Dave Graham

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Also known as: The Wizard

Quick Info

From: USA 🇺🇸
Date of birth: 10th November 1981
Age: 43 years old
Gender: Male
Hardest Boulder (Worked): 8C+
Hardest Boulder (Flash): 8A
Hardest Sport (Worked): 9b
Notable Partnerships
Alizée Dufraisse
Chris Sharma
Luke Parady

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 PlanetMountain.com, 2001 https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/interviews/dave-graham.html

[3] Interview with climbing.com 2022, https://www.climbing.com/people/what-ive-learned-dave-graham/

Contributors
126 contributions since 27th December 2020.
7 contributions since 3rd June 2024.
ben
1 contribution since 7th July 2025.
1 contribution since 20th January 2025.

Quick Info

From: USA 🇺🇸
Date of birth: 10th November 1981
Age: 43 years old
Gender: Male
Hardest Boulder (Worked): 8C+
Hardest Boulder (Flash): 8A
Hardest Sport (Worked): 9b
Notable Partnerships
Alizée Dufraisse
Chris Sharma
Luke Parady

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 PlanetMountain.com, 2001 https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/interviews/dave-graham.html

[3] Interview with climbing.com 2022, https://www.climbing.com/people/what-ive-learned-dave-graham/

Contributors
126 contributions since 27th December 2020.
7 contributions since 3rd June 2024.
ben
1 contribution since 7th July 2025.
1 contribution since 20th January 2025.

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Ascents

126 recorded ascents.

This timeline is missing some ascents where the date of the ascent is unknown.
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Climb Grade Style Ascent Date Suggested Grade
Ali Hulk (extension total sit start) 9b Lead | worked 29th Sep 2020

References

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6JrnE77MEQ
Biographie 9a+ Lead | worked 30th Jul 2007
Fourth ascent.

References

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

[2] 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.
Action Directe 9a Lead | worked 21st May 2001
Fourth ascent.

References

[1] https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/dave-graham-action-directe.html
Psychedelic 9a Lead | worked 8th Nov 2001
First ascent. Fourth go.
Bain de Sang 9a Lead | worked 13th Apr 2005
Third go.
Coup de Grace 9a Lead | worked 31st Oct 2005 9a+
First ascent.

References

[1] https://www.ukclimbing.com/news/2005/12/david_graham_climbs_coup_de_grace_9a9a+-21787
The Illusionist 9a Lead | worked Sep 2015
Second ascent.

References

[1] https://www.ukclimbing.com/news/2015/09/woods+graham_make_repeats_at_flatanger-70005
Thor's Hammer 9a Lead | worked 5th Oct 2015
Elfe 8c+ Lead | worked 15th Jun 2001
Fifth go.
Ice Cream 8c+ Lead | worked 30th Oct 2001
Necessary Evil 8c+ Lead | worked 20th Nov 2001

References

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_scchEzQNg
A Muerte 8c+ Lead | worked 7th Dec 2006
9 attempts.
China Beach 8c Lead | worked 2000
First ascent.
Hasta la Vista 8c Lead | worked 6th Aug 2000

chipped to shit. hard [1]

References

[1] https://www.8a.nu/crags/sportclimbing/united-states/mt-charleston/sectors/unknown-sector/routes/hasta-la-vista/
Raubritter 8c Lead | worked 25th May 2001
2 sessions.
Fifty Words For Pump 8c Lead | worked 21st Oct 2007
Groove Train 8c Lead | ground up 4th Jul 2012 8c+ (hard)
Jaws 8c Lead | worked
First ascent.
To Bolt or Not to Be 8b+ Lead | worked 1st Apr 2000
Climb Grade Style Ascent Date Suggested Grade
Creature from the Black Lagoon 8C+ Boulder | worked Oct 2016
Second ascent.
Hypnotized Minds 8C+ Boulder | worked Oct 2019
Third ascent.

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/p/B3fYP18AQDV/

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qx4VA2DgRGk
Euclase 8C+ Boulder | worked 20th Apr 2022 8C+
First ascent.

References

[1] 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 🤯

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/p/CgSTh4cjGwk/
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
Curve Ball 8C+ Boulder | worked Between 1st Mar 2025 and 15th May 2025
Second ascent.

References

[1] /file/fd0bb5f2-deed-3018-6bc4-3f39cb5d797a/PRESS RELEASE_BOSI_SWISS FIRST ASCENTS_TRIP ROUNDUP.pdf
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.
Paint it Black 8C Boulder | worked 28th Apr 2012
9 sessions.
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!

