The Current What does it take to free solo climb a skyscraper?
Jan 27, 2026
Dan Goodwin, aka Spider Dan, former urban free solo climber who scaled the CN Tower in 1986 and wrote about high-rise climbs. He contrasts different kinds of free soloing and what drives people to test their minds. He recounts his CN Tower ascents, the ‘zone’ experience, why he stopped climbing, and warns about media-driven copycats.
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What Free Solo Really Means
- Free solo means climbing without any protective gear or ropes; a slip is fatal.
- Dan Goodwin contrasts on-site solos with rehearsed solos like Alex Honnold's Taipei 101 climb.
Rehearsal Reduces Unknowns
- Rehearsed climbs reduce unpredictability by memorizing moves and cleaning holds.
- Dan highlights that Alex Honnold top-roped Taipei 101 extensively before free soloing it.
Sparked By A Tragic Hotel Fire
- Dan Goodwin decided to climb buildings after watching the MGM Grand Hotel fire in 1980.
- He was motivated by seeing rescue limitations and a woman's fatal fall from improvised ropes.
