The Most Insane Bouldering Feats Ever Attempted

Bouldering is a simple sport: You climb over big rocks, usually on a wall that’s lower than your waist. But since its popularization in the late ’80s, it’s evolved into one of the most challenging disciplines in all of extreme sports.

And now that climbers have mastered even the most difficult routes, they’re turning their attention to feats beyond what anyone thought was possible just a few years ago. Here are some of the most insane bouldering feats ever attempted:

All 86 climbing techniques, from beginner to pro

Takeaways
The most insane bouldering feats ever attempted
The importance of understanding and mitigating the risks of bouldering
Underrated ice climbing spots can offer unique and thrilling experiences
Expert tips and tricks can help improve your climbing technique
The world is full of challenging and impressive rock climbing routes
Festive rock climbing spots can make for a thrilling holiday season
Continued learning and practice can improve bouldering skills
Appropriate safety measures and protective gear is crucial during bouldering

Table of Contents

Chris Sharma, (5.15a) – “Jumbo Love”

In rock climbing, an open route is one that has been climbed by someone else before you. It may still be difficult to climb, but if it’s your first time on the wall and you know there have been other climbers who have made it to the top before you, then there are likely easier ways for you to do so as well.

A closed route is one that has never been attempted or successfully climbed by anyone else before (or at least not in recent history). This makes every move unique and difficult because there isn’t a standard path to follow; instead, each climber must find their own way up a new section of rock every time they approach it.

Bouldering can be dangerous, which is why it’s important to be aware of the risks involved and be prepared. Check out our article on the most dangerous bouldering routes to learn about some of the most challenging routes, and what precautions you should take to mitigate the risks.

Adam Ondra, (5.15b) – “Change”

Adam Ondra is a Czech climber who has achieved many first ascents, including the first ascent of Change in Flatanger, Norway. He also holds several other world records for climbing difficult routes and boulders.

Ondra started climbing when he was 10 years old and competed in his first international competition at age 14. At age 16, he won bronze at the European Youth Championship; at 18, gold at both European and World Championships; at 20 years old he won gold again at European Championships but this time with an unprecedented score of 5 points out of 6 possible points!

Adam Ondra’s “Change” Climb Table

Aspect	Details
Climber	Adam Ondra
Climbing Grade	5.15b
Climbing Route	“Change”
Location	Flatanger Cave, Norway
First Ascent	September 4, 2012
Climbing Style	Sport climbing
Climbing Technique	Dynamic movement, requiring both finger strength and endurance
Gear Used	La Sportiva Miura climbing shoes, Black Diamond ATC belay device, Petzl Mambo 10.1 climbing rope
Notable Features	The world’s first 5.15b (9b+) climb, consisting of a severely overhanging route with a grueling 50-meter (165 foot) section and requiring a unique combination of physical and mental endurance

The suggested title for this table is “Adam Ondra’s ‘Change’ Climb Table,” which provides insight and details about his historic climb of the world’s first 5.15b (9b+) route.

Dave Graham, (V16) – “The Story of Two Worlds”

This one’s a doozy. Dave Graham is a professional climber who has climbed some of the hardest routes in the world. In 2009, he attempted to climb a route called “The Story of Two Worlds” in Switzerland that was graded V16 and had an overall length of 40 meters (131 feet). The crux move on this climb involved jumping from one hold to another while hanging from your arms over nothing but air. It took him over two years to figure out how to do it successfully–and when he did manage it, he only had three tries at it before failing again!

While many climbers flock to popular ice climbing destinations, there are also many underrated spots that offer unique challenges. Our article on the most underrated ice climbing spots in the US discusses some hidden gems that offer exciting climbing opportunities, without the crowds found at more popular spots.

Thomasina Pidgeon, (V14) – “Mind Control”

Thomasina Pidgeon is a British boulderer who has climbed numerous V13s, including “Mind Control” at Rocklands, South Africa. This was her first V14 and she is the first woman to climb this grade.

Pidgeon’s ascent was filmed by Chris Webb Parsons who said it was one of his most memorable moments in climbing history.

Anna Stöhr, (V12+) – “Moonshadow”

“Moonshadow,” a V12+ boulder problem by Anna Stöhr, is one of the hardest boulder problems ever climbed. It was completed in 2008 at Lofer, Austria.

Stöhr had tried this line for years before finally sending it on her third try with no falls and only one rest point. The problem starts with an upside down handstand followed by a 5-foot dyno for your left hand onto the sloping jug above you (it looks like someone’s shadow).

From there, you jump off your feet into a small pocket and continue through hard moves on slopers until reaching the topout which requires some tricky feet smears while pulling on small edges and crimps

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, rock climbing tips and tricks can help improve your skills and technique. Check out our article on rock climbing tips and tricks to learn from seasoned climbers and find new ways to challenge yourself.

Carlo Traversi, (V12+) – “Chablanke”

Chablanke is a boulder problem in Squamish, British Columbia, Canada. The climb was first climbed by Dave Graham in 2004 and has been climbed several times by Carlo Traversi since 2012. It was graded at V12+ when first climbed by Graham but has since been re-graded as V12+.

Table of Carlo Traversi’s Bouldering Routes

Route Name	Difficulty Rating	Climbing Location
Chablanke	V12+	Bishop, California
The Nest	V15	Red Rocks, Nevada
Meltdown	V14	Yosemite National Park, California
Bloodlust	V14	Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah
Echale	V14	Hueco Tanks, Texas

Note: The climbing location column is important to provide context and information for climbers who may be interested in attempting these routes.

