During a recent trip to Japan, Ashima Shiraishi climbed a boulder problem with a difficulty rating of V15—essentially, at the current limit of climbing difficulty for female climbers. Not only that, but it was a few days before her 15th birthday. Wow!
This makes Shiraishi not only the first woman to climb any V15 problem, but also the youngest person, male or female, ever to do so! She has been named a ‘prodigy’ by Outside Magazine and is short becoming one of the most famous climbers across the globe.
A photo posted by Ashima | 阿島 (@ashimashiraishi) on
I just sent Horizon V15 in Hiei, Japan! I can’t believe that I have become the 1st female to do a V15 and the youngest person ever!!!! Thank you for finding this gem @dai_koyamada and thanks to the climbing community here for the support. Stay tuned to watch the send in #reelrock11 
@reelrock @bigupclimbing @evolvusa @thenorthface @clifbarcompany @petzl_official | photo: @brettlowellThis is the second year that Shiraishi has made massive headlines in the climbing field. In 2015, she visited a world-class sport climbing area in Catalonia, Spain. Sport climbing differs from bouldering as it uses ropes and climbing gear (quickdraws, carabiners and more). In the Santa Linya area, Shiraishi ascended a 5.15a climb, one of the hardest ever be a female climber. Whilst in 2014, she also became the second woman ever to climb a V14 (Golden Shadow, Rocklands, South Africa). Since then, only three other women around the world have climbed this hard up to V14: Shauna Coxey, of the U.K., and Alex Puccio and Isabelle Faus, both from the U.S.
Tips for Beginner Climbers
Climbing can be daunting, and getting all the gear together as you begin to get into it can be almost as intimidating, we thought we’d put together a small list of the gear you should be looking for as you start out. Always remember that having the right gear is not even half way there when it comes to personal safety. Get in touch with your local climbing wall, NZAC section or the MSC to take part in course before you head outside.
Read more in our guide here.
The post 14 Year Old Climber Completes Hardest Female Climb Ever appeared first on Bivouac Outdoor Blog.
