Colorado-based commercial and editorial photographer David Clifford has shot some of the best climbers in the world. As Photo Editor at Rock & Ice Magazine, he's been able to create long lasting relationships with these adrenaline junkies, those who are so passionate about climbing that they, quite literally, push themselves to the edge.
Though Clifford's awesome adventure photos speak for themselves, you've just got to love how climber Jessa Younker talks about her almost upside-down experience to National Geographic. (See accompanying photo above.)
“Deepwater soloing provides the perfect combination of adventure and serenity,” says Younker of climbing the stalactites hanging from a giant limestone cliff on Poda Island, Thailand. “Without a rope or harness to distract, I can purely focus on how to make the next move on the natural features.
“Sometimes my hand would slip off the wet rock and send me free falling through the air. Then I would be engulfed in the warmth of the Andaman Sea, swimming towards the surface, watching the sun dance across the gentle waves.”
Don't these photos make your heart race and your hands a little sweaty?
