Dave Graham

Also known as: The Wizard

Quick Info

Nationality: US
Date of birth: 10th November 1981
Hardest Boulder (Worked): 8C+
Hardest Boulder (Flash): 8A
Hardest Sport (Worked): 9b
Notable Partnerships
Alizée Dufraisse
Chris Sharma
Social Media

Dave Graham is an American boulderer and sport climber who is known for his extremely technical climbing style that makes a lot of use of toe hooks and knee bars, as well as his longevity in the sport and his extensive collection of first ascents.

Graham started climbing in 1997 and very quickly worked his way through the grades, climbing his first 8b+ sport route just a year later.

Some of his notable ascents include The Story of Two Worlds (fa), Action Directe (fourth ascent), From Dirt Grows the Flowers (fa), The Island (fa) and The Ice Knife (fa).

References

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2bZsFZdpgs

[2] Interview with PlanetMoutnain.com, 2001 https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/interviews/dave-graham.html

[3] https://www.climbing.com/people/what-ive-learned-dave-graham/

Contributors: remus

Quick Info

Nationality: US
Date of birth: 10th November 1981
Hardest Boulder (Worked): 8C+
Hardest Boulder (Flash): 8A
Hardest Sport (Worked): 9b
Notable Partnerships
Alizée Dufraisse
Chris Sharma
Social Media

Dave Graham is an American boulderer and sport climber who is known for his extremely technical climbing style that makes a lot of use of toe hooks and knee bars, as well as his longevity in the sport and his extensive collection of first ascents.

Graham started climbing in 1997 and very quickly worked his way through the grades, climbing his first 8b+ sport route just a year later.

Some of his notable ascents include The Story of Two Worlds (fa), Action Directe (fourth ascent), From Dirt Grows the Flowers (fa), The Island (fa) and The Ice Knife (fa).

References

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2bZsFZdpgs

[2] Interview with PlanetMoutnain.com, 2001 https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/interviews/dave-graham.html

[3] https://www.climbing.com/people/what-ive-learned-dave-graham/

Contributors: remus

Lists


Pics + Vids

Added at 16:01 on 13 January 2021
La Rambla Extension (9a+)
Added at 21:01 on 21 January 2023
Celestite (8C+, FA)
Added at 19:10 on 29 October 2023
Hazel Grace (8C)
Added at 07:11 on 08 November 2023
Adularia (8C, FA)
View this post on Instagram

Added at 17:11 on 14 November 2023
Hazel Grace (8C)
View this post on Instagram

Added at 19:11 on 28 November 2023
Ali Hulk (extension total sit start) (9b)
Added at 22:12 on 27 December 2020
Hypnotized Minds (8C+)
Added at 22:12 on 27 December 2020
The Bridge of Ashes (8C, FA)
Added at 06:04 on 26 April 2023
The Vice (8B)
Added at 22:05 on 14 May 2023
Spectre (8B, FA)
Added at 18:12 on 16 December 2021
Roadkill (8C)
View this post on Instagram

Added at 16:12 on 18 December 2021
Foundations Edge (8C, FA)
View this post on Instagram

Added at 19:12 on 20 December 2021
Hypnotized Minds (8C+)
View this post on Instagram

Added at 13:06 on 17 June 2021
Petrichor (8C, FA)
Added at 18:08 on 30 August 2021
Celestite (8C+, FA)
View this post on Instagram

Added at 20:06 on 05 June 2023
A Simple Knowing (8B)
Added at 12:05 on 02 May 2023
Wave Swoop (8B+, FA)
Added at 15:05 on 15 May 2023
Cassim (8C, FA)
View this post on Instagram

Added at 18:12 on 19 December 2022
Golden Shadow (8B+)
Added at 16:03 on 14 March 2023
Topaz (8C, FA)
View this post on Instagram

Added at 21:04 on 07 April 2021
Biographie (9a+)
Added at 19:12 on 27 December 2021
Roadkill (8C)
Added at 19:01 on 31 January 2022
Primitivo (8C)
View this post on Instagram

Added at 18:03 on 24 March 2022
4-Low (8C)
View this post on Instagram

Added at 06:04 on 08 April 2022
Dreamtime (pre break) (8B+)
Added at 09:05 on 07 May 2023
The Island (8B+, FA)
Added at 10:05 on 07 May 2023
Action Directe (9a)
Added at 13:11 on 03 November 2022
Primitivo (8C)
Added at 15:04 on 26 April 2022
La Rustica (8C)
View this post on Instagram

Added at 05:05 on 10 May 2022
Euclase (8C+, FA)
View this post on Instagram

Added at 18:06 on 14 June 2022
Fuck the System (8C+)
View this post on Instagram

Added at 05:07 on 22 July 2022
Peace Corps (8C)
View this post on Instagram

Added at 16:07 on 21 July 2023

Ascents

72 recorded ascents.

