In 2001, he became the first blind person in history to climb mount everest. Erik inspires millions of people each year through his climbing expeditions, nonprofit outreach, and keynote presentations. In his new book, he tells the story of trading mountains for rivers as he set out on a quest to become the first blind person to kayak the grand canyon. Erik will join davia nelson of nprs the kitchen sisters for a candid conversation about his work as an athlete, adventurer, author, activist and motivational speaker, as well as his new book relaunched april 24 no barriers. Erik weihenmayers accomplishments seem surreal impossible even. In his new book, no barriers, blind adventurer erik weihenmayer details what it was like to kayak the grand canyon and shares his journey since becoming the first and only blind person to summit. Kosciusko in australia, weihenmayer completed his 7year quest to climb the seven summits the highest mountains on each of the seven continents, joining only 100 mountaineers who have accomplished that feat. When he stood on the top of carstensz pyramid in 2008, he completed his quest to climb all of the seven summitsthe tallest peak on each of the seven continents. He is the only blind person to reach the summit of mount everest.
No one suffers the way one does on a mountain simply for a beautiful view. He also completed the seven summits, joining 150 mountaineers who have accomplished that feat, but the only climber who was blind. Erik is best known as the blind man who climbed mt. Apr 04, 2016 erik weihenmayers accomplishments seem surreal impossible even. Erik weihenmayer author of touch the top of the world goodreads.
Erik refuses to let blindness interfere with his passion for an exhilarating and fulfilling life and actively seeks opportunities to help others adopt a similar mindset. Read about his no barriers approach in his new book. He is author of touch the top of the world, which was made into a tv movie, and subject of the awardwinning documentary farther than. No barriers can stop blind kayaker and climber erik. The incredible bestselling book from the author of no barriers and the adversity advantage erik weihenmayer was born with retinoscheses, a degenerative eye disorder that would leave him blind by the age of thirteen. Using his exploits to establish the framework for his motto of living a life not limited by personal challenges what he calls a no barriers life weihenmayers writing follows a host of examples of people, himself included. On may 2, were welcoming blind explorer erik weihenmayer as our guest for the next installment of lighthouse listenings a live event for ears only.
From the worlds foremost blind athlete and a harvard business school lecturer comes an inspiring, sevenstep program for converting both mundane and dramatic struggles into the kind of fuel that spur personal and professional greatness. Erik weihenmayer is the first and only blind person to summit mount everest, the. A blind mans journey to kayak the grand canyon, on thursday, april 6th at 7. Erik weihenmayer adventurer speaker author teacher. But erik was determined to rise above this devastating disability and lead a fulfilling and exciting life. The remainder of the book traces weihenmayers journey from novice kayaker to boater with a purpose, with plenty of details on the people he meets and places he visits to prepare. Kayaking blind is just one of the adventures in erik weihenmayers. No barriers can stop blind kayaker and climber erik weihenmayer. No barriers, the latest book from blind mountaineer erik weihenmayer. Feb 03, 2017 erik weihenmayer is the first and only blind man to summit mount everest and to climb seven other mountains. Erik weihenmayer will speak about and sign his new book, no barriers. From climbing everest to kayaking the grand canyon, blind.
He describes initially raging against his new status as disabled person, but eventually comes to realize that although being blind will always mean he has to interact with the world in a different way, it doesnt mean he has. He cofounded no barriers usa, which empowers people to break through barriers, find their inner purpose. Erik weihenmayer is the author of touch the top of the world 4. Weihenmayer is the only blind person to climb the seven summits, which consists of scaling the tallest peaks on each continent.
Discover book depositorys huge selection of erik weihenmayer books online. The adversity advantage book by erik weihenmayer, paul. Erik weihenmayer books list of books by author erik weihenmayer. Mar 12, 2018 after living his childhood years with severely limited vision, erik weihenmayer finally lost his sight at age. In the early dawn light, we thrashed through a thick forest and then deep vertical snow to the base of an ominous blue wall. Erik weihenmayer talks about living a no barriers life at. Erik weihenmayer, a blind adventurer, will attempt to kayak the colorado river through the grand canyon next year. Feb 07, 2017 the incredible bestselling book from the author of no barriers and the adversity advantage erik weihenmayer was born with retinoscheses, a degenerative eye disorder that would leave him blind by the age of thirteen. Erik weihenmayer author of touch the top of the world. His adventures since, and his efforts to light the way for others, have made erik one of the most prominent speakers in the u. A blind mans journey to kayak the grand canyon on feb. Francisco orellanas voyage of death and discovery down the amazon. Jul, 2017 erik weihenmayer was the first blind person to climb everest and to complete the seven summits.
