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Dave Graham’s New V16: “One of the hardest lines I have climbed to date”

For over 20 years he's been one of America's leading boulderers

Dave Graham, 40, has climbed his last major project in Ticino, Switzerland, this season with the first ascent of Euclase V16. It has 19 hand moves, 21 foot moves and four kneebars.

Graham said, “It’s one of the most technical climbs I have ever encountered and challenged my ability to toe-hook, heel-hook, knee-bar, and footwork like unlike any other boulder that I’ve tried in my life. The top-out adds a crimpy and dangerous no-fall-zone to the equation, completing the line with a real mental factor.”

Graham has been one of the world’s leading climbers for two decades. 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 quickly became one of the strongest climbers in the world.

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. Over the past year, he’s climbed several V15 or harder problems.

2022 Dave Graham Profile

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