Acting
Apr 22, 1981
Santa Cruz, California, USA
Chris Sharma
Acting
Biography
Chris Omprakash Sharma, born April 23, 1981, in Santa Cruz, California, is recognized as one of the greatest climbers in the history of modern climbing. He discovered climbing at the age of 12 and quickly distinguished himself with his exceptional talent, winning the US Open Bouldering Nationals in the adult category at 14. From the very beginning, Sharma impressed the international community with his ability to push the boundaries of what was possible, both in sport climbing and bouldering. In the late 1990s, he made the first ascent of Necessary Evil (5.14c) in the Virgin River Gorge, then the most difficult route in North America. But it was in 2001 that he made history by making the first ascent of Biographie in Céüse, France, the first route in the world to be graded 9a+ (5.15a). This success cemented his reputation and placed him at the top of the world's elite. Sharma then went on to make first ascents of extreme routes, including Dreamcatcher (9a) in Squamish, Jumbo Love (9b) on Clark Mountain, and La Dura Dura (9b+) in Oliana, contributing to the evolution of grades and difficulty standards in sport climbing. Alongside his exploits on the cliff, Sharma also distinguished himself in bouldering, notably completing Dreamtime (8B+) in Cresciano, Practice of the Wild (8C) in Magic Wood, and Witness the Fitness (V15/8C) in Horseshoe Canyon Ranch. He also invested in the development of psicobloc, a spectacular unroped climbing discipline over water, for which he became an ambassador with the first ascent of Es Pontas in Mallorca, a natural arch that has become emblematic of the genre. Sharma is also a pioneer in the media promotion of climbing. A key figure in numerous films and documentaries, he has inspired generations of climbers with his aesthetic approach, his pursuit of pure lines, and his humble attitude. For over a decade, he was considered the best climber in the world, setting records and world firsts, while promoting major sites such as Bishop in California and Margalef in Spain. Based in Barcelona, he now divides his time between opening new routes, managing climbing gyms in California and Spain, and producing content to promote his sport. In 2023, he co-created the television series The Climb, broadcast on HBO Max, with his friend Jason Momoa, aiming to democratize climbing among the general public. Married to Jimena Alarcón, he is the father of two and continues to push boundaries, as evidenced by his first ascent of Black Pearl in Mallorca in 2023, considered the world's most difficult psicobloc route. Chris Sharma embodies the quest for perfection and aesthetics in climbing, combining strength, creativity, and humility. His influence extends far beyond sport, making him a living legend and a source of inspiration for the entire contemporary climbing community.
Feature Films (39)
King Lines follows Chris Sharma on his search for the planet's greatest climbs. From South American fantasy boulders to the sweeping limestone walls of Europe, Sharma finds and climbs the hardest, most spectacular routes. Off the coast of Mallorca he discovers his most outrageous project yet, a 70 foot arch rising from the Mediterranean Sea...
King Lines
Behind every breakthrough in the progression of climbing, there's a true story of doubt and determination, perseverance in the face of failure. From boulders, to big walls, to competition podiums, the climbers at the top of the game share a commitment to do whatever it takes to achieve their vision.
Progression
"Climbing Magazine" reviewed the video and called it the best climbing video they've seen. Filmed during the winter of 1998, featuring Sharma, Speed, Carrion, Loh, Lund, Danti, DeJesus and other top boulderers. Terrifying topouts and gut wrenching falls. Profiles of the new generation of American climbers. 64 Min. Running time is 64 minutes.
Free Hueco
Big UP's Dosage Series is the definitive annual portrait of climbing's state-of-the-art. Volume V features many of the world's best climbers, including: Chris Sharma, Dave Graham, Beth Rodden, Tommy Caldwell, Dani Andrada, Patxi Usobiaga, Daniel Woods, Paul Robinson, Michael Fuselier, Ty Landman, Daila Ojeda, Randy Puro, Jason Kehl, Chris Lindner, Matt Bosley, and more.
Dosage V
Eight doses of maximum-strength climbing action from the makers of Rampage. Each dose tells a story from the world of high-end sport climbing & bouldering: historic 1st ascents; profiles of rising stars; & explorations of the places, people & ideas thatshape the sport. Climbers include Chris Sharma