Spirit of the Lake

A film dedicated to Devils Lake, Wisconsin, and the people who call it home.

I’m a rock climbing guide based in Devils Lake, Wisconsin, and for the past year I’ve been creating a documentary film dedicated to Devils Lake, the dirtbag culture here that is alive and well, and the vibrant community of climbers who call this place home. The climbing scene in Devils Lake is truly unique, and has been historically. I fell in love with the spirited community who live in this lone climbing area in the flatlands of the Northern Midwest. I have dedicated the creation of this film to showcasing not only the incredible climbing Devils Lake has to offer, but to the unique characters who keep an old school ethic alive. This film presents traditions particularly unique to the culture of Devils Lake, such as headpointing sketchy trad routes or a celebratory naked birthday ascent in 20 degree winter Wisconsin conditions. 

There is something ineffable about Devils Lake, originating from Indigenous cultures who have inhabited these lands and deemed the lake to be sacred. Despite its magical presence, there’s not much documentation on the place. My goal is to continue creating an in depth portrait of this rarely documented, underground climbing scene. Going forward with the film, I intend to document the dirtbag lifestyle we’re living, climbers pushing the limits while staying true to old school ethics, and include voices of legendary first ascensionists from the generation before us.