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John Sherman (climber)

John Sherman, nicknamed "Verm," is a prominent American rock climber, known for his contributions to bouldering, particularly his development of the V scale for rating boulder problems and his establishment of highball bouldering as a distinct discipline.

Sherman's early climbing career involved traditional roped climbing, but he soon gravitated towards bouldering in areas like Hueco Tanks, Texas. Recognizing the limitations of the existing rating systems in adequately assessing the difficulty of boulder problems, he devised the V scale, starting at V0 (easiest) and ascending in difficulty. The V scale is now the most widely used bouldering rating system in North America.

He is also credited with popularizing the concept of "highball" bouldering, which involves climbing boulder problems that are significantly taller than typical boulder problems, often reaching heights of 15-20 feet or more, and consequently carry a higher risk of serious injury. Sherman's ascents of these tall boulders, often without ropes or crash pads initially, pushed the boundaries of bouldering and popularized this adventurous style.

Sherman has been a prolific first ascentionist, establishing numerous difficult boulder problems across the United States. Beyond climbing, he is also known for his writing and photography, documenting his climbing experiences and the climbing culture. He has written articles and guidebooks, contributing significantly to the literature of climbing. His writings often reflect his unique personality, characterized by humor and a rebellious spirit.