It is an odd and unique feature of the sport of climbing that its practitioners regularly set out with the expectation of failure. Failure and the associated frustration are part and parcel of the climbing experience. For Alex Manikowski, climbing began as an escape from another form of frustration. Having lost his father to a pulmonary embolism at the age of six, Alex struggled for a long time with anger and directionless frustration. Climbing proved to be the solution to Alex's struggle and though he now fights with frustration on a regular basis, it is with a healthy attitude and an expectation of eventual catharsis. He lives for the moment when he will finally top out his long-term project 'Slasher Right' (V13/14?) in Joe's Valley, Utah and in this video from Three Peak Films, we get to see Joe at work on the line, as he reflects on life, climbing and his search for solace.

Bouldering Bullet Lines In Joe's Valley, Utah | 4th Day On, Ep. 1