This timeline is missing some ascents where the date of the ascent is unknown. Use the other tabs to view these ascents.
Year Climb Grade Ascent Date
2000 China Beach 8c (Lead worked) 2000
First ascent.
To Bolt or Not to Be 8b+ (Lead worked) 1st Apr 2000
The Fly 9a (Lead worked) 7th Apr 2000
First ascent.
Nothin' But Sunshine 8B (Boulder worked) 1st Sep 2000
First ascent.
C'Était Demain 8A (Boulder flash) Dec 2000
2001 Spectre 8B (Boulder worked) 10th Jan 2001
First ascent.

https://vimeo.com/4730262

Sideways Daze 8B (Boulder worked) 15th Mar 2001
First ascent.
Action Directe 9a (Lead worked) 21st May 2001
Fourth ascent.

https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/dave-graham-action-directe.html

Psychedelic 9a (Lead worked) 8th Nov 2001
First ascent. 4 attempts.
Necessary Evil 8c+ (Lead worked) 20th Nov 2001
2002 Dreamtime (pre break) 8B+ (Boulder worked) 30th Jan 2002

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PaKnVUVBbw

Mithril 8B (Boulder worked) 25th Feb 2002
First ascent.
2003 Bhai Bon 8B+ (Boulder worked) 2003
First ascent.
Satan i Helvete (Pre December 2013) 8B (Boulder worked) 7th Mar 2003
First ascent.
2004 The Riverbed 8B (Boulder worked) 2004
First ascent.
Boogalagga 8B (Boulder worked) 8th Dec 2004
The Dagger 8B+ (Boulder worked) 19th Dec 2004
2005 The Story of Two Worlds 8C (Boulder worked) 9th Jan 2005
First ascent.

The new standard

From Dirt Grows the Flowers 8C (Boulder worked) 7th Mar 2005
First ascent.
Radja 8B+ (Boulder worked) 25th Oct 2005
Coup de Grace 9a (Lead worked) 31st Oct 2005
First ascent.

https://www.ukclimbing.com/news/2005/12/david_graham_climbs_coup_de_grace_9a9a+-21787

Kings of Sonlerto 8A+ (Boulder worked) 11th Nov 2005
First ascent.
The Swarm 8B (Boulder worked) 15th Dec 2005
2006 Scarred for Life 8B+ (Boulder worked) 2006
First ascent.
Terre de Sienne 8B (Boulder worked) Feb 2006

Second ascent.

Permanent Midnight 8B (Boulder worked) 19th Sep 2006
First ascent.
A Muerte 8c+ (Lead worked) 7th Dec 2006
2007 Biographie 9a+ (Lead worked) 30th Jul 2007

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpSfHQtBdOQ

https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/dave-graham-sends-realisation-at-ceuse.html

2008 The Island 8B+ (Boulder worked) 7th Apr 2008
First ascent.

Impressive line in compression, and an old project from the ages back. Huge moves in between slopers and always at my full extension, so very intense climbing. As the weather has been really bad, and my left hand pulley injury keeps me from crimping, I have a been lucky with this one. 3 days of work; hustlin'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uo2RsX2lASg

Big Paw 8B+ (Boulder worked) 27th Nov 2008
First ascent.
2009
2010 Warrior Up 8C (Boulder worked) 4th Sep 2010
We Can Build You 8B+ (Boulder worked) 16th Sep 2010
First ascent.
2011 The Ice Knife 8B+ (Boulder worked) 18th Oct 2011
First ascent.
Memory is Parallax 8B+ (Boulder worked) 31st Dec 2011
First ascent.

In a day and age where each boulder problem is argued to be less and less significant (its not that hard, its not that cool, its not that tall, its not what I like, no one will go there, blah blah blah) I find it truly important to share when things do matter. When something I have done a boulder is significant. I took a lot from this experience as a person, even though I just climbed a rock, it was a massive milestone, and a true personal accomplishment, but it was because of how it fit into my life, where I was when I did it, and where I came from before I started trying it. [1]

[1] https://climbingnarc.com/2012/02/fuerza-my-people/

2012 Golden Shadow 8B+ (Boulder worked) 2012

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqcoZL9G0xE

Paint it Black 8C (Boulder worked) 28th Apr 2012
The Wheel of Life 9a (Boulder worked) 8th Jun 2012
Groove Train 8c (Lead ground up) 4th Jul 2012
A Simple Knowing 8B (Boulder worked) 13th Jul 2012

https://youtu.be/9gSspTU6ats?t=93

The Vice 8B (Boulder worked) 1st Aug 2012

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UE4ej46V3IA

White Noise 8C (Boulder worked) 7th Oct 2012
2013 Meadowlark Lemon 8B+ (Boulder worked) 8th Jan 2013
The Bridge of Ashes 8C (Boulder worked) 8th Mar 2013
First ascent.

