Chris Sharma

Chris Sharma

Chris Omprakash Sharma, born April 23, 1981, in Santa Cruz, California, is recognized as one of the greatest climbers in the history of modern climbing. He discovered climbing at the age of 12 and quickly distinguished himself with his exceptional talent, winning the US Open Bouldering Nationals in the adult category at 14. From the very beginning, Sharma impressed the international community with his ability to push the boundaries of what was possible, both in sport climbing and bouldering. In the late 1990s, he made the first ascent of Necessary Evil (5.14c) in the Virgin River Gorge, then the most difficult route in North America. But it was in 2001 that he made history by making the first ascent of Biographie in Céüse, France, the first route in the world to be graded 9a+ (5.15a). This success cemented his reputation and placed him at the top of the world's elite. Sharma then went on to make first ascents of extreme routes, including Dreamcatcher (9a) in Squamish, Jumbo Love (9b) on Clark Mountain, and La Dura Dura (9b+) in Oliana, contributing to the evolution of grades and difficulty standards in sport climbing. Alongside his exploits on the cliff, Sharma also distinguished himself in bouldering, notably completing Dreamtime (8B+) in Cresciano, Practice of the Wild (8C) in Magic Wood, and Witness the Fitness (V15/8C) in Horseshoe Canyon Ranch. He also invested in the development of psicobloc, a spectacular unroped climbing discipline over water, for which he became an ambassador with the first ascent of Es Pontas in Mallorca, a natural arch that has become emblematic of the genre. Sharma is also a pioneer in the media promotion of climbing. A key figure in numerous films and documentaries, he has inspired generations of climbers with his aesthetic approach, his pursuit of pure lines, and his humble attitude. For over a decade, he was considered the best climber in the world, setting records and world firsts, while promoting major sites such as Bishop in California and Margalef in Spain. Based in Barcelona, ​​he now divides his time between opening new routes, managing climbing gyms in California and Spain, and producing content to promote his sport. In 2023, he co-created the television series The Climb, broadcast on HBO Max, with his friend Jason Momoa, aiming to democratize climbing among the general public. Married to Jimena Alarcón, he is the father of two and continues to push boundaries, as evidenced by his first ascent of Black Pearl in Mallorca in 2023, considered the world's most difficult psicobloc route. Chris Sharma embodies the quest for perfection and aesthetics in climbing, combining strength, creativity, and humility. His influence extends far beyond sport, making him a living legend and a source of inspiration for the entire contemporary climbing community.
    Known for
    Acting
    Place of birth
    Santa Cruz, California, USA
    Birthday
    23 April 1981
King Lines
King Lines
6.8
Progression
Progression
6.1
Free Hueco
Free Hueco
0
Dosage V
Dosage V
4.2
Dosage I
Dosage I
7.5
Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage
6
The Players
4.2
The Fanatic Search
The Fanatic Search
6.2
Dosage III
Dosage III
7.5
Rampage
Rampage
5.2
The Scene
The Scene
4.2
Chris Sharma - Above The Sea
Chris Sharma - Above The Sea
0
Dosage II
Dosage II
0
Abyss
0
Ashima
Ashima
0
Sleeping Lion
Sleeping Lion
10
Reel Rock 7
Reel Rock 7
7.5
Reel Rock 8
Reel Rock 8
7.9
Reel Rock 5
Reel Rock 5
8.4
Dosage IV
Dosage IV
5
Inertia
Inertia
0
Depth Charge
Depth Charge
7.5
Masters of Stone IV - Pure Force
Masters of Stone IV - Pure Force
10
Big Game
0
Best of the West
Best of the West
0
Uncharted Lines
Uncharted Lines
10
Reel Rock 12
Reel Rock 12
7.1
Petzl RocTrip China 2011
Petzl RocTrip China 2011
10
Into The Light
Into The Light
8.5
La Dura Dura
La Dura Dura
10
Solo: Climb to Live
Solo: Climb to Live
0
Black Pearl
Black Pearl
10