Diving into the Forbidden World of Rooftopping in New York with Rascalov

This article plunges you into the heart of the clandestine world of rooftopping in New York, alongside urban exploration legends like Rascalov, Vitalie, and Ecton. Discover the behind-the-scenes of this illegal practice, the motivations of these high-altitude adventurers, the risks involved, and the evolution of the discipline in the face of increasingly severe legislation. Explore the iconic rooftops of Times Square, Chinatown, and Central Park, and understand the ethical issues and legal consequences that weigh on rooftoppers in the United States.

The Call of the Heights in Times Square ▶ 0:00

The adventure begins in New York, specifically in Times Square, an iconic location where urban effervescence is at its peak. The objective is clear: to explore the heights of the city in the company of Rascalov, a legendary figure in rooftopping, known for his audacious explorations and spectacular images taken from the most vertiginous summits. The idea is to learn more about this illegal practice, about those who engage in it, and about its evolution over time. However, it is crucial to understand that in the United States, illegally being on rooftops is far from trivial and can lead to much more serious consequences than in Europe.

The team sets out to find access to one of the most iconic buildings in Times Square, with the intention of climbing the highest peaks of the city in the company of rooftoppers from the international scene. The excitement is palpable, but caution is essential, as the risks are real and the stakes are high. The exploration begins with the ascent of a building offering a breathtaking view of Times Square. The central location allows one to admire the surrounding skyscrapers and appreciate the immensity of the city. The goal is to immortalize this exploration with exceptional photos, taking advantage of the unique perspective offered by this privileged position.

Vitalie, another seasoned explorer, shares his experience and passion for rooftopping. He explains how he started exploring rooftops 17 years ago, inspired by the desire to impress a photographer. His first photos were unremarkable, but he quickly developed an interest in the breathtaking views and thrills that urban exploration provides. Being in Times Square with Vitalie, about to access one of the city's most iconic rooftops, is a special moment. The team prepares to climb to capture magnificent images of the place, immortalizing this exploration with Vitalie.

The exploration continues with the ascent of an antenna, a particularly audacious challenge. Vitalie recounts a funny anecdote where he had taken aluminum foil to protect himself from the antenna's radiation. The team takes photos of Vitalie facing the void, capturing breathtaking images. The view of Times Square is spectacular, with the main road stretching below. The team plans to take more photos at dusk, when the light will be optimal. However, they must remain vigilant due to the presence of many tourists and the risk of being spotted.

The Impact of the "Shanghai Tower" Video and the Harsh Reality of New York ▶ 3:27

The conversation turns to the impact of the "Shanghai Tower" video, a viral video from 2014 that marked a turning point in the world of rooftopping. This video, which has accumulated nearly 100 million views, has inspired many urban explorers, including the current team, to climb the Eiffel Tower and explore the world's tallest skyscrapers. Behind this video are Vitalie and his then-sidekick, Vadim, better known as Rascalov. Rascalov explains that the success of the video is due to the presence of clouds, creating a spectacular and vertiginous landscape. He also recounts an anecdote where he was recognized in an airport in China by a viewer of the video.

For the team, this video was a catalyst, sparking a passion for urban exploration. The exceptional climb and the vertiginous view created a strong visual impact, encouraging them to explore the heights of New York. However, it is important to note that New York presents unique challenges due to the severity of its laws. Although the city resembles other places explored around the world, the legislation is particularly strict there. "Trespassing" is a serious offense that can lead to arrest and prosecution.

Vitalie explains the risks involved in being arrested in New York. He tells the story of Drift, an iconic rooftopper known for his "Where my van G" photo series. Drift was arrested after someone recognized him in a photo where he was climbing the Empire State Building. The police arrested him in an art gallery and took him to the police station, where they were waiting for a confession. This story illustrates the harshness of American justice towards urban explorers. In the United States, sentences are cumulative, which means that a person can be sentenced to dozens of years in prison for simply exploring a roof and taking photos.

After taking exceptional photos with Vitalie, the team prepares to continue its exploration, hoping not to get caught. They are currently on one of the most iconic buildings in Times Square, the Paramount Building, built in 1926 and featuring four monumental clocks. The size of the clocks is impressive, as can be seen by comparing their size to that of Vitalie. The team plans to explore the interior of the clock mechanism, a unique and fascinating experience.

