Sound of Violence 8C and an 8B flash by Noah Wheeler (19)

Noah Wheeler, who previously has done nine 8B+', started off his trip to Joe's Valley (UT) by doing Sound of Violence (8C). "7th try or so on first day at Joe’s. I’m really bad at grading and I additionally used the left hand gaston throw beta which suited my style better (though the whole climb is mostly my style), but 14/15 feels about right. Taking the 15 side of this cause first 15 has to be soft per the norm. Super fun with either betas regardless."

A few hours later he flashed . "Surprise flash after I slightly split my finger on the Sound of Violence. Aside from the first hold this is a perfect boulder in movement and holds. Great first day at Joe’s."

What is your climbing background?
I started competing when I was eight but only started climbing outdoors two years ago due to the pandemic. I’ve fallen in love with outdoor bouldering and it is by far what I’m most passionate about now. I also trained lots of tension boards before I started climbing outside so it definitely translated well and naturally, especially for SOV and Slasher due to their styles.

What are your best comp results?
I’ve gotten second in youth nationals twice. Definitely feel like outdoor bouldering is more my style than comps.