Not using a safety rope during rock climbing (that is, “unprotected rock climbing” or “Free Solo”) is an extremely high-risk behavior, and only a very small number of experienced professional rock climbers choose to try it. This kind of behavior not only involves huge challenges, but also brings a unique psychological experience, but its danger is far more than ordinary rock climbing. The following is a specific analysis of the challenges and fun： --- ###**1. Challenge** 1. **Absolute risk and life-and-death test** The fault tolerance rate of unprotected rock climbing is close to zero, and any minor mistakes (such as hand slippage, foot slippage, or rock loosening) may directly lead to death from falling. Rock climbers need to maintain absolute concentration throughout the process, and their physical fitness, skills, and psychological stability must be perfectly combined. This is the ultimate challenge to human physical and psychological limits. 2. **High threshold of physical fitness and technology** -Requires extremely strong finger strength, core stability and endurance to cope with long-term climbing of complex rock walls. -The route selection must be precise. Rock climbers need to practice the same route repeatedly in advance until each movement becomes a muscle memory (for example, Alex Honnold has prepared for climbing the Chief Rock for nearly ten years). 3. **Extreme confrontation of psychological stress** -Fear management is the core challenge. Rock climbers need long-term training to suppress instinctive fear responses, and even stay calm through meditation or psychological cues. - Errors in judgment may be caused in high-pressure environments, such as movement deformation caused by fatigue or route misjudgment. 4. **Environmental uncontrollable factors** Weather mutations (such as rainfall, strong winds), rock wall conditions (such as slippery, loose rocks), or sudden disturbances (such as birds, insects) may break the balance, and rock climbers cannot retreat halfway or adjust their equipment. --- ###**2. Fun and attractiveness** 1. **Pure freedom and immersion** Unprotected rock climbing strips away the shackles of ropes and equipment, and rock climbers rely only on their bodies to talk directly to the rock wall. This kind of minimalism brings an almost primitive immersion experience, and the connection with the natural environment reaches its peak. 2. **Ultimate self-transcendence** After successfully completing the route, rock climbers will gain a huge sense of accomplishment and self-identity. This experience of breaking through the dual physical and psychological limits is described as a “complete release of life energy” (such as the state of “ecstasy” described by Alex Honnold in the documentary "Free Solo"). 3. **The maximization of the flow state of the heart** Under a high degree of concentration, rock climbers may enter a state of mental flow away from the sense of time and self-awareness. All movements are almost instinctive, and this pure spiritual experience has a strong attraction. 4. **Philosophical significance of combating nihilism** For some rock climbers, unprotected rock climbing is an active choice for the meaning of life-by facing the risk of death, reconfirming the value of existence. This kind of almost existential pursuit has become a deep motivation to attract them. --- ###**3. Ethical Disputes and Reflections** Although unprotected rock climbing is regarded by some people as a symbol of personal courage, its risks far exceed the personal category.： -**Social impact**: Accidents may cause psychological trauma to rescuers and witnesses, and even cause public imitation risks. -**Liability issues**: Do rock climbers have the right to put relatives and friends at emotional risk of losing themselves? -**Sports ethics**: Should this kind of "gambling" behavior be included in the promotion of climbing culture? It is generally believed in the mainstream rock climbing community that unprotected rock climbing should not be encouraged or romanticized. --- ###**Conclusion** The challenge and fun of unprotected rock climbing are essentially two sides of the same body-the ultimate risk gives birth to the ultimate experience, but the cost may be life. This kind of exercise is only suitable for a very small number of rock climbers who have undergone many years of professional training and possess extraordinary psychological qualities, and the possibility of “fatal mistakes” can never be avoided. For the vast majority of people, exploring the fun of rock climbing through safety equipment is the choice to respect life and nature.