Chinatown and Exploration Methods: Ethics and Consequences ▶ 8:23

After this first exploration, Vitalie arranges to meet the team the next morning in Chinatown. To facilitate their travel in New York, they use UBIJ's e-SIM service, which allows them to have internet in the United States and in more than 200 destinations. The UBIJ application is easy to use: simply choose the country or region of travel, select the desired data plan, and add a discount code. The e-SIM works in parallel with the physical SIM card, which allows you to receive calls and SMS from your French number in case of emergency. In addition, UBIJ offers the possibility to recharge your data without a mobile or Wi-Fi connection.

As they head to the next spot, which promises to be vertiginous and monitored by cameras, the team asks Vitalie what the best community is in exploration. They arrive on a roof offering a breathtaking view of One World Trade Center. The team is looking for a higher vantage point, but access is locked and monitored by cameras. They wait, hoping to find a way to take photos on this roof. Finally, they find an interesting angle to take photos, taking into account the presence of the cameras.

The team takes photos of Vitalie standing on the corner of a cornice, creating vertiginous images. They must hurry because City Hall and the Supreme Court are nearby. They use discreet exploration methods, such as entering through an open window, to avoid attracting attention. This lightning mission is carried out in 12 minutes, allowing the team to disappear before anyone can raise the alarm. By talking with Vitalie and other explorers, the team understands the major issues at stake in the United States that could one day change the game in Europe.

A new generation of explorers is taking over the discipline, but their methods are raising concerns. For many of them, the main goal is to access the highest peaks by any means possible, take a selfie, and leave. These methods include the use of bolt cutters, the explosion of doors, and the forcing of locks. This trend encourages other people to reproduce these methods, which leads to a tightening of security and legislation. In the United States, explorers use portable grinders to make holes in walls, which has led to increased repression.

Tragedy and Ethics: The Responsibilities of Explorers ▶ 13:18

The culmination of this new wave of exploration was a tragic event involving three teenagers aged 14 to 16. During the ascent of an iconic New York bridge, one of the young people fell 15 meters into a well. Instead of assisting their seriously injured friend, the other two teenagers filmed his cries of agony and left the scene. The victim remained trapped alone for more than four hours before the alert was raised by a third party who saw the stories posted by the other two teenagers.

Police forces and confined space experts were deployed to secure the rescue. After more than two hours of intervention, the victim was extracted from the well and sent to the hospital in critical condition. The two teenagers who fled face lesser penalties due to their minority. This disproportion between the penalties incurred by minors and adults creates an unfair situation. The older explorers risk disproportionate penalties compared to their practice, while the younger ones benefit from near impunity.

The team emphasizes the importance of ethics in urban exploration. It is essential to respect the places, not to steal anything, not to damage anything, to use invisible accesses, not to disturb anyone, and to leave no trace, except for one's footsteps and possibly a photographic memory. Ethics are essential to preserve the discipline and avoid provoking negative reactions from authorities and the public. After this discussion, the team heads to Trump Tower to enjoy an even more vertiginous viewpoint.

Exploration of Trump Tower and Anonymity ▶ 15:10

The team is currently in half-empty technical areas of Trump Tower, looking for a stairwell leading to the roof. They hear voices around them, which makes progress difficult. Caution is essential to avoid being spotted. They eventually find access through a window, but the passage is narrow and cluttered with equipment. They must hurry to avoid getting caught.

Once on the roof, the team is amazed by the breathtaking view of the city. The twilight offers magnificent colors, and the tall, thin towers that stand on the horizon create a spectacular landscape. The team is delighted to be there and prepares to take exceptional photos. One of the team members, Ecton, stands out for his anonymous appearance, wearing a head covering, blue glasses, and a white balaclava. He explains that he appreciates anonymity because it allows him to have a good time and discover places without being judged.

Ecton is aware of the risks associated with cameras and arrests in America. He emphasizes that prison in the United States is a difficult experience and that the authorities do not hesitate to imprison people for minor offenses. The presence of many cameras in New York makes exploration more difficult, especially with the advent of social media and the popularity of online challenges. Ecton appreciates the view of the Chrysler Building, which he considers a familiar landmark in the urban landscape.

Despite the hustle and bustle of the city below, the roof offers a haven of peace and tranquility. The team takes long exposure photos to capture the low light and create sharp, detailed images. Ecton joins the photo shoot, adding a unique touch with his distinctive clothing style. The team is satisfied with the photos taken and prepares to exfiltrate without getting caught, taking with them the precious images.

