Daniel Woods facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Daniel Woods

Woods in 2019
Personal information
Born	(1989-08-01) August 1, 1989 (age 35) Richardson, Texas, U.S.
Occupation	Professional rock climber
Height	1.70 m
Weight	61 kg
Climbing career
Type of climber	Bouldering Sport climbing Competition bouldering
Highest grade	Redpoint: 9b (5.15b) Bouldering: 9A, V17
Known for	Second-ever climber to send 9A (V17)
First ascents	Return of the Sleepwalker (V17, 2021) The Process (V16, 2015)
Medal record Men's competition climbing Representing  United States World Cup Gold 2010 Vail Bouldering Silver 2009 Vail Bouldering Silver 2011 Eindhoven Bouldering Bronze 2008 Hall Bouldering
Updated on August 3, 2022.

Daniel Woods, born on August 1, 1989, is an American professional rock climber. He is especially good at bouldering, which is climbing on large rocks or short walls without ropes. Many people think he is one of the best boulderers ever!

He has climbed more than 30 super-hard bouldering routes. Daniel has also won many climbing competitions, including national championships in the U.S. and international events. In 2021, Daniel made history by being only the second person ever to climb a super difficult route called Return of the Sleepwalker. He suggested it was a V17, which is one of the hardest grades in bouldering!

Early Life and Start in Climbing

Woods competing in Boulder, Colorado in 2010

Daniel Woods was born in Richardson, Texas. He first learned about climbing when he was a Cub Scout. When he was 8 years old, his family moved to Longmont, Colorado.

In Colorado, Daniel started competing in climbing events. He joined a junior climbing team. His coaches, Justin Sjong and Jimmie Redo, helped him become a very skilled climber.

Daniel Woods' Climbing Career

Outdoor Rock Climbing Achievements

Woods climbing Thor's Hammer (9a+ 5.15a) in the Hanshelleren Caves, Norway in 2019

In 2003, Daniel Woods climbed his first difficult bouldering route, called ... You Finger. It was rated V13. The next year, when he was 15, he was the first to climb a route called Echale. He graded it V14.

In 2007, Daniel made the first climb of Jade in Rocky Mountain National Park. He had worked on this project for several years. He first thought it was a V15, but now most climbers agree it's a V14.

In 2008, when he was 18, Daniel moved to Innsbruck, Austria. He trained with famous climbers like Kilian Fischhuber. That same year, he made the first climb of In Search of Time Lost in Switzerland. He graded it V15.

In 2011, Daniel started filming a climbing movie called Welcome to the Hood. He climbed with other strong climbers like Paul Robinson. They filmed for five months, visiting some of the hardest bouldering spots in the world.

Competition Climbing Success

Even though Daniel Woods loves climbing outdoors, he is also one of the best American competition climbers. He has won the U.S. National Bouldering Championship nine times! He also won the SCS National Championship.

Daniel has competed in many international events called IFSC World Cups. In 2010, he won a gold medal at the Vail World Cup. He has also won the Hueco Tanks Rock Rodeo many times, most recently in 2017.

Amazing Climbs by Daniel Woods

Super Hard Boulder Problems

V17 (9A):

• Return of the Sleepwalker - Red Rocks, USA - March 30, 2021 - Daniel was the first to climb this route.

V16 (8C+):

• Grand Illusion - Utah - June 2021 - Third person to climb it.
• Off the Wagon Low - Switzerland - March 2020 - Third person to climb it.
• Sleepwalker - Red Rocks, USA - January 16, 2019 - Second person to climb it.
• Box Therapy - Rocky Mountain National Park, USA - October 31, 2018 - Daniel was the first to climb this route.
• Creature from the Black Lagoon - Rocky Mountain National Park, USA - September 27, 2016 - Daniel was the first to climb this route.
• The Process - Bishop, USA - January 17, 2015 - Daniel was the first to climb this route.
• Hypnotized Minds - Rocky Mountain National Park, USA - October 21, 2010 - Daniel was the first to climb this route.
• Insomniac - Lincoln Lake, USA - September 15, 2022 - Second person to climb it.
• Adrenaline - Colorado, USA - February 2024 - Daniel was the first to climb this route.

V15 (8C):

• Direct Hit - Ubatuba, Brazil - December 13, 2019 - Daniel was the first to climb this route.
• Finnish Line - Rocklands, South Africa - June 30, 2018 - Fifth person to climb it.
• Topaz - Wild Basin, USA - October 12, 2016 - Second person to climb it.
• Spray of Light - Rocklands, South Africa - July 2015 - Daniel was the first to climb this route.
• Noise Vs Beauty - Rocklands, South Africa - June 14, 2015 - Daniel was the first to climb this route.
• Lucid Dreaming - Bishop, USA - January 28, 2014 - Second person to climb it.
• El Diablo - Peñoles, Mexico - January 19, 2014 - Daniel was the first to climb this route.
• The Nest - Red Rock, USA - December 18, 2013 - Daniel was the first to climb this route.
• Defying Gravity - South Platte, USA - November 16, 2013 - Daniel was the first to climb this route.
• The Ice Knife SDS - Guanella Pass, USA - November 2, 2013 - Daniel was the first to climb this route.
• Delirium - Mt. Blue Sky, USA - September 18, 2013 - Second person to climb it.
• The Wheel of Wolvo - Mt. Blue Sky, USA - September 9, 2013 - Second person to climb it.
• The Wheel of Life - Grampians, Australia - July 23, 2013 - Ninth person to climb it.
• Hydrangea - Shiobara, Japan - February 14, 2013 - Second person to climb it.
• Witness The Fitness - Ozark Mountains, USA - January 5, 2013 - Third person to climb it.
• White Noise - Wild Basin, USA - September 18, 2012 - Daniel was the first to climb this route.
• Monkey Wedding - Rocklands, South Africa - August 13, 2012 - Fourth person to climb it.
• Paint it Black - Rocky Mountain National Park, USA - February 29, 2012 - Daniel was the first to climb this route.
• Big Paw - Chironico, Switzerland - November 24, 2011 - Second person to climb it.
• La Force Tranquille - Magic Wood, Switzerland - October 15, 2011 - Daniel was the first to climb this route.
• Ill Trill - Magic Wood, Switzerland - April 19, 2011 - Third person to climb it.
• Practice of the Wild - Magic Wood, Switzerland - April 16, 2011 - Third person to climb it.
• Warrior Up - Mt. Blue Sky, USA - September 4, 2010 - Second person to climb it.
• Desperanza - Hueco Tanks, USA - February 27, 2010 - Daniel was the first to climb this route.
• The Game - Boulder Canyon, USA - February 10, 2010 - Daniel was the first to climb this route.
• Terremer - Hueco Tanks, USA - January 30, 2010 - Third person to climb it.
• In Search of Time Lost - Magic Wood, Switzerland - September 9, 2008 - Daniel was the first to climb this route.

Hard Sport Routes (Redpointed)

9a+ (5.15a):

• Thor's Hammer in the Hanshelleren Caves, Flatanger Municipality, Norway in 2019.

See also

• List of grade milestones in rock climbing