John Sherman (climber)
Encyclopedia
John Sherman nicknamed Verm (short for "Vermin") is an American climber
and a pioneering boulderer
. He is also a writer and photographer. He is the originator of the V-scale for grading
boulder problems.
John "Verm" Sherman was a very visible 'outsider' character in the climbing
world during much of the 1980s and 90s. An early boulderer
, Sherman followed the sport from the era of searching for elusive Gill arrows to the forefront of the modern climbing world. His extensive efforts in the development of Hueco Tanks
are important in the sport's history.
Sherman's reputation does not exist without qualification. Alleged clashes between his traditionalist stances during the bolt wars of the late 80s/early 90s and his perceived 'summit at any cost' bouldering ethics (which include repeatedly torch-drying a hold at Rumney which then broke on use) have been the subject of grumblings in some communities. Sherman is the chief instigator behind bouldering's popularity, and he is credited with development of the modern V-scale for grading
boulder problems. He writes for Climbing Magazine.
Climbing
Climbing is the activity of using one's hands and feet to ascend a steep object. It is done both for recreation and professionally, as part of activities such as maintenance of a structure, or military operations.Climbing activities include:* Bouldering: Ascending boulders or small...
and a pioneering boulderer
Bouldering
Bouldering is a style of rock climbing undertaken without a rope and normally limited to very short climbs over a crash pad so that a fall will not result in serious injury. It is typically practiced on large natural boulders or artificial boulders in gyms and outdoor urban areas...
. He is also a writer and photographer. He is the originator of the V-scale for grading
Grade (bouldering)
In the sport of bouldering, problems are assigned technical grades according to several established systems, which are often distinct from those used in roped climbing. Bouldering grade systems in wide use include the Hueco "V" grades , Fontainebleau technical grades, route colors, Peak District...
boulder problems.
John "Verm" Sherman was a very visible 'outsider' character in the climbing
Climbing
Climbing is the activity of using one's hands and feet to ascend a steep object. It is done both for recreation and professionally, as part of activities such as maintenance of a structure, or military operations.Climbing activities include:* Bouldering: Ascending boulders or small...
world during much of the 1980s and 90s. An early boulderer
Bouldering
Bouldering is a style of rock climbing undertaken without a rope and normally limited to very short climbs over a crash pad so that a fall will not result in serious injury. It is typically practiced on large natural boulders or artificial boulders in gyms and outdoor urban areas...
, Sherman followed the sport from the era of searching for elusive Gill arrows to the forefront of the modern climbing world. His extensive efforts in the development of Hueco Tanks
Hueco Tanks
Hueco Tanks is an area of low mountains in El Paso County, Texas, USA. It is located in a high-altitude desert basin between the Franklin Mountains to the west and the Hueco Mountains to the east. Hueco is a Spanish word meaning hollows and refers to the many water-holding depressions in the...
are important in the sport's history.
Sherman's reputation does not exist without qualification. Alleged clashes between his traditionalist stances during the bolt wars of the late 80s/early 90s and his perceived 'summit at any cost' bouldering ethics (which include repeatedly torch-drying a hold at Rumney which then broke on use) have been the subject of grumblings in some communities. Sherman is the chief instigator behind bouldering's popularity, and he is credited with development of the modern V-scale for grading
Grade (bouldering)
In the sport of bouldering, problems are assigned technical grades according to several established systems, which are often distinct from those used in roped climbing. Bouldering grade systems in wide use include the Hueco "V" grades , Fontainebleau technical grades, route colors, Peak District...
boulder problems. He writes for Climbing Magazine.