The progression in the number of climbers sending a 9a+ sport route in a given year had been stagnant through 2014. Annually, approximately 10 individuals were able to reach this level. However, the total number never grew. This is in contrast to the 9a grade which has continuously been on the rise year to year. The good news is that this number has doubled for 2015 relatively to previous years. On the other hand, we have seen a stagnation in 8C boulder ascents. It just might be that sport climbing is once again becoming the preference for top climbers?

Silvio Reffo, who previously completed nine 9a's or harder, repeated Stefano Ghisolfi's 40 m long line, Under Vibes 9a in Arco, which is a link-up of Underground 9a and Reinis Vibes 8c. In total, the Italian spent roughly 25 sessions on the two 9a's. "I'm really not sure about the degree of this route; some years ago when I tried Papichulo, a 9a+ very similar style to UnderVibes in Oliana, I felt the same feelings, so probably this route could be 9a/a+. I think for the moment that this line is the hardest resistance testpiece in Arco. Thanks to Francesca Simionato for the belay in a so freezing morning. Now I have some Projects in Slovenia and with the new year I'm going to go in Oliana.

Imagine connecting a device to your harness that instructs a camera equipped drone to automatically film you from five meters above your head. The number of videos exploiting drones has dramatically increased in the last few years. This has been observed mainly in bouldering as it is still hard to follow a climber on a 30 m long route. The Airdog can also be the perfect tool for you and your trainer to analyse your training and progress on projects. One drawback is that the battery capacity is just 10 - 18 minutes at the moment and then it takes one hour to recharge it. One possible solution for this is to wait to turn it on until you have come to the hard spectacular sequence high up on the route and then you can turn it off and the Airdog returns back to the base. Another setback is of course the price, 1 699 Euros, plus the additional cost of the camera. Here you can purchase the drone for 1 000 Euros, which includes a camera and ability to recharge the battery in an hour while still at the crag. Someday, the norm at a crag may be existence of several hovering drones at any time. This is easily a prospect some will welcome and others will dread. 8a has been in contact with the producers who informed us that a demo will be conducted at Railay before its market release in February.

Stephan Schibli, who started climbing in 1989, made his personal best by completing the FA of Licht und Schatten 9a+ in Telli. The project took him around 50 sessions over three year period. The 44-year-old previously climbed three 9a's and his hardest route, not counting his own FA's, is an 8c. This also does not take into account Bang des Sang 9a, which he climbed on top rope in his third try. "I built the start of the route in my boulder room for my special training. The next climbing plan is the an 15 year open project in Telli and holiday in Sperlonga!!!"

The Norwegian Federation is looking for a head coach for their Youth Team who will be responsible for some 6 - 8 guys, based on a 30 % position making some Euro 11 000 per year.

Tara Reynvaan reports on Facebook that Jonathan Siegrist has done his fourth 9a+, Power Inverter in Oliana, and the good news is that there is a video being made. Jonathan has done 14 routes 9a and harder to date. He is also famous for comparing Era Vella 9a with some 8c's he has done.

Janja Garnbret, who's won all the youth comps she's entered, was superior at La Sportiva Legends in Stockholm. The 16-year-old completed all five problems in only seven tries, while the other four world class females did just three altogether. Adding to that extreme result, Janja is primarily a lead climber who in the three WCs she entered in 2015 was #2, 2 and 3. (c) Lars Lindwall

Planet Grimpe reports that Edward "Ned" Feehally has done The Big Island 8C in Fontainebleau. Ned has previously done several 8B+'s and one 8C. In 2012, he was #6 in a Boulder WC.

Ramon Julian has done his second 9a FA during the last week, Widowmaker in Margalef. "Four tries during two days, impressive over hang opened by Vicent Palau." Ramonet climbed his first 9a in 2002. 2015 has proven to be his most productive year with six 9a's and two 9a+'s. In total, the 34-year-old has done 46 ascents 9a and harder.

Alex Megos reports on Facebook that he has done yet another 9a, "Did "Victimes del Futur" 9a today! After giving it 2 tries after my onsight of "Victimes del Passat" 2 days ago... A powerful lock-off is the crux and the freezing temps made everything harder since everybody struggled with cold fingers. But having a great time here!!!" Alex has done 47 routes 9a and harder and in our stats is #3, after Adam Ondra and Ramon Julian Puigblanque. However, when it comes to the biggest number of 9a's done the last year, Megos is #1 with more than 15 of them.