One of the most challenging projects I have ever completed. I found and cleaned this line over a year ago, and have been trying intermittently ever since. Once I found the right method and realized the boulder was actually climbable, I thought it would be just about having the right skin and conditions. I thought it was in the bag. Oh how I was wrong!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Iy8U660wqw

Wave Swoop 8B+ (Boulder worked) 28th Jul 2013
First ascent.

https://youtu.be/ySHWd3KEP6o?t=409

The Wheel of Wolvo 8B+ (Boulder worked) 17th Sep 2013
Foundations Edge 8C (Boulder worked) 15th Oct 2013
First ascent.

It was an awesome climb. I battled it out, got super pumped, and didn’t kill myself falling off wet top out. 19 moves, and about 12 meters long, and one my favorite pieces of climbing I have ever done.

The sequence is powerful and tensiony, yet flowing. I love the body positions you get into while you climb it. Very athletic, yet balancy. [1]

[1] https://climbingnarc.com/2013/11/foundations-edge/

[2] https://www.instagram.com/p/fiyaYYGv6y/

2014 Carnage 8B (Boulder worked) 22nd Sep 2014
2015 Light Saber 8A (Boulder worked) 2015
First ascent.
Confessions 8B (Boulder worked) 14th Feb 2015
First ascent.
Spray of Light 8C (Boulder worked) 28th Jul 2015
Thor's Hammer 9a (Lead worked) 5th Oct 2015
2016 Creature from the Black Lagoon 8C+ (Boulder worked) Oct 2016

Second ascent.

Topaz 8C (Boulder worked) 12th Oct 2016
First ascent.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLgeXAUjDFi/

2017 Cosmic Artifact 8B+ (Boulder worked) Before 10th Jun 2017
First ascent.
2018 Black Eagle Assis 8B+ (Boulder worked) Aug 2018
First ascent.

First repeat since broken holds.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=10155272484657126

2019 Petrichor 8C (Boulder worked) 2019
First ascent.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QckpXxfzgQQ

La Rambla Extension 9a+ (Lead worked) Mar 2019
Hypnotized Minds 8C+ (Boulder worked) Oct 2019

Third ascent.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3fYP18AQDV/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qx4VA2DgRGk

2020 Ali Hulk (extension total sit start) 9b (Lead worked) 29th Sep 2020

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6JrnE77MEQ

2021 Roadkill 8C (Boulder worked) 6th Dec 2021

Dave was working the line with Clément Lechaptois, they sent the line on the same day within 30mins of each other.

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/p/CXoYlaigA6l/

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF7AIgFdFB0

2022 Primitivo 8C (Boulder worked) 12th Feb 2022

One of the most technical sequences I have ever accomplished 😅

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cbfu-RrAsm_/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFpurzd7SB8

4-Low 8C (Boulder worked) 28th Feb 2022

Second ascent.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CcDYj5tgcZ_/

La Rustica 8C (Boulder worked) 2nd Apr 2022

https://www.instagram.com/p/CdWBRAWMiWt/

Euclase 8C+ (Boulder worked) 20th Apr 2022
First ascent.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cey5A2EDtid/

Fuck the System 8C+ (Boulder worked) 25th Jun 2022

With a classic “training attempt” I launched into the climb without thinking, found a flow I’d never felt, stuck my release almost accidentally, then carried on move by move with a deep pump, didn’t drop the final traverse section, and summited, completely astonished 🤯

https://www.instagram.com/p/CgSTh4cjGwk/

Cassim 8C (Boulder worked) 2nd Nov 2022
First ascent.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CmW9ybQjdxr/

2023 Celestite 8C+ (Boulder worked) 28th Mar 2023
First ascent.

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/p/CtHhoEft9eU/=

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mqzx7bflG6M

Peace Corps 8C (Boulder worked) 14th Apr 2023

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu91IUYtvlQ/

Adularia 8C (Boulder worked) 26th Sep 2023
First ascent.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Czom8wws12x/?img_index=1

Hazel Grace 8C (Boulder worked) 16th Oct 2023
Third ascent.

