There's an interesting aspect of revival of technique over strength in Graham's climbing. What I mean is that when Sharma popped on the scene, it was not just the fact that he was sending hard projects fast that made him stand out. It was also that his style was totally different to what the dominant Europeans setting the hardest grades were doing. Certainly in sport, it was about keeping your feet on, being static whenever possible, sussing out feet and sequences ... that was the definition of "good world class technique." Even people known for their power, like Fred Nicole or the Hubers, climbed very "technically." Then came Chris Sharma, hucking to holds with his feet cutting, but somehow staying on and progressing upwards. It revolutionized climbing and made everyone rethink good technique. I remember reading an article by a sports physician who analyzed Sharma biomechanics and dynamic movements to understand why what he was doing worked when it went against all conventional wisdom. Dave Graham seems to provide the counterpoint or maybe the next evolutionary step: maybe there was too much emphasis on static technique before Sharma, but maybe the way Chris climbed when he was young pushed things too far in the other direction and Dave Graham is a good reminder that "skinny bastards" climbing in that more classic style can still be right up there. What's beautiful about all of this is that it's not really about one or the other. Rather, each is a evolutionary step forward that is influenced by what came before to unlock a new level of what is possible to keep the rest of us inspired!

To me it seems he has really strong finger and good endurance and this is the style that fits his strength

…Dave is a technical master. Absolutely. But he’s also Sic strong and has epic endurance. You have to be to climb the routes he’s climbed, no matter how technical you are.

This video was amazing, it allowed to appreciate Dave Graham's climbing so much more. I would be super auper thankful if you could make more videos on him analyzing his climbing. This was seriously the best video I could have started the year with!!! Thanks a ton

That’s not Dave Graham climbing Jade, that’s Daniel Woods. That’s the footy from DWoods’s first ascent.

Great video!! I grew up in the northeast and Dave Graham was one of the local legends. Super cool to see him get some attention for his masterful climbing technique.

20 years ago it was "are you a fan of Sharma or Dave". I was in Dave's group. A true master of movement with indestructible fingers.

Paul Robinson is also another great example of Dave's approach to climbing :)

Dave has always been one of my favorite climbers !

A classic example of climbing styles follow body types. Jimmy webb would not be successful with Dave grahams style. I truly believe skinnier climbers have a more beautiful style is because they have less time constraint for each single move so they have more time to reposition the body/feet. That is also the reason why a lot of female climbers have a more aestheticly pleasing style but for heavier climbers it is essential to move fast which means dynamic and less time to reposition per move.

Dave is not a big guy but he's incredibly strong. It's just a ratio question, relative strength. Also his technique is amazing and he's got steal fingers. So is not that strange that he is on the top level. Love u Dave.

He didn’t climb 5.14 in his first year. I competed with him and youth comps way back. He had been climbing for a few years before sending 5.14. Not to say he isn’t obviously extremely talented of course.

The wizard is really strong!!!

Hey I just got into watching comp climbing and As wondering if you could make a video explaining the rules as it's a lot to take in at once. Thanks!

I topped out a route in rocky mountain national park that he back off on. it was a long time ago. he was impressed lol

great video

This video does a decent job of showing Graham's incredibly efficient technique; however, one thing really bothered me. There were several instances where we saw Daniel Woods on the first ascent of Jade. DG didn't establish Jade. It was an old project of his when DW established it, and this video showed that FA footage of Daniel multiple times. Like... there are SO many examples of Dave Graham's efficient "wizardry." Why use an incorrect one?

Liked the video, by the way on Jade it is actually Daniel Woods

am I the only one who isn’t a fan of ali hulk

my dream is to have a video like this made about me someday

This is what climbing is

Finally

Is that a fan at 5:15?

I'm glad you made this. I've always liked Graham but I didn't realize he was skinny like. As a skinny bastard myself it gives me motivation to keep getting stronger but stress too much about "Fitting the status quo." In fact that's kinda the reason I like climbing at all come to think of it...

He may not be the most powerful climber but his fingers are incredibly strong.

👍Good work! Great commentary on this video - I also find that people place too much emphasis on Aesthetics. A lot of strength is determined by the CNS, so don’t judge a book by its cover! I know a lot of dudes who are killers but look like an average or even skinny guy…Sam✌️

he needs to try silence fr

Gives us skinny guys some hope 😂

He may not be burly but he is very strong and able to recruit muscle fibers more efficiently than a climber with more mass. A heavier climber would benefit from his level of technical prowess even more than a skinny one.

I really have problems giving him credit for the Ali Hulk Assent. A dude holding up a Fan almost through the whole climb? He even stands a ladder at one point if I remember correctly. I mean come on. What would you all say if there is a Guy doing this with Ondra, Memos or Schubert? That really seems like aid to me.

Yeah yeah his arms/back are small but his finger strength is out of this world and technique is king but it makes no difference if your finger strength isn’t there to be honest..

heu #Ascentionism can we have a Angie Eiter video ??

Mind blowing analysis. As a short, weak guy I think this is my way forward... I need to get more creative and technical

Do it clean like everyone else does.

7:58 flexibility and what now? :D I mean yeah, his body has tons better mobility and flexibility than mine. If I tried his gastons, my shoulder would pop out of its socket. Also, scientifically, the stronger you are, the less prone to injuries you get, so if he wants to protect his sinews, he should do some pullups or something. BTW, Chris Sharma looks fucking cool when he sticks burly moves. just sayin... I really don't think the guy is weaker than I am, and pretty sure his body could do the same moves if he wanted to.

Knee bars. Like that is cheating bro. As many you use on a route? Tapped up rubber. Probably stealth c4.