Central Park, Alarms, and Systemic Risk in the USA ▶ 21:16

The team then finds itself in Central Park, in the snow. They want to take photos of this iconic place, but it is difficult to find access due to increased security. New York is a very secure city, with few construction sites and scaffolding. The team continues to move forward, looking for a hidden access. They eventually find a building offering a beautiful view of the north of Central Park.

As they explore, an alarm goes off. A member of the team, nicknamed Batman, continues to move forward despite the alarm, demonstrating his audacity and composure. Batman wants to remain anonymous due to the risks he faces. The team takes photos with Central Park in the background, despite the noise of the alarm. This is the first time an alarm has gone off during an exploration, but the team decides to continue.

The team takes photos of Ecton with his unique style, using a Fuji X100V camera. This camera is compact and discreet, ideal for portraits and street photos. The team wonders who is the most wanted explorer in the United States. According to the local community, it is JN, known for his audacious explorations, including the ascent of One World Trade Center during its construction and the Empire State Building with an American flag. JN must relocate frequently and pay in cash to avoid being spotted by the authorities.

During the interview with Ecton, the team hears voices on the roof. It is the police, who have come to look for them. Luckily, the police stayed on the lower terraces and did not find them. To go unnoticed, the team takes refuge in the underground, especially in ghost subway stations. They even had to jump off the moving subway to access an abandoned platform. However, YouTube systematically deletes videos of these underground explorations.

Risks and Consequences: The American System to Blame ▶ 25:11

Batman explains the real risks faced by urban explorers in the United States. The laws regarding trespassing are much more severe than in Europe. In addition, the American social system conditions the choices of explorers. An arrest can lead to a criminal record, which can lead to dismissal, even for a job unrelated to justice. In the United States, health care is linked to employment through private insurance. Losing your job means losing your health insurance, which makes care unaffordable.

In addition, unemployment benefits are limited, making it difficult to pay for food and rent. Finding a new job is also difficult because employers conduct background checks and may refuse to hire a person with a criminal record. This creates a vicious circle where it is difficult to find a job, get medical care, and survive. In short, in the United States, you have to work to survive.

Tom Durand, an experienced explorer who had to stop his activities due to too many convictions, joins the team to share his experience. Before starting the exploration, the team takes advantage of the beautiful lights to admire New York from the sky. Tom Durand recounts his experience of climbing the Empire State Building, a defining moment in his life. He explains that he asked himself the same questions as the team before climbing the Eiffel Tower, weighing the pros and cons of the legal consequences.

Tom Durand emphasizes that urban exploration is not just about adrenaline, but also a way to find personal space and enjoy solitude in a crowded city. The team heads to the highest point, taking care of safety. They arrive on a water tower, a precarious place but offering a breathtaking view of the city. The team takes photos with the smoke in the background, creating surreal images.

Urbex Task Force and Conclusion ▶ 30:37

Tom Durand reveals that there was an "urban exploring task force" in New York. In 2018, he was arrested by a detective who had been investigating him for four years. The detective became a fan of his work and even offered to buy works of art while he was in prison. Tom Durand emphasizes that urban exploration has become an internet sensation, with many people sharing their exploits online.

The team takes photos of Tom Durand on the edge of the roof, asking him to look down. This week in New York reminded the team how precious and threatened exploration is. In a world where personal freedoms are increasingly restricted, access to these heights becomes vital for many people. Some explorers live like fugitives, paying everything in cash and being pursued by private investigators. Prison sentences are cumulative and can be counted in decades.

The team expresses its respect for those who continue this passion despite the risks and hopes that this report will raise public awareness of the evolution of freedoms in Europe. Everyone they met envies their freedom. Urban exploration practiced with respect is not a crime.

Key takeaways:

• Rooftopping in New York is an illegal practice that can lead to serious consequences.
• The laws regarding trespassing are more severe in the United States than in Europe.
• The American social system conditions the choices of explorers, as an arrest can lead to loss of employment and health insurance.
• Ethics are essential in urban exploration to preserve the discipline and avoid provoking negative reactions.
• Urban exploration can be a way to find personal space and enjoy solitude in a crowded city.
• The freedom to explore is precious and must be protected.

Crédits : Merci à Rascalov, Vitalie, Ecton, Batman et Tom Durand pour leur participation et leurs témoignages. Credits: Thanks to Rascalov, Vitalie, Ecton, Batman, and Tom Durand for their participation and testimonies.