Dave Graham is one of the best climbers of his generation with dozens of hard boulders to his name, including these four from just 2023 alone: Celestite V16 FA, Peace Corps V15, Adularia V15 FA and the third ascent of Hazel Grace. In 2022, he climbed 11 boulders V14 to V16.

Graham is also known for his stance against grade-inflation and for his strong anti-chipping ethic, and he just shared some thoughts on social media about what determines a grade. He also suggested that Hazel Grace, which was originally V15, is V16 in his books.

Graham said, “…why does one boulder deserve the grade of 8c+, and another does not? Is it about who climbs the boulder first, and their image as a climber? Does the style of a climber affect how people observe a proposition? How much does one’s ego contribute to giving an opinion of a grade after a repetition? Does it depend on whose crew you are in, or in turn, not in? I just wanted to start this important conversation in a constructive manner, so we can get scientific finally, define our ideas all together, and validate our performances and progression rationally, and not personally.”

Born in Maine, he started climbing in 1997 thanks to one of his ski teammates bringing him to try. Within a year, he climbed The Present 5.14a, and then in 2005, he moved to Europe and made the first ascent of The Story of Two Worlds V15, and in 2008 he opened The Island V15. In fall 2020, he made the fifth ascent of Ali Hulk Sit Start Extension Total 5.15b in Rodellar. Follow along in the grade conversation on Graham’s Instagram below.

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Graham Projecting Hazel Grace