The Testpiece Podcast #136 Tim, My Dude — Bouldering Has Leveled Up, The Next Gen Is Better, 15d Is Harder Than V17, and The Best Highball In The World
Jan 20, 2025
Tim Kang is a professional climber and highballer known for his World Cup competitions and the film "Focus." In this conversation, he highlights the astounding progress of younger climbers who tackle V17 as a norm. Tim and the host debate the nuances of climbing grades, questioning whether 15d is truly harder than V17. He also shares his thoughts on the best highball in the world and touches on his upcoming highball project. Expect hot takes and a lively discussion about the dynamic evolution of bouldering!
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Next-Gen Boulderers Leap Ahead
- The current generation of boulderers like Noah Wheeler and Adam Shahar represent a huge performance leap.
- Their fast sending and breadth of experience contrast with prior generations like Will Bozzi and Aiden Roberts.
Noah Wheeler's Humble Approach
- Noah Wheeler reached out humbly asking how to improve after Tim critiqued his tactics and approach.
- This openness to feedback exemplifies the strong mindset behind the young climbers' progress.
Playful Progression Boosts Performance
- Young climbers often move on to new challenges quickly rather than lingering on one hard climb.
- This playful mentality keeps them progressing and prevents burnout compared to prior generations' serious approaches.