Joshua Fourteau (18) doing 4th ascent of Akira 9a

Joshua Fourteau has done Akira which was put up by Fred Rouhling in 1995. The 18-year-old needed only five sessions and he confirms the 9a grade by Seb Bouin and Lucien Martinez who did the first repeats last November. "he first part is the most physical in 8b (a long 7C+ boulder) I would say until a bad rest in full roof, and the continuation is less intense in 8a (a long 7B+ boulder) until the end. " It should be noted that Joshua did follow Seb and Lucien's example to not use knee pads and, in fact, he did not even use any kneebars and few toe- or heelhooks. More info on Fanatic Climbing.