Nalle Hukkataival, (V17) – “Burden of Dreams”

Nalle Hukkataival is an accomplished boulderer and climber. He is one of the few people who has climbed V17, which is the highest possible grade given to a boulder problem. In fact, he was able to achieve this feat with his first ascent of “Burden of Dreams,” which took place in 2005 at Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii.

The route itself is not easy: it involves extreme technicality and power moves on small holds while being only 8 m (26 ft) tall. This means that climbers must be extremely fit and strong in order to climb this route successfully!

For experienced climbers looking for a challenge, the world is full of thrilling and difficult rock climbing routes. Our article on the most challenging rock climbing routes in the world highlights some of the most impressive and challenging routes that only the most skilled and daring climbers would attempt.

Ethan Pringle, (5.14c) – “Jailbreak”

Ethan Pringle is a professional boulderer and has climbed V12 and V13. His first ascent of Jailbreak in Rifle, Colorado was an insane feat to say the least. The route is a 5.14c which means that it’s one of the hardest climbs in the world! This was also the first time anyone had ever completed this climb!

Sean McColl, (V13/8B+) – “Pura Vida,” or “Pure Life”

Sean McColl is a Canadian boulderer who has made many first ascents as well as repeats of hard problems. In 2013, he climbed this problem at Calabozos in Mexico. It was the first ascent, and it took him three tries to get it done because he fell on the last move each time he tried.

Daniel Woods, (V15) – “The Process”

Daniel Woods is a professional boulderer, and one of the best climbers in the world. He has climbed V15s and holds several world records for bouldering on different types of rock. In 2016, he made history by becoming the first man to send “The Process”–a difficult new route on Mount Woodside in Boulder, Colorado.

For climbers looking to get in the holiday spirit, there are plenty of rock climbing spots that offer festive routes to conquer during the Christmas season. Check out our article on the best rock climbing spots to visit during your Christmas vacation to discover new ways to combine your love of climbing with the holiday season.

Dave Graham, Multiple V14s and above.

Dave Graham is the most talented boulderer in the world. He has climbed many difficult routes, including his hardest route “The Story of Two Worlds.”

This climb was first done by Dave in 2010 and took him three years to redpoint it. The route has been described as being one of the hardest climbs ever completed because of its length (over 2,000 feet) and difficulty level (V15).

Dave also holds numerous other records including:

First person to climb V13s on three continents (Europe, Asia, North America)

First person to climb 5 different V14s on three continents (Europe/Asia/North America)

Sure, here’s a table with additional details on Dave Graham’s climbing achievements:

Dave Graham’s Notable Climbing Achievements

Achievement	Details
Multiple V14s and above	Graham has climbed numerous V14 and V15 boulder problems, including “The Story of Two Worlds” and “The Wheel of Life.”
Red River Gorge 5.14c onsight	In 2005, Graham made a rare onsight ascent of the 5.14c sport climb “Hasta La Vista” in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge.
First ascents in Europe and the US	Graham has put up numerous first ascents of difficult climbs in Europe and the United States, including “The Island” (V15) in Switzerland and “The Nest” (V15) in Colorado.
Featured in climbing films	Graham has been featured in several climbing films, including “Dosage III,” “The Process,” and “The Island.”
Co-founder of climbing brand, “The Island”	Graham is the co-founder of “The Island” climbing brand, which produces high-quality bouldering equipment such as crash pads and chalk bags.

The title of the table is “Dave Graham’s Notable Climbing Achievements,” and it provides specific examples of Graham’s accomplishments in the climbing world related to the semantic of “Multiple V14s and above.”

Alex Puccio, Multiple V13s and above.

Alex Puccio is a climbing legend. She has been climbing for over 20 years, and has climbed multiple V13s and above. Alex Puccio has also completed several first ascents, with some of her most notable being ‘The Path’ (V14) in 2010 and ‘Primo Sento’ (V15) in 2013.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed reading about these incredible feats of climbing and bouldering. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our blog for climbing tips and tricks, as well as our list of the best places to rock climb around the world!

FAQs

What is bouldering?

Bouldering is a type of rock climbing that typically involves shorter climbs without the use of ropes or harnesses, instead, climbers wear climbing shoes and rely on their own skill and strength to climb and maneuver on rocks or artificial walls.

What are the benefits of bouldering?

Bouldering can be a beneficial form of exercise, as it helps improve strength, flexibility, and mental acuity. Additionally, many people find the challenge of bouldering to be an exhilarating and rewarding experience.

What gear do I need for bouldering?

While bouldering doesn’t necessarily require equipment like ropes or harnesses, climbers should wear appropriate clothing, such as comfortable and durable pants or shorts and a well-fitting shirt, and invest in high-quality climbing shoes for better grip and maneuverability on rock surfaces.

How can I improve my bouldering skills?

Improving bouldering skills takes time and practice, but beginners can consider taking a class, studying bouldering techniques, seeking guidance from experienced climbers, and gradually pushing themselves to take on challenges at their own pace.

Are there risks involved in bouldering?

Like any physical activity that involves climbing, there are certain risks associated with bouldering that climbers should be aware of and take steps to mitigate, such as wearing appropriate protective gear, staying hydrated, and practicing proper techniques and safety measures.

Hellen James

Welcome to my blog! I’m Hellen James, and I’m incredibly passionate about rock climbing, bouldering, ice climbing, and mountaineering. Join me as I embark on thrilling adventures, conquer vertical challenges, and share my experiences and insights with fellow outdoor enthusiasts.