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 figures like Rascalov, Vitalie, and Ecton. Discover the behind-the-scenes of this illegal practice, the motivations of these 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 Times Square, an iconic location where urban effervescence is at its peak. The goal is to explore the heights of the city in the company of Rascalov, a legendary figure in rooftopping. The idea is to learn more about this illegal practice and its evolution. It is crucial to understand that in the United States, illegally being on rooftops 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. The excitement is palpable, but caution is essential, as the risks are real. The exploration begins with the ascent of a building offering a breathtaking view of Times Square.
Vitalie, another seasoned explorer, shares his 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 mundane, but he quickly developed an interest in the stunning views and thrills that urban exploration provides.
The exploration continues with the ascent of an antenna, a particularly daring 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 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. Behind this video are Vitalie and his then-sidekick, Vadim, better known as Rascalov. Rascalov explains that the video's success is due to the presence of clouds, creating a spectacular and dizzying landscape.
For the team, this video was a catalyst, sparking a passion for urban exploration. However, it is important to note that New York presents unique challenges due to the severity of its laws. "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. This story illustrates the harshness of the American justice system towards urban explorers. In the United States, sentences are cumulative, meaning that a person can be sentenced to decades in prison for simply exploring a roof and taking photos.
After taking exceptional photos with Vitalie, the team prepares to continue their 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 team plans to explore the inside 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 over 200 destinations.
Heading towards the next spot, which promises to be dizzying and monitored by cameras, the team arrives 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. 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 ledge, creating dizzying images. They have to 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. 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 using bolt cutters, blowing up doors, and forcing locks. This trend encourages others to replicate these methods, leading to stricter security and legislation.
Tragedy and Ethics: The Responsibilities of Explorers ▶ 13:18
The highlight of this new wave of exploration was a tragic event involving three teenagers aged 14 to 16. While climbing an iconic New York bridge, one of the youths fell 15 meters into a shaft. 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.
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 dizzying viewpoint.
Exploring Trump Tower, Central Park, and Systemic Risk in the USA ▶ 15:10
The team is in half-empty technical areas of Trump Tower, looking for a stairwell leading to the roof. Once on the roof, the team is amazed by the breathtaking view of the city. One of the team members, Ecton, stands out for his anonymous appearance. 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 points out that prison in the United States is a difficult experience and that the authorities do not hesitate to imprison people for minor offenses.
The team then finds itself in 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 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 and loss of health insurance.
Tom Durand, an experienced explorer who had to stop his activities due to too many convictions, joins the team to share his experience. Tom Durand points out that urban exploration is also a way to find personal space and enjoy solitude in a crowded city.
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 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.
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