberta guide, writer and naturalist expert on the natural history of the Canadian Rockies who wrote the bestselling Handbook of the Canadian Rockies.[6]

Ascent of Niagara Falls

edit

In January 2015, Gadd became the first reported person to scale the ice-covered rock wall next to the Horseshoe Falls at Niagara Falls; he was followed by his partner, Canadian climber Sarah Hueniken. Their ascent took place on Goat Island, located on the American side of the falls. "I was so close to the water", Gadd stated, "I could reach out and stick my ice tool in the Niagara Falls".[7]

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ "Will Gadd - The Captain of Adventure". Red Bull. Retrieved February 4, 2015.
  2. ^ Martinique, Davis (January 7, 2010). "Will Gadd Taking on an Endless Ascent: 24 Hours of Nonstop Ice Climbing". The Watch. Telluride. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved February 5, 2015.
  3. ^ Strauss, Gary (March 23, 2011). "Will Gadd is fearless for Discovery's newest 'Planet'". USA Today. Retrieved January 20, 2014.
  4. ^ Smith, Terry (September 1, 2006). "Mexican pilot leads paragliding standings: Twelve pilots set new competition task record". Idaho Mountain Express. Retrieved January 20, 2014.
  5. ^ Cutler, Jacqueline (November 17, 2007). "Adventurer braves the wilds in Discovery's 'Fearless Planet'". Jamaica Gleaner. Retrieved January 20, 2014.
  6. ^ "Will Gadd's Dad, Ben Gadd, is a Climber and Legendary Naturalist". Gripped: The Climbing Magazine. Gripped Publishing Inc. July 1, 2022. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  7. ^ "Will Gadd and Sarah Hueniken Climb the Niagara Falls". Planetmountain. January 30, 2015.
edit