
#120 David Göttler: On Climbing Nanga Parbat’s Schell Route With A Paragliding Descent
About this episode
Join coach Scott Johnston for a conversation with David Göttler, after his recent alpine-style ascent, and paragliding descent of Schell route, on Nanga Parbat’s infamous Rupal Face. They discuss David’s training and preparation for the climb, and his experiences throughout the expedition. Details of the conversation are provided below in the Episode Guide.
Episode Guide
00:00:00 Introduction
00:03:43 Early days of David’s aerobic development
00:05:41 History with climbing Nanga Parbat
00:14:01 2025 ascent and paragliding descent of the Schell route
00:23:23 Dialing fueling and hydration on summit attempt
00:30:54 Pre-acclimitization and recovery strategies
00:34:06 Avoiding over-reaching during pre-climb activities
00:42:09 David’s personal climbing ethics
00:49:26 Technological and ethical changes in climbing
00:52:15 Training methods: the specificity spectrum
01:11:52 David’s future plans and post-expedition break
01:14:54 How to find David, and final thoughts