I may be biased, but when people say they summit mountains for the view, i dont believe them. Erik weihenmayer will be at the tattered cover, at 2526 east colfax ave. No barriers the young adult adaptation erik weihenmayer. And on september 5, 2002, when he stood on top of mt. Now, sitting next to sam on mckinleys kahiltna glacier, i finally broke the silence. Erik weihenmayer quotes author of touch the top of the world. Erik weihenmayer is the worlds leading blind athlete and the only blind person in history to reach the seven summits, including everest. Erik weihenmayer, born in new jersey in 1968, was just four years old when he was diagnosed with retinoschisis, a rare disease sometimes hereditary, sometimes of unknown origin resulting in the progressive loss of sight. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. In 2001, erik weihenmayer became the first blind person to reach the summit. Turning everyday struggles into everyday greatness by erik weihenmayer. Erik surprises meghan mccain on live tv erik surprises meghan mccain on live tv. In 2008, he reached the summit of carstensz pyramid in papua new guinea completing his quest for the seven summits the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. Erik weihenmayer is one of the most celebrated and accomplished athletes in the world.
The incredible bestselling book from the author of no barriers and the adversity. Erik weihenmayer was born with retinoscheses, a degenerative eye disorder that would leave him. Eriks expeditions and lessons have been turned into awardwinning documentaries, and his books provide a window into his life as an adventurer and speaker. Nov, 2012 erik weihenmayer, a blind adventurer, will attempt to kayak the colorado river through the grand canyon next year. See all books authored by erik weihenmayer, including no barriers. Hernan cortes, king montezuma, and the last stand of the aztecs. Weihenmayer is the only blind person to climb the seven summits, which consists of. The following post is authored by paul ponchillia, professor emeritus at western michigan university and olympic torch runner.
He is the author of the bestsellers touch the top of the world and the adversity advantage. Erik weihenmayer is a bestselling author, athlete, adventurer, and motivational speaker. Erik weihenmayer born september 23, 1968 is an american athlete, adventurer, author, activist and motivational speaker, and the first person without sight to reach the summit of mount everest, on may 25, 2001. Erik weihenmayer audio books, best sellers, author bio. He cofounded no barriers usa, which empowers people to break through barriers, find their inner purpose and contribute their very best to the world. Erik weihenmayer audio books, best sellers, author bio audible. Erik weihenmayer is the first and only blind person to summit mount everest, the highest point on earth. Brad meltzer, nyt bestselling author erik weihenmayer is the first and only blind.
As an alternative, the kindle ebook is available now and can be read on any device with the free kindle app. I was excited to read his new book, but as i dove in that excitement changed to awe. The incredible bestselling book from the author of no barriers and the adversity advantage erik weihenmayer was born with retinoscheses, a degenerative. Erik weihenmayer was the first blind person to climb everest and to complete the seven summits. Erik weihenmayer is a bestselling author, athlete, adventurer, and. Descending carefully, he and his team picked their way across deep crevasses and through the deadly khumbu icefall. Erik weihenmayer right, who is blind, works his way through the rapids with the. It is the moving story of his journey since descending mount everest. By the time he was just 14, weihenmayer was completely blind. Browse erik weihenmayers bestselling audiobooks and newest titles. For this feat, he was honored with a time magazine cover story. The incredible bestselling book from the author of no barriers and the adversity advantageerik weihenmayer was born with retinoscheses, a degenerative eye disorder that would leave him blind by the age of thirteen. Brad meltzer, new york times bestselling author of the presidents shadow.
These adventures, the ones since everest, are what weihenmayer writes about in his new book, no barriers. A blind mans journey to kayak the grand canyon and other books by erik weihenmayer. Nov 19, 2012 erik weihenmayer is off to new adventures. Sep 05, 2011 erik weihenmayer on the no barriers life duration. Buddy levy is a journalist, speaker, and the author of numerous books, including conquistador. Leadership strategies of an american warrior with mike leach.
Mar, 2018 buy no barriers reprint by weihenmayer, erik isbn. On may 25, 2001, erik weihenmayer became the first blind man in history to reach the summit of the worlds highest peak mount everest. Erik weihenmayer is the first and only blind man to summit mount everest and to climb seven other mountains. As a blind adventurer, i have been lucky to experience a life of meaning and.
Kayaking blind is just one of the adventures in erik. In blind mountaineer erik weihenmayers admirable touch the top of the. Feb 06, 2017 in his new book, no barriers, blind adventurer erik weihenmayer details what it was like to kayak the grand canyon and shares his journey since becoming the first and only blind person to summit. The prologue offers a brief overview of weihenmayers life, from losing his vision completely just before entering high school to his accomplishment as the first blind person to summit mount.