Why Sport Climbing and Bouldering Grades Don’t Translate...

Do bouldering grades and sport climbing grades actually translate? In this video, I put that climbing myth to the test at La Cova de L’Ocell in Catalonia, Spain, one of Chris Sharma’s iconic local crags, by comparing hard bouldering problems with similarly graded sport climbing routes. As a high-level boulderer stepping back onto a rope, I break down how power vs endurance, precision vs pacing, and the mental side of fear of falling and exposure make bouldering and sport climbing feel completely different despite similar number grades on paper. I'll share some behind the scenes attempts on 8A+ boulders and an 8a sport route, plus an honest discussion of why climbing grades can be misleading across disciplines, why strength doesn’t always carry over, and what it feels like when a boulderer tries sport climbing again. Whether you’re a boulderer, sport climber, or just curious about how climbing grades compare, this video explores the real differences between bouldering and sport climbing and what it takes to bridge the gap! -- Our Gear & More🙏 -- Where I get music for my vids 🎧: https://share.epidemicsound.com/8x3wba Lucie's ❤️ Climbing Shoes: https://amzn.to/4ayGshl La Sportiva Climbing Shoes: https://amzn.to/48U1mVA Boar's Hair Climbing Brush: https://amzn.to/44sxT3B Climbskin Hand Cream: https://amzn.to/4iWtYlr Climbing Chalk: https://amzn.to/4q7ugIE Finger Tape: https://amzn.to/3KGFrcp THERABAND Warm-Up Bands: https://amzn.to/44XpGEI Our Wireless Microphones: https://amzn.to/4pyKGKd Insta360 Go Ultra: https://amzn.to/4jNM8q8 Joby Flexible Tripod: https://amzn.to/4oRKHb2 Love our content? Buy us a coffee ☕️ https://buymeacoffee.com/theenglishninja Some links are affiliate links. We may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you! -- Featured Clips & Boulders 👇 -- 0:00 Do Bouldering and Sport Climbing Grades Translate? 0:43 Welcome to the Bouldering Cave at La Cova de L’Ocell 2:55 Getting Back on an 8A+ Boulder Project 6:45 Why Bouldering Is Power and Precision 9:11 I Haven’t Sport Climbed in a While... 9:38 Getting Pumped and Spooked on a 7a Sport Route 12:22 Trying an 8a Sport Route as a Boulderer 16:09 Reflections on if Climbing Grades Translate? This video is all about bouldering and sport climbing grades in La Cova de L'Ocell. Featured climbers include Alex Tighe. #sportclimbing #bouldering #rockclimbing #outdoorclimbing