Setting the Standard

Ainhize Belar’s Groundbreaking Ascents

“When I first saw Iñi Ameriketan, I really liked the line,” said 18 year old Bizikia, Spain climber Ainhize Belar. “I didn’t think twice.”  That moment of attraction and then decisiveness cemented Belar’s already strong resume. 

The America’s Project

Climbing Across America

This whole project was born from the desire to climb and do something we would remember for the rest of our lives,” Todero said of their 19 month, 60,000 mile, 15 country dream trip.

The Rocklands Ticklist

How Vadim Timonov sent hard, high, and first try.

How Vadim Timonov sent hard, high, and first try.  “Rocklands is a place of extraordinary beauty with its world-class boulders, alien landscapes, and indescribable atmosphere,” said Vadim Timonov. The bright orange sandstone boulders on the edge …

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Flor de Papel

Conquering Ecuador’s Toughest Climb: Chevy Crespo’s Triumph

In 2002, when Chevy Crespo started climbing in Ecuador in his hometown gym, Chorrera de San Juan’s Castillo para Fiona (7b) was the hardest route in the country. Three years later, Chevy travelled to China for his …

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Chris Sharma climbing Sleeping Lion at the El Pati sector of Siurana.

The Lion’s Den

Chris Sharma and Alex Megos on Climbing Sleeping Lion

In March of 2023, Chris Sharma made the first ascent of Sleeping Lion at the iconic El Pati sector of Siurana—a route that is bound to be a test-piece for generations to come. While he …

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Sea Shepherd boat on the ocean.

Climb for the Ocean Project

This month we challenge you to climb a quarter nautical mile (463m) to raise awareness and funds to defend, conserve, and protect the ocean globally

This month we challenge you to climb a quarter nautical mile (463m) to raise awareness and funds to defend, conserve, and protect the ocean globally

Rock climber Alex Megos training on a hangboard

The Climbing Coach: Dicki Korb, with Alex Megos

Alex Megos and his long-time coach Dicki Korb on Mego’s evolution as a climber and how he optimizes his training.

Alex Megos might be the first person in the world to onsight 9a (5.14d), but the 27-year-old climber came on to the scene gradually. From his early days of climbing with socks in rock shoes, …

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Vertical-Life climbing app employees in South Tyrol, Italy

The App Developer: Cody Roth & Vertical-Life

As COVID keeps the climbing community apart, digital services step in to fill the void.

Climbing knows no boundaries. It’s a universal language that supersedes all prejudices, politics, and differences. Wherever you travel in the world, you can always find your tribe and be welcome. This year, however, COVID has …

Read moreThe App Developer: Cody Roth & Vertical-Life

Climbing photographers Ken Etzel and Liam Lonsdale

The Filmmaker: Ken Etzel

Peek behind the scenes—ahem, send—and learn what it takes to be a climbing photographer and filmmaker.

When climbing and photography cozy up together on a portaledge, you can expect a bundle of inspiration to be born.

Slovenian rock climber Klemen Becan in Croatia

The Rocktrotter: Klemen Bečan

How the dedicated Slovenian climber makes the vagabond lifestyle work and the lessons he’s learned from the road.

After three decades of climbing and living on the road, the 38-year-old says he wouldn’t change a thing—except maybe for a slightly bigger van.