Adaptive ClimberMark WellmanTruckee, CA
"Everyone faces the world with different abilities and disabilities, but we all have one goal in common…to break through our own barriers."
Mark Wellman, first paraplegic to ascend the sheer faces of El Capitan and Half Dome with climbing partner Mike Corbett, has innovated and designed special custom equipment to get him where his passion is, the great outdoors. Co-founder of No Barriers USA (www.nobarriersusa.org) Mark helps to bring summits for people with disabilities and the able-bodied to gain life-learning experiences in the outdoors. Through his business No Limits, he motivates others to go beyond the seeming unapproachable to reach their “summit.” When taking a break from adventure, he enjoys spending time at home snow blowing, bike riding, and skiing with his wife Carole.
Mark Wellman By The Numbers
Most humbling moment:
I took a 100-foot fall off Seven Gables in the Sierra Nevada. It took 30 hours for the rescue helicopter to get me to a trauma center. I spent 7 months in the hospital, learning to relive my life in a wheelchair.
Proudest moment:
Made the 20th ascent of the Tis-Sa-Ack Route on Half Dome, the first ascent by Royal Robbins. Took 13 days with climbing partner Mike Corbett (“Mr. El Cap”). This was documented as the 1st and only paraplegic ascent of Half Dome. I persevered through lighting storms, snow, and ice. It will always be an adventure I will never forget, and somewhat ‘puckering.’
In my bag:
One spring I decided to Nordic sit ski the Trans-Sierra Crossing, following Tioga Pass Road. The journey was 55 miles, three days, and two nights. Up to another challenge one mild winter, I decided to circumnavigate Lake Tahoe during the Winter Solstice with another paraplegic, unassisted. The kayak adventure took three days and two nights, totaling 72 miles. Clif Bars have always been my choice of protein and energy during my trips.
