The Excalibur FREEBASE (37m): The World’s Tallest “Freestanding” Climbing Wall: A “Full Circle”
The Excalibur FREEBASE (37m): The World’s Tallest “Freestanding” Climbing Wall: A “Full Circle”
Yes 37m is tall for a climbing wall. But very low for a BASE jump.
In 2018, free-soloing this wall was my first major climbing project. If you had told me then that six years later, I’d climb it again and BASE jump off it, I wouldn’t have believed you. Not because I lacked the dream, but because 37 meters seemed too low for such a feat. Yet, here I am. Life is full of surprises.
^^ Back in 2018 freesoloing the wall.
After an 18-hour journey from Henley, we arrived at the Excalibur at approximately 10 pm. Early on, it was clear to both of us that there were more things that could go wrong than go right in this stunt: trees, fences, boulders—all while there was a certain dampness and condensation in the air. After running rings around the climbing wall and questioning all the potential problems, we came to the conclusion: “There’s only one way to find out!”
I had the pleasure of executing this project alongside my friend Gary Connery, a legend at 55 years old. Gary is the old-school version of me, twice my age, and has accomplished many groundbreaking feats in his lifetime. From being the first and only person to land a wingsuit without a parachute, to jumping into the Olympic Stadium during the 2012 opening ceremony dressed as the Queen, to BASE jumping while on fire, London eye, nelsons column Gary’s list of achievements is endless.
I first met Gary in 2020 on the Jeremy Vine show after being released from HMP Pentonville. During my discussion with Jeremy, I had people call in. One was a specialist in safely ascending buildings for window washing—a not-so-positive interaction. The other caller was Gary, who supported everything I do and spoke my language. Since then, we’ve been good friends, often sharing stories and strategies for our various missions.
Waking up at 4 am, I started brewing coffee. Gary was voicing reasons not to do it, which is understandable. We are on a tight schedule. Gary has a wedding to attend tomorrow as the best man, leaving us only one day to complete this and drive back. Getting injured the day before such an event would be far from ideal.
We waited for the Dutch drone pilot and cameraman. Do you ever have a moment in your life when the universe just gives you a sign ? Well, I had one of those. On the Friday before Easter, I was at a trance/techno rave in London. I found myself on a floor with my back against a wall, speaking with strangers like they were my best friends. I began talking to someone who lives in Groningen, Netherlands—a place very special to me. My ears pricked up, and my eyes widened even further. GR-OI-NG-GEN, you say? Back in 2018, I became the first to free-solo the Excalibur, not that there is a big list of people waiting to be. Hearing “Groningen,” I immediately asked about drone operators and cameramen, leading me to Jan and Jesse.
The Dutch are really cool people—kind and genuine are the two words that best describe them. They were there early in the morning, full of life and passion. Although total strangers, their energy made me feel instantly contempt. It was amazing to be connected by our shared passions. I love the beautiful synergy where they can exercise their passion for filming, and I can do the same with mine. Connected by passion.
Gary and I approached the wall. Despite the dampness, we started climbing. The ascent was glorious for me—a beautiful structure, fluid movements, and a sense of nostalgia. Six years ago, I was here, free-soloing; now, at 24, I’m back with a parachute, completing a “full circle” moment.
This was definitely not a shared feeling with Gary. He shouted out, “George, where are you?” Gary was in serious trouble. The weight of the rig, the wet holds, and using trainers were problematic. Compounded by his lack of the same climbing background as mine, he was in a precarious position where he could have fallen. I lowered a rope to help.
Watching him, I could relate to his feelings in that moment—I had experienced the same last year while climbing Lotte Tower, with muscles cramping due to dehydration, feeling just one cramp away from falling. It’s a very chilling feeling. But Gary, being mentally strong and having a lifetime of pushing his mind and body to the limit, managed to get out of the tough situation. With his will to survive, he pushed on and made it to the top.
At the top, we rigged up. It was undeniably intense, with numerous hazards around that could easily break my bones.
3…2…1…
In seconds, I was heading toward a fence. Choosing to slide into it rather than impact directly, the whole experience lasted just four seconds—no time to think, only to act.
Turning around, I saw Gary in a tree. Fortunately, he wasn’t hurt. We quickly packed up and made a swift exit out of the area. We began driving to Jans house ( the cameraman.)
What a crazy, beautiful life so far. I put myself through mental suffering and psychological torture regularly to experience life’s most beautiful moments. I love life. Thank you, Mum and Dad, for creating me.
Reflecting on the adventure Garys says: “I cannot deny that there was great fear and trepidation involved in this. It was without doubt a funky climb, something I have never done before and a very low BASE jump with many obstacles, but with the support of such a great team member with commitment and belief in not only myself but our project, it is wonderful to know even at 55 years old I can still push these limits and overcome fears and show such great mental strength.”
Upon arriving at Jan’s house, I was mesmerized by the psychedelic truffle kits and weed plants—legal in the Netherlands. Over coffee, we processed the footage and reflected on the adventure.
This project was made possible by the amazing people at Fortune Flavours, a company offering premium CBD products and supporting extreme athletes. Their motto, “fortune favours the bold,” aligns perfectly with my quest for greatness. Thank you, George and JonJoe, for your support!
Now, I’m planning my next adventure. The possibilities are endless—trees, bridges, walls, buildings. The world is my canvas for dangerous creativity.
And Gary? He’s planning the world’s greatest stunt. Any sponsors interested?
