A route as beautiful as it is difficult, Blackbeard’s Tears looms over the northern California coast. First freed by Ethan Pringle and graded 5.14c, this traditional crack climb awaited a second suitor for seven years until BD athlete Connor Herson racked up for the send in late August 2023. Connor was joined by teammate Carlo Traversi, who filmed and edited this gorgeous footage of Connor making the second ascent.