Shawn Raboutou climbs one of the hardest boulders in Japan: United (8C+)

American bouldering pro Shawn Raboutou is the first climber ever to repeat the 8C+ boulder United on Mount Mizugaki in Japan. The sit-start version of the boulder Decided was first climbed by Ryuichi Murai in 2019.

Once again Shawn Raboutou away from the public eye, he tackled an extremely difficult boulder. This time, the strong American solved a problem that was definitely tough: United, with 8C+ one of the most difficult boulders in Japan.

That might interest you

New sole instead of a new shoe: the time to resole

The right time to get climbing shoes resoled is sooner than you might think: when there's about one millimeter of sole left. Honestly, nobody measures it, but how do I know when I should get my shoes resoled, and where can I even do that?

How to read mountain weather: These planning tips & warning signs you should know

Every mountain tour hinges on the weather conditions. We'll show you what's important when planning mountain tours to avoid dangerous situations caused by sudden weather changes or thunderstorms, and how to react correctly in an emergency.

Rätikon: Babsi Zangerl & Jacopo Larcher repeat “Déjà” (8c+) – the hardest multi-pitch ascent by a woman

With their free ascent of "Déjà" on the south face of the Kirchlispitzen, the Austrian woman and the Italian man have completed their hardest project to date in the Rätikon. It is the first time the line has ever been repeated – and probably the first time a woman has climbed a multi-pitch route graded 8c+.

News

New sole instead of a new shoe: the time to resole

The right time to get climbing shoes resoled is sooner than you might think: when there's about one millimeter of sole left. Honestly, nobody measures it, but how do I know when I should get my shoes resoled, and where can I even do that?

How to read mountain weather: These planning tips & warning signs you should know

Every mountain tour hinges on the weather conditions. We'll show you what's important when planning mountain tours to avoid dangerous situations caused by sudden weather changes or thunderstorms, and how to react correctly in an emergency.

Rätikon: Babsi Zangerl & Jacopo Larcher repeat “Déjà” (8c+) – the hardest multi-pitch ascent by a woman

With their free ascent of "Déjà" on the south face of the Kirchlispitzen, the Austrian woman and the Italian man have completed their hardest project to date in the Rätikon. It is the first time the line has ever been repeated – and probably the first time a woman has climbed a multi-pitch route graded 8c+.

First 9a+ for Leo Cea (13): “No Pain No Gain” in Rodellar

Climbing a 9a+ was Leo Cea's clear goal for 2026. The year is far from over, but the plan has already been achieved: On September 2nd, the 13-year-old German-Chilean climber completed a real endurance challenge with "No Pain No Gain" in Rodellar.