John Sherman (climber)
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- For other people with the same name, see John Sherman (disambiguation)
John Sherman (born 1959), nicknamed Verm (short for "Vermin") is an American climber and a pioneering boulderer. He is also a writer and photographer. He is the originator of the V-scale for grading boulder problems.
John "Verm" Sherman was a very visible 'outsider' character in the climbing world during much of the 1980s and 90s. A prolific and doggedly talented early boulderer, Sherman followed the sport from the era of searching for elusive Gill arrows to the forefront of the modern climbing world. His extensive efforts in the development of Hueco Tanks solidify his place as one of the hero-figures in the sport's history.
Sherman's reputation does not exist without qualification. Alleged hypocritical clashes between his traditionalist stances during the bolt wars of the late 80s/early 90s and his perceived 'summit at any cost' bouldering ethics (which include a disastrous torched-hold incident) have been the subject of grumblings in some communities. Furthermore, Sherman is the chief instigator of what can be considered both the driving force behind bouldering's popularity and the incarnation of its darkest side: the modern V-scale for grading boulder problems. He is the first to recognize the significance of his actions, however, and his ironic and thoroughly unpretentious Climbing Magazine writings immortalize the treasure of his unique personality for posterity.
[edit] Publications
- Sherman, John (2001). Sherman Exposed: Slightly Censored Climbing Stories. USA: Mountaineers Books. ISBN 978-0898868524.
- Sherman, John (1994). Stone Crusade: A Historical Guide to Bouldering in America. Golden, Colorado, USA.: American Alpine Club press. ISBN 0930410572.