References

[1] https://youtu.be/Aax1Vt9_Tjc?t=510

[2] https://www.instagram.com/p/C0M2jkcMuCA/

Climb Grade Ascent Date Suggested Grade
Ali Hulk (extension total sit start) 9b (Lead worked) 29th Sep 2020

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6JrnE77MEQ

Biographie 9a+ (Lead worked) 30th Jul 2007

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpSfHQtBdOQ

https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/dave-graham-sends-realisation-at-ceuse.html

La Rambla Extension 9a+ (Lead worked) Mar 2019
The Fly 9a (Lead worked) 7th Apr 2000
First ascent.
Psychedelic 9a (Lead worked) 8th Nov 2001
First ascent. 4 attempts.
Coup de Grace 9a (Lead worked) 31st Oct 2005 9a+
First ascent.

https://www.ukclimbing.com/news/2005/12/david_graham_climbs_coup_de_grace_9a9a+-21787

Action Directe 9a (Lead worked) 21st May 2001
Fourth ascent.

https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/dave-graham-action-directe.html

Thor's Hammer 9a (Lead worked) 5th Oct 2015
Necessary Evil 8c+ (Lead worked) 20th Nov 2001
A Muerte 8c+ (Lead worked) 7th Dec 2006
China Beach 8c (Lead worked) 2000
First ascent.
Jaws 8c (Lead worked)
First ascent.
Groove Train 8c (Lead ground up) 4th Jul 2012
To Bolt or Not to Be 8b+ (Lead worked) 1st Apr 2000
Climb Grade Ascent Date Suggested Grade
Euclase 8C+ (Boulder worked) 20th Apr 2022 8C+
First ascent.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cey5A2EDtid/

Celestite 8C+ (Boulder worked) 28th Mar 2023
First ascent.

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/p/CtHhoEft9eU/=

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mqzx7bflG6M

Creature from the Black Lagoon 8C+ (Boulder worked) Oct 2016

Second ascent.

Hypnotized Minds 8C+ (Boulder worked) Oct 2019

Third ascent.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3fYP18AQDV/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qx4VA2DgRGk

Fuck the System 8C+ (Boulder worked) 25th Jun 2022

With a classic “training attempt” I launched into the climb without thinking, found a flow I’d never felt, stuck my release almost accidentally, then carried on move by move with a deep pump, didn’t drop the final traverse section, and summited, completely astonished 🤯

https://www.instagram.com/p/CgSTh4cjGwk/

The Story of Two Worlds 8C (Boulder worked) 9th Jan 2005
First ascent.

The new standard

From Dirt Grows the Flowers 8C (Boulder worked) 7th Mar 2005
First ascent.
The Bridge of Ashes 8C (Boulder worked) 8th Mar 2013 8C
First ascent.

One of the most challenging projects I have ever completed. I found and cleaned this line over a year ago, and have been trying intermittently ever since. Once I found the right method and realized the boulder was actually climbable, I thought it would be just about having the right skin and conditions. I thought it was in the bag. Oh how I was wrong!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Iy8U660wqw

Foundations Edge 8C (Boulder worked) 15th Oct 2013
First ascent.

It was an awesome climb. I battled it out, got super pumped, and didn’t kill myself falling off wet top out. 19 moves, and about 12 meters long, and one my favorite pieces of climbing I have ever done.

The sequence is powerful and tensiony, yet flowing. I love the body positions you get into while you climb it. Very athletic, yet balancy. [1]

[1] https://climbingnarc.com/2013/11/foundations-edge/

[2] https://www.instagram.com/p/fiyaYYGv6y/

Topaz 8C (Boulder worked) 12th Oct 2016
First ascent.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLgeXAUjDFi/

Petrichor 8C (Boulder worked) 2019
First ascent.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QckpXxfzgQQ

Cassim 8C (Boulder worked) 2nd Nov 2022
First ascent.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CmW9ybQjdxr/

Adularia 8C (Boulder worked) 26th Sep 2023
First ascent.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Czom8wws12x/?img_index=1

Warrior Up 8C (Boulder worked) 4th Sep 2010
Paint it Black 8C (Boulder worked) 28th Apr 2012
White Noise 8C (Boulder worked) 7th Oct 2012
Spray of Light 8C (Boulder worked) 28th Jul 2015
Roadkill 8C (Boulder worked) 6th Dec 2021 8C

Dave was working the line with Clément Lechaptois, they sent the line on the same day within 30mins of each other.

