Andrew Nimmer does Martial Law (9a+)

Andrew Nimmer, with six 8c+’ under his belt, has completed Martial Law (9a+) in Mt. Charleston. ”What a dream come true!! Felt so good to finally clip the chains. Shoutout to everyone who encouraged and supported me on this mission.” (c) Rachel Melville

Can you tell us more about the ascent and the process behind?
Climbing something of this difficulty has long been a dream of mine. I moved from Wisconsin to Las Vegas three and a half years ago seeking access to hard sport climbs and a year-round outdoor season. If I wanted to be serious about sending 5.15 or sending at my limit, Vegas was the place to do it.

I first sent the original start “Arrested Development” 8c+ in 2023. I briefly tried Martial Law until Mt. Charleston closed for the year due to flooding. In 2024, I worked it for most of the summer and started getting really excited when I began to feel like I might actually be able to send it. I stagnated for a bit, having a hard time breaking through to actual close red point attempts. Eventually, I got really close to sending before leaving for a trip right as the fall temps were rolling in. When I returned, the season was over. Thankfully, I felt really strong on it right away this spring and sent it before the summer temps hit. The redpoint go was quite the fight which made for a satisfying send. Clipping the chains really felt like a dream come true.

This send was special to me because it really feels like I couldn’t have done it without my friends and community. I received so much encouragement and kind words which helped me overcome my doubts. I even had to level up my knee bar skills with some coaching from Joe Kinder (who equipped the route) and using Bill Ramsey’s knee pad. Friends of mine would also come out just to belay and support which made all the difference.

What do you think is the main reason for you stepping up your game?
This project definitely pushed me to take my entire approach more seriously, from training, to diet and recovery. Also, focusing on sport climbing for consecutive seasons instead of flip flopping between sport and bouldering seemed to help.

What is coming up next?
I’m itching to get back to bouldering later this year. First I would like to try to climb more 8b+ to 9a while I have the fitness. Around Vegas and in Rifle.