Journal

The Journal is dedicated to the sports and people that make Black Diamond what it is.

  • Monday, October 3, 2011

    Black Diamond ski gear highlighted in Outside Magazine's Winter 2011-2012 Buyer's Guide—including Verdicts on the cover!

    The Winter 2011-2012 Outside Magazine Buyer's Guide is stacked with choice Black Diamond Equipment ski gear, including Verdict skis on the cover! Below are a few examples of the reviews included in the issue. Be sure to pick up a copy now and learn what the crew at Outside had to say about Black Diamond's latest and greatest ski gear.... [READ MORE]

  • Tuesday, October 4, 2011

    VIDEO: BD athletes Adam Pustelnik and Nico Favresse make first repeat of Orbayu (8b+/8c) in Naranjo de Bulnes, Spain

    As we reported in the Journal this past August, Black Diamond athletes Nico Favresse and Adam Pustelnik made the first repeat of Orbayu , a multi-pitch line on Spain's Naranjo de Bulnes, which at 8c+/9a had been hailed as the world's hardest big wall free climb. Although the pair felt the route was not as hard as it was originally... [READ MORE]

  • Thursday, October 6, 2011

    BD athletes Conrad Anker and Renan Ozturk make first ascent of Meru's Shark's Fin in the Garwhal Himalaya of northern India

    Black Diamond athletes Conrad Anker and Renan Ozturk teamed up with Jimmy Chin to make the coveted first ascent of the Shark's Fin, a high-altitude big wall pillar on Meru (20,700 ft) in India's Garwhal Himalaya. In 2008 the trio battled to within 100 meters of the summit but were forced to turn back. This year they moved fast and scored... [READ MORE]

  • Tuesday, October 11, 2011

    Winger for the Weekend #110

    We thought juggling was just for birthday clowns and Insane Clown Posse fans (wait, that's juggalos...), but it's obvious from Winger for the Weekend #110 that teenage Scandanavians are the true ballers in this game. Let's just say if we made frisbees, cue balls or bowling pins, Lauge Benjaminsen would definitely be a Black Diamond athlete.... [READ MORE]

  • Tuesday, October 11, 2011

    BD grassroots athlete Doug Chabot makes first ascent of Hispar Sar (6400 m) in Pakistan

    Black Diamond grassroots athlete Doug Chabot teamed up with Bruce Miller and Steve Su for a expedition to the unclimbed peaks of northern Pakistan’s Hunza region in August. Below is Chabot’s report and photos about the team’s first ascent on Hispar Sar (6400 m, 20,997 ft). I was exhausted. We just pulled our ropes on the last rappel... [READ MORE]

  • Wednesday, October 12, 2011

    How-to Video: Using the Black Diamond ATC-Guide

    Yes, the ATC-Guide is an advanced belay/rappel device, but with the basic information in the video below you'll learn how to easily utilize the ATC-Guide's superior belay and rappel capabilities, such as how to belay or lower one or two seconding climbers in guide mode with ease and control. Get more info on the Black Diamond... [READ MORE]

  • Wednesday, October 19, 2011

    BD athlete Neil Gresham establishes Hydrotherapy (8a+), potentially the hardest deep water solo in Britain

    Black Diamond athlete Neil Gresham has continued to explore the deep water soloing in the UK, most recently in August when he established Hydrotherapy , a heady 8a+ DWS that might be the most difficult in Britain. Below is his report on his DWS development around Pembroke, plus some great images from Liam Cook. [Gresham on Occam's... [READ MORE]

  • Thursday, October 20, 2011

    VIDEO: BD athlete Drew Stoecklein explores the unskied peaks of Patagonia

    Black Diamond athlete Drew Stoecklein headed down to South America in September to explore the bounty of unskied peaks in Patagonia. Below is his report and a great video he edited together, as well as some sweet photos by Jason Thompson. This fall I had the opportunity to go down to Patagonia to generate an athlete filmed segment with... [READ MORE]

  • Friday, October 21, 2011

    Winger for the Weekend #111

    Rarely do you find as much awesome in one place as you do in Winger for the Weekend #111. Shredding on the guitar and karate chopping flaming cinder blocks are each uniquely radical skills in their own right, but combine them, and you have yourself a cocktail of badassery that knows no equal. Have a great weekend.   [READ MORE]

  • Monday, October 24, 2011

    TECH VIDEO: All-Around Series harnesses

    Our All-Around Series harnesses (like the Momentum and Primrose) are the foundation of our harness line. Watch the Tech Video below to learn about these harnesses' features and benefits, including trakFIT adjustable leg loops, Dual Core construction and Speed Adjust waistbelt buckles.   [READ MORE]

  • Tuesday, October 25, 2011

    Binding mounting specs for 2011/2012 Black Diamond skis

    Click here to download a PDF that details the binding mounting specs for all of Black Diamond's 2011/2012 skis . If you have any questions about mounting bindings on our skis, put down the drill, pick up the phone and call our squad of North American customer service guys at 801-278-5533 or send them an email at: ski@bdel.com [READ MORE]

  • Thursday, October 27, 2011

    BD athlete Tommy Caldwell reports on his recent efforts to make the first ascent of El Capitan's hardest free climb

    Black Diamond athlete Tommy Caldwell has devoted a large chunk of the last three years to attempting a futuristic free climb on Yosemite's El Capitan that is peppered with numerous 5.14 to 5.14+ pitches, which, when free climbed in a single push, would place it as unquestionably the hardest, most demanding big wall free climb ever. He's in... [READ MORE]

  • Friday, October 28, 2011

    Winger for the Weekend #112

    Kind of awesome and totally creepy, Winger for the Weekend #112 takes the average jack-o-lantern to the next level. We just hope this one doesn't get set out on the stoop for some ratty teenager to smash in the street. Have a great weekend and a happy halloween.   [READ MORE]

  • Monday, October 31, 2011

    VIDEO: BD athlete Nalle Hukkataival bouldering in Fontainebleau, France

    Black Diamond athlete Nalle Hukkataival ventured to the iconic blocs of Fontainebleau, France in early 2011 and pulled off a string of impressive ascents during his stay. Below is a highlight reel filmed and edited by Alvi Pakarinen that brilliantly captures Nalle sending Karma (8A+), Elephunk (8B), L'Apparemment (8B), the stunning dyno... [READ MORE]