Pictured: The incredible 'Stone Nudes' who rock climb completely naked



It is a breathtaking - and death-defying feat - which redefines the term extreme sport.

Battling both gravity and the elements, the climber claws her way up a granite boulder by just her fingertips.

For most, the lack of ropes and safety equipment would be a perilous step too far.

But this woman has gone even further and abandoned her clothes to take part in the new sport of naked rock climbing

Death defying: The Stone Nudes abandon equipment, clothes and shoes in a bid to capture the 'true essence of the climbing spirit'



The climber is one of a series of super-fit 'Stone Nudes' captured in action on the cliffs and mountains of America.

Without clothes, specialist shoes or other equipment, participants say the experience captures the 'true essence of the climbing spirit.'

It is the latest extreme sport craze to sweep the US, and is now tipped to become a popular pastime in the UK.

Incredible: One of the women attempts a tricky overhang, clinging on by just her fingertips and toes



And as these incredible pictures taken in America show, exercise has never been so attractive.

The 'Stone Nudes' idea is the brainchild of California-based photographer and rock climber Dean Fidelman.

His photographs have now been used to create a new 2009 'Stone Nudes' calendar, which he is selling on his website.

Fearless: The sport is a hit in America and is expected to take off in Britain



Dean said: 'This kind of climbing is the sport at its purest, and is intended to inspire and celebrate the human form.

'It requires no equipment which means climbers of all abilities can take part.



'Hundreds of people are now participating in a sport that captures the true essence of the climbing spirit.'

Unconventional: Naked rock climbers view their hobby as the purest form of the sport

