Press Release
February 03, 2015
Randy Simons | Dan Keefe
(518) 486-1868 | news@parks.ny.gov
New Three-Minute Video of the Historic Niagara Falls Climb Now Available
An extended version of Will Gadd's globally viewed ascent of the frozen Niagara Falls is now available, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced today on the week anniversary of the remarkable feat. In partnership with RedBull, this new three-minute video highlights the story behind last week's historic climb and takes viewers for the first time on the journey from beginning to end.
"We are proud that Will's amazing feat took place at one of our most famous and oldest New York State Parks," said State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey. "Niagara Falls is most certainly a global destination and now, thanks to Will, the eyes of the world are once again cast upon this wonder."
After months of planning and coordination with New York State Parks, New York State Parks Police, a safety team hired by RedBull and other public safety organizations, the just-released video allows viewers to climb alongside Will, listen to his thoughts, his struggles and his triumph as he tackles the majestic Niagara Falls.
On Tuesday, January 27 Gadd, the National Geographic 2014 Adventurer of the Year, climbed the northern most part of the famous Horseshoe Falls starting from the frozen river base of the Niagara River and summiting at the top of Terrapin Point. The height of the climb was approximately 140 feet or about 15 stories and was completed while 150,000 tons of water raced by him at 70 MPH.
"The massive water flow constantly shakes the ground and makes the ice shelves and walls around you unsteady and unpredictable. It's a harsh environment and an intense challenge to stay attached to the wall let alone climb it," remarked Gadd.
While ice climbing is not allowed in State Parks, the agency issued a special permit allowing this activity after a comprehensive safety plan was created. State Parks Police in coordination with the Division of State Police Aviation and Special Operations/Response Team, City of Niagara Falls Fire Department and the Niagara Park Police (Ontario) coordinated planning and response.
The video is available to view at YouTube.com/RedBull. All videos, photos, and information on Will Gadd's Niagara Falls climb can be seen and downloaded at RedBullContentPool.com.
Under Governor Cuomo's NY Works program, the nation's oldest and most-visited state park is undergoing a park-wide transformation to better reflect noted designer Frederick Law Olmsted's vision for the park. It includes a multi-year, $50 million commitment to revitalize Niagara Falls State Park transforming popular but highly worn areas with new pedestrian walkways, overlook improvements, enhanced landscaping as well as new benches, light posts and railings. State Parks is developing new recreational and educational services to engage the park's nine million annual visitors.
Each summer visitors can experience all that Niagara Falls State Park has to offer by exploring the attractions of the park. The Cave of the Winds is a series of decks that brings guests within ten feet of the base of the Bridal Veil Falls while the Maid of the Mist boat tour sails into the basin of the mighty Horseshoe Falls where riders are surrounded by the power of the falling water. For more information about the attractions of Niagara Falls State Park and when they open, please click here.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 180 state parks and 35 historic sites, which are visited by 62 million people annually. A recent study found that New York State Parks generates $1.9 billion in economic activity annually and supports 20,000 jobs. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.
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