Mark Wellman Modified Jumar

Object/Artifact

-

Yosemite Climbing Museum

Mark Wellman became the first paraplegic to climb El Capitan (1989) and Half Dome (1991). Mike Corbett led both climbs and Mark followed by climbing the rope with the yellow modified jumar below. The blue haul bag below it was used on the El Capitan. After the El Capitan climb, Mike and Mark were invited to the White House by George H. W. Bush. Shortly after their visit Bush signed the American Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990.

Mark Wellman became the first paraplegic to climb El Capitan (1989) and Half Dome (1991). Mike Corbett led both climbs and Mark followed by climbing the rope with the yellow modified jumar below. The blue haul bag below it was used on the El Capitan. After the El Capitan climb, Mike and Mark were invited to the White House by George H. W. Bush. Shortly after their visit Bush signed the American Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990.

Name/Title

Mark Wellman Modified Jumar

Entry/Object ID

2026.1.139

Description

The modified Jumar used by Mark Wellman during the ascent of El Capitan in 1989 and Half Dome in 1991

Use

To aid climb the rope using pull-ups.

Context

In July 1989, Mark Wellman became the first paraplegic to climb El Capitan. He had met climber Mike Corbett the previous year and the two decided to train together to climb the big wall. They successfully ascended The Shield route on El Capitan, and in 1991 ascended Tis-A-Ack Route on Half Dome. Corbett modified this Jumar Device so that Wellman could climb the routes by performing pull-ups. An excerpt from Climbing Magazine: "...Because Wellman could not use his legs to climb aid ladders, he and Corbett designed a modified Jumar that would allow him to ascend the rope pull-up style."

Collection

Yosemite Climbing Museum Permanent Collection

Category

Aid Climbing, Climbing Hardware, JUMAR

Acquisition

Accession

2026.1

Made/Created

Artist

Mike Corbett

Manufacturer

Jumar

Notes

Mike Corbett modified a Jumar to be able to aid Mark Wellman climbing.

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Label

Transcription

JUMAR Rope ascender Tested to 5000 M 1100 LBS Swiss Made

Dimensions

Dimension Description

Handle of Jumar

Dimension Description

JUMAR

Width

3 in

Length

7 in

Material

Metal

Location

Location

Display Case

Exhibit Case 12

Date

February 17, 2026

Provenance

Provenance Detail

Mark Wellman

Notes

Donated by Mark Wellman in 1993

General Notes

Note Type

Cataloging Note

Note

Caption in the museum is: "Mark Wellman became the first paraplegic to climb El Capitan (1989) and Half Dome (1991). Mike Corbett led both climbs and Mark followed by climbing the rope with the yellow modified jumar below. The blue haul bag below it was used on the El Capitan. After the El Capitan climb, Mike and Mark were invited to the White House by George H. W. Bush. Shortly after their visit Bush signed the American Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990."

Create Date

February 12, 2026

Update Date

February 24, 2026