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Rafael Sales, Known as Calango Ninja, Climbs Without Equipment in the Famous Passage of the Eyes and Reveals How He Faced Wind, Fear, and the Challenge of Not Having Margin for Error
Rafael Sales, better known as Calango Ninja, has been living in Rio de Janeiro for 27 years and has built his life around climbing. A climber since 2018, he not only practices the sport but also teaches climbing in the capital of Rio de Janeiro. Recently, however, he decided to face one of the biggest challenges of his journey: to perform a free solo climb at Pedra da Gávea, in one of the most impressive passages of the mountain.
The information was released by Leandro Rygue’s channel, which documented and filmed the horizontal crossing known as the Passage of the Eyes. According to the channel, Rafael completed the challenge in 17 minutes, without any safety equipment and without margin for error.
The Horizontal Crossing to the Eye: Three Moves and Zero Equipment
The route chosen by Rafael includes three moves to reach the famous “Eye” carved into the face of Pedra da Gávea. Unlike traditional climbing, free solo eliminates any type of protection. That means the climber ascends completely alone, without ropes, harnesses, or safety systems.
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According to Rafael, he had never experienced this type of challenge before. Still, he decided to take it on precisely because of the emotional intensity it provides. “If I felt I wasn’t ready, I wouldn’t go. When I touched the rock, I felt completely prepared,” he stated.
However, the wind could become a real risk factor. After all, in the horizontal part of the crossing, any imbalance can be fatal. However, the unexpected happened: instead of intimidating him, the wind increased his adrenaline. He reported that his shorts were flapping, the magnesium was flying, and yet, his confidence grew.
Moreover, as there was no room for error, every move required absolute concentration. Horizontal climbing demands strength, technique, and mental control. Thus, confidence became the main pillar during the crossing.
From the Right Eye of the Giant to Returning the Same Way
Rafael revealed that his goal was to reach the so-called “right eye of the emperor,” located on the famous face known as the “carved face of the giant” at Pedra da Gávea. However, reaching the desired point represented only half of the challenge.
This is because his decision was to return by the same route, also in free solo. That is, he would need to repeat the entire horizontal crossing without any support. Therefore, the tension remained until the last move.
The climber completed the entire route in 17 minutes. Although the time seems short, each second carried extreme risk. Even so, in the end, he stated confidently: “I’m here talking, so that means everything went well. Faith.”
The Future in Climbing: Big Wall and the 10th Brazilian Grade
Rafael already earns a living from climbing. Currently, he teaches classes in Rio de Janeiro and is looking for sponsors to expand his involvement in the sport. His upcoming dreams involve even greater challenges.
He intends to undertake climbs in the big wall mode — which requires long periods on the wall, often overnight — and also conquer the taboo of the 10th Brazilian grade, one of the most advanced levels of sport climbing in the country.
In addition, Rafael’s goal includes traveling the world while exclusively living from the sport. For him, climbing does not just represent a hobby, but rather the center of his own existence.
The story of Rafael Sales, the Calango Ninja, shows that free solo climbing goes far beyond risk. It involves preparation, awareness, technique, and, most importantly, self-knowledge.
Now here’s the reflection: would you have the courage to face a horizontal crossing at Pedra da Gávea without any safety equipment?
Source: Leandro Rygue
Ele deveria ser preso, colocando sua vida em risco, ai cai, ainda mobiliza bombeiro, vai pra hospital, cirurgia, ocupando recurso de quem precisa de verdade
Fala besteira