Age before Beauty? Wilder's Battle with Black Lung

Age before Beauty? Wilder's Battle with Black Lung and the big 30

by Anthony Lapomardo

If anyone has ever seen the bonus footage at the end of the film Frequent Flyers then you know Black Lung V12/13.  The problem is a 3 move power-fest on perfect sandstone requiring mad sloper strength and dead point accuracy. If you have not seen Frequent Flyers do not read any further this is a Spoiler Alert: The climax of the film shows Ben Moon nabbing the first ascent while battling horrible weather conditions and pressure from his climbing partner Jerry Moffat. Matt Wilder recently returned to Joe's Valley to resolve some unfinished business and after battling the snow, gale force winds and the idea of turning 30 Matt sent the plum line in perfect fashion.  Below is a video of his failed attempts and his amazing send.

Showing no signs of aging Wilder also dispatched Gentleman Jack V11, Eden V10, Baraka V9, and Jason Kehl's high ball The Wind Below V8.  For more on Wilder's trips and any mussing from climbing's resident PHD check out his blog at www.mattwilderclimbing.blogspot.com and a new article he recently posted on La Sportiva's website www.sportiva.com/live/page.php?id=8&at=21