References

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Iy8U660wqw
Foundation's Edge 8C Boulder | worked 15th Oct 2013 8C
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]

References

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

[2] https://www.instagram.com/p/fiyaYYGv6y/
Spray of Light 8C Boulder | worked 28th Jul 2015
Topaz 8C Boulder | worked 12th Oct 2016
First ascent.

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/p/BLgeXAUjDFi/
Petrichor 8C Boulder | worked 2019
First ascent.

References

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

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/p/Cbfu-RrAsm_/

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFpurzd7SB8
4-Low 8C Boulder | worked 28th Feb 2022
Second ascent.

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/reel/CcDYj5tgcZ_/
La Rustica 8C Boulder | worked 2nd Apr 2022

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/p/CdWBRAWMiWt/
Cassim 8C Boulder | worked 2nd Nov 2022
First ascent. Around 20 sessions.

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/dave_graham_/reel/CmXHf8vj0Ki/
Peace Corps 8C Boulder | worked 14th Apr 2023

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu91IUYtvlQ/
Adularia 8C Boulder | worked 26th Sep 2023
First ascent.

References

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

[3] https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2Ncu2GtB86/
Big Snapper 8C Boulder | worked 22nd Oct 2023
Second ascent.

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/p/C0mjvv7M42z/
The Tesseract 8C Boulder | worked 2024
First ascent.

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/p/DCZwyjfgjJf/
Captain Nemo 8C Boulder | worked Mar 2024

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/reel/C56V6rStEVv/
Eye in the Sky 8C Boulder | worked 8th May 2024
24 sessions.

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/p/C90R7voA9kd/
La Colombe 8C Boulder | worked
First ascent.
Dreamtime (pre break) 8B+ Boulder | worked 30th Jan 2002 8B+
Third ascent.

References

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PaKnVUVBbw
Bhai Bon 8B+ Boulder | worked 2003
First ascent.
Radja 8B+ Boulder | worked 25th Oct 2005
Scarred For Life 8B+ Boulder | worked 13th Sep 2006
First ascent.
Khéops Assis 8B+ Boulder | worked 2008

References

[1] Climb Issue 42, page 54
Midnight Express 8B+ Boulder | worked 14th Jan 2008
Third ascent.
Lost in the Hood 8B+ Boulder | worked 28th Feb 2008
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'

After topping out Dave uttered the immortal words

I am the master of my own world.

References

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uo2RsX2lASg
Big Paw 8B+ Boulder | worked 27th Nov 2008
First ascent.
Warrior Up 8B+ Boulder | worked 4th Sep 2010
Second ascent. 5 sessions.
To Your Scattered Bodies Go 8B+ Boulder | worked 10th Sep 2010 8B
First ascent.
Occam's Razor 8B+ Boulder | worked 13th Sep 2011
Second 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/
Golden Shadow 8B+ Boulder | worked 2012

References

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqcoZL9G0xE
Never Say Never 8B+ Boulder | worked 26th Jan 2012
Neon Desert 8B+ Boulder | worked 29th Feb 2012
First ascent.
Blood of a Young Wolf 8B+ Boulder | worked 9th Mar 2012
First ascent.
The Grey 8B+ Boulder | worked 27th Apr 2012 8B+
First ascent.
White Noise 8B+ Boulder | worked 7th Oct 2012
Mind to Motion 8B+ Boulder | worked 14th Nov 2012
Wave Swoop 8B+ Boulder | worked 28th Jul 2013
First ascent.

References

[1] https://youtu.be/ySHWd3KEP6o?t=409
The Wheel of Wolvo 8B+ Boulder | worked 17th Sep 2013 8C
The Purge 8B+ Boulder | worked 27th Nov 2013

References

[1] https://instagram.com/p/hPSczlGvxC/
The Phoenix 8B+ Boulder | worked Jun 2014

References

[1] https://vimeo.com/132889073
Aslan 8B+ Boulder | worked 20th Sep 2014
Komodo 8B+ Boulder | worked 9th Nov 2014
Second ascent.

References

[1] https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10152320619787126&id=291720792125
NEM 8B+ Boulder | worked 12th Mar 2015
2 sessions.
Cosmic Artifact 8B+ Boulder | worked Before 10th Jun 2017 8B+
First ascent.
Dark Side of the Compass 8B+ Boulder | worked Before 22nd May 2018
First ascent.
Black Eagle Assis 8B+ Boulder | worked Aug 2018
First ascent.

