Alex Megos climbing Bibliographie

The Record Keeper: Jens Larssen

The founder of 8a.nu on climbing news, record keeping, and the digitalization of climbing media.

Jens Larssen, founder and editor-in-chief of 8a.nu, on climbing news, record keeping, and the digitalization of climbing media.

Climbing guidebook author Pete O'Donovan.

The Guidebook Author: Pete O’Donovan

Creator of six climbing guidebooks delves into the labor of love, climbing ethics, and the future of print.

Pete O’Donovan, author of six climbing guidebooks, delves into why he takes on such a labor of love, climbing ethics, and the future of print.

French alpinist Lise Billon climbing.

The Mountain Guide: Lise Billon

What it takes to become a professional mountain guide.

The Alps are in Lise Billon’s blood. It was only fitting, then, that she would follow in her father’s footsteps to become a mountain guide herself.

Rock climbers Chris Sharma and Boone Speed

The Route Developers: Chris Sharma and Boone Speed

Chris Sharma and Boone Speed chat about route development, first ascents, and futuristic lines.

A visionary climber, Chris Sharma has cleaned, bolted, and sent more new routes than anyone can count.

Climbing route setter Jacky Godoffe

The Route Setter: Jacky Godoffe

The art of setting, straight from the master.

Route setting is not about perfection, but a research of emotion. We always have to remember why we are setting. I don’t set just to put holds on the wall. I set to tell a story.

Alex Megos and Chris Sharma share climbing beta at Margalef, Spain. Photo: Ken Etzel.

Behind the Send

Sharing the stories of the people who make the climbing life possible.

Climbing is often depicted as an individual pursuit—the climber versus the rock—yet, unless you’re out there naked free-soloing every day, that doesn’t tell the full story.

Climber Alizée Dufraisse, Ali Baba Cave, Rodellar, Spain.

Style is a State of Mind

Alizée Dufraisse attacks her climbing weaknesses and comes away with a surprising ascent.

When you face your anti-style, or any type of climbing for that matter, success should not be measured in sends, but in becoming a better climber.

Alex Megos on the first ascent of Bibliographie (9c/5.15d), Céüse, France.

Bibliographie – The Alex Megos Interview

Alex Megos speaks about his longest project to date, how he stayed motivated, and what he learned from the experience.

With this project there was times where the goal seemed absolutely irrelevant and the process was all that mattered.

Chris Sharma Deep Water Soloing

Chris Sharma: Return to Balance

The king of deep-water soloing finds new lines to fuel his soul in Mont-Rebei, Spain.

The beauty of deep water soloing is that it’s such a free form of climbing. You’re out there exploring, and feel like a kid again, climbing up a tree. It’s very playful, spontaneous, and creative.

Alizee Dufraisse trying La Rambla 9a+. Siurana. Pic Josep Malo

Winners of #TheBestSend Competition

The judges have spoken: Here are the top five drawings and stories.

Whether you’re stuck at home or in a van, in challenging times like these, it’s good to reflect on why we love the sport.