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/p/CXoYlaigA6l/

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF7AIgFdFB0

Primitivo 8C (Boulder worked) 12th Feb 2022

One of the most technical sequences I have ever accomplished 😅

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cbfu-RrAsm_/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFpurzd7SB8

4-Low 8C (Boulder worked) 28th Feb 2022

Second ascent.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CcDYj5tgcZ_/

La Rustica 8C (Boulder worked) 2nd Apr 2022

https://www.instagram.com/p/CdWBRAWMiWt/

Peace Corps 8C (Boulder worked) 14th Apr 2023

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu91IUYtvlQ/

Hazel Grace 8C (Boulder worked) 16th Oct 2023 8C/8C+
Third ascent.

References

[1] https://youtu.be/Aax1Vt9_Tjc?t=510

[2] https://www.instagram.com/p/C0M2jkcMuCA/

Bhai Bon 8B+ (Boulder worked) 2003
First ascent.
Scarred for Life 8B+ (Boulder worked) 2006
First ascent.
The Island 8B+ (Boulder worked) 7th Apr 2008 8C
First ascent.

Impressive line in compression, and an old project from the ages back. Huge moves in between slopers and always at my full extension, so very intense climbing. As the weather has been really bad, and my left hand pulley injury keeps me from crimping, I have a been lucky with this one. 3 days of work; hustlin'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uo2RsX2lASg

Big Paw 8B+ (Boulder worked) 27th Nov 2008
First ascent.
We Can Build You 8B+ (Boulder worked) 16th Sep 2010
First ascent.
The Ice Knife 8B+ (Boulder worked) 18th Oct 2011 8C
First ascent.
Memory is Parallax 8B+ (Boulder worked) 31st Dec 2011
First ascent.

In a day and age where each boulder problem is argued to be less and less significant (its not that hard, its not that cool, its not that tall, its not what I like, no one will go there, blah blah blah) I find it truly important to share when things do matter. When something I have done a boulder is significant. I took a lot from this experience as a person, even though I just climbed a rock, it was a massive milestone, and a true personal accomplishment, but it was because of how it fit into my life, where I was when I did it, and where I came from before I started trying it. [1]

[1] https://climbingnarc.com/2012/02/fuerza-my-people/

Wave Swoop 8B+ (Boulder worked) 28th Jul 2013
First ascent.

https://youtu.be/ySHWd3KEP6o?t=409

Cosmic Artifact 8B+ (Boulder worked) Before 10th Jun 2017 8B+
First ascent.
Black Eagle Assis 8B+ (Boulder worked) Aug 2018
First ascent.

First repeat since broken holds.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=10155272484657126

Dreamtime (pre break) 8B+ (Boulder worked) 30th Jan 2002 8B+

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PaKnVUVBbw

The Dagger 8B+ (Boulder worked) 19th Dec 2004 8B+
Radja 8B+ (Boulder worked) 25th Oct 2005
Golden Shadow 8B+ (Boulder worked) 2012

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqcoZL9G0xE

Meadowlark Lemon 8B+ (Boulder worked) 8th Jan 2013 8C
The Wheel of Wolvo 8B+ (Boulder worked) 17th Sep 2013 8C
Nothin' But Sunshine 8B (Boulder worked) 1st Sep 2000
First ascent.
Spectre 8B (Boulder worked) 10th Jan 2001
First ascent.

https://vimeo.com/4730262

Sideways Daze 8B (Boulder worked) 15th Mar 2001
First ascent.
Mithril 8B (Boulder worked) 25th Feb 2002
First ascent.
Satan i Helvete (Pre December 2013) 8B (Boulder worked) 7th Mar 2003
First ascent.
The Riverbed 8B (Boulder worked) 2004
First ascent.
Permanent Midnight 8B (Boulder worked) 19th Sep 2006
First ascent.
Confessions 8B (Boulder worked) 14th Feb 2015 8B+
First ascent.
Shadowfax 8B (Boulder worked)
First ascent.
Boogalagga 8B (Boulder worked) 8th Dec 2004
The Swarm 8B (Boulder worked) 15th Dec 2005
Terre de Sienne 8B (Boulder worked) Feb 2006 8B+

Second ascent.

A Simple Knowing 8B (Boulder worked) 13th Jul 2012

https://youtu.be/9gSspTU6ats?t=93

The Vice 8B (Boulder worked) 1st Aug 2012

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UE4ej46V3IA

Carnage 8B (Boulder worked) 22nd Sep 2014 8B (soft)
Kings of Sonlerto 8A+ (Boulder worked) 11th Nov 2005 8B+
First ascent.
Light Saber 8A (Boulder worked) 2015
First ascent.
C'Était Demain 8A (Boulder flash) Dec 2000
Climb Grade Ascent Date Suggested Grade
Climb Grade Ascent Date Suggested Grade
The Wheel of Life 9a (Boulder worked) 8th Jun 2012