First repeat since broken holds.

References

[1] https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=10155272484657126
Axinite 8B+ Boulder | worked Before 29th Sep 2023
First ascent.
Gwindel Zeit 8B+ Boulder | worked 2024
First ascent.

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDXgg1dAskX/
Bloody Face 8B+ Boulder | worked Nov 2024 8C

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFYIZ6ngdk8/

[2] https://www.instagram.com/p/DGyahS0gHcF/
Nuthin' But Sunshine 8B Boulder | worked 1st Sep 2000
First ascent.
Spectre 8B Boulder | worked 10th Jan 2001
First ascent.

References

[1] https://vimeo.com/4730262
Black Lung 8B Boulder | worked 20th Jan 2001
Sideways Daze 8B Boulder | worked 15th Mar 2001
First ascent.
Mithril 8B Boulder | worked 25th Feb 2002
First ascent.
Khéops 8B Boulder | worked 20th Mar 2002
Ubik Assis 8B Boulder | worked 3rd Mar 2003
Satan i Helvete (pre-December 2013) 8B Boulder | worked 7th Mar 2003
First ascent.
The Riverbed 8B Boulder | worked 2004
First ascent.
Electric Ant 8B Boulder | worked 24th Nov 2004
Boogalagga 8B Boulder | worked 8th Dec 2004
The Dagger 8B Boulder | worked 19th Dec 2004 8B+
Confessions 8B Boulder | worked 14th Feb 2005 8B+
First ascent.
General Disarray 8B Boulder | worked 30th Sep 2005
First ascent.
The Swarm 8B Boulder | worked 15th Dec 2005
Booka Booka Booka 8B Boulder | worked 16th Jan 2006
First ascent.
Terre de Sienne 8B Boulder | worked Feb 2006 8B+
Second ascent.
Slashface 8B Boulder | worked 11th Feb 2006
Second go.
The Mote in God's Eye 8B Boulder | worked 10th Aug 2010
First ascent. 3 sessions.
We Can Build You 8B Boulder | worked 16th Sep 2010 8B+
First ascent.
Monkey Business 8B Boulder | worked 2012
First ascent.
Bear Toss 8B Boulder | worked 23rd Mar 2012
First ascent.
A Simple Knowing 8B Boulder | worked 13th Jul 2012

References

[1] https://youtu.be/9gSspTU6ats?t=93
The Vice 8B Boulder | worked 1st Aug 2012

References

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UE4ej46V3IA
Meadowlark Lemon 8B Boulder | worked 8th Jan 2013 8C
Carnage 8B Boulder | worked 22nd Sep 2014 8B (soft)
Barrel Rider 8B Boulder | worked 7th Dec 2014
First ascent.
Trust Issues 8B Boulder | worked Before 30th Jul 2017 8B+

References

[1] https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=10154482829092126
Flow My Tears 8B Boulder | worked 2024
First ascent.

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEfh93fgUo3/
Earth Ship 8B Boulder | worked 2024
Second ascent.

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/p/DBRm0U3u2Rv/
Magma 8B Boulder | worked Oct 2024
First ascent.

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/p/DDFeAF-gr_8/
Shadowfax 8B Boulder | worked
First ascent.
European Human Being 8A+ Boulder | worked Sep 2000
Reve de Faire 8A+ Boulder | worked Jul 2001
The Mandala 8A+ Boulder | worked 2002

References

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7F8UoThdS0
A Scanner Darkly 8A+ Boulder | worked Dec 2002
First ascent.
The Great Shark Hunt 8A+ Boulder | worked 22nd Dec 2004
First ascent.
Kings of Sonlerto 8A+ Boulder | worked 11th Nov 2005 8B+
First ascent.
Permanent Midnight 8A+ Boulder | worked 19th Sep 2006
First ascent.
The Antihero 8A+ Boulder | worked 31st Dec 2007
Second ascent.
Trice 8A+ Boulder | worked 10th Jan 2008
C'Était Demain 8A Boulder | flash Dec 2000
Light Saber 8A Boulder | worked 2015
First ascent.
Climb Grade Style Ascent Date Suggested Grade
Climb Grade Style Ascent Date Suggested Grade
The Wheel of Life 9a Boulder | worked 8th Jun 2012