Abu Dhabi Week speaks to the record-breaking UAE-based adventurer Adrian Hayes about his latest achievement – summiting the deadly K2.
First of all congratulations! How do you feel?
Surprisingly there isn’t a sense of elation, rather one of deep-seated satisfaction; feeling incredibly privileged, very lucky and also, ‘thank goodness that’s over’! So many great climbers have tried three, four or five times to summit the ‘Savage Mountain’ and failed for numerous reasons. I am very, very fortunate.
What were some of the challenges you faced?
The greatest challenges on K2 are its steepness, rock fall, avalanche dangers, weather and snow conditions. We were blessed with great weather for our summit attempt so, for us, steepness was the biggest obstacle. Unlike Everest you have to climb K2 all the time, there is no respite.
Tell us about the view from the top.
Reaching the top was one of those sensory overload experiences where I had to pinch myself that it was actually happening. Regarding the views, I guess it’s not the view itself that is the most amazing thing but the fact that one is standing there experiencing it!
The last time we spoke, you discussed your deep respect for nature, how has this experience affected you?
You don’t conquer K2, it’s a matter of totally and utterly listening, seeing and feeling what is happening around you and letting that experience inform these internal sensors. K2 was very good to us this year with an unprecedented stable and long weather window. Last year it killed two climbers.
What was the most strenuous part of the climb?
Summit night: from Camp 4 to the summit and back. All of the preparation, three years planning, last year’s attempt, six months training and six weeks on the mountain acclimatising – all pale into insignificance compared to these single 24 hours – that make or break a summit. It took us 15 hours overnight to reach the top. It was very steep, extremely tough and very dangerous.
Tell us more about the descent. How was that experience after such a high?
Very hard. We’d been in the ‘Death Zone’ (the elevation above 8000 metres) a long time, approaching 20 hours, before we got back to Camp 4. That night I was gabbling on about nonsense in my disturbed sleep, such is the tricks the lack of oxygen plays upon one’s brain. The following day, when we descended all the way to Base Camp, was tough and the constant rock fall made it very dangerous.
What have you learned from your attempt?
Many things, but trusting my gut instinct was probably the greatest. Last year everything that could possibly go wrong went wrong and I felt it inside. This year was the converse and I felt this too. We all have gut instincts but few of us really get in touch with it. Developing and trusting that instinct is a skill that can take a lifetime.
What did you do to celebrate?
Nothing yet, just taking it easy recuperating in the UK. I will have a party when I get back to the UAE in mid-late September.
What do you plan on doing next? Any new adventures up your sleeve?
I have a major project late next year – a huge one –in the coming months. I also have a second expedition earlier in the year if I can fit it in, plus, hopefully, an Ironman at the end of this year. I guess it’s a case of enjoy the rest now before we take off again!
How did your family react to your success?
My daughter is too young to fully comprehend it, but she knows I’ve done something special when she sees daddy in the newspapers or television!
Any last thoughts on the experience?
Only to say that, whilst we were very lucky, sadly far too many climbers haven’t been. And my thoughts are never too far from those who weren’t fortunate to come back. K2 is a brute of a mountain for good reasons.
To find out more about Hayes and his next adventure, visit: www.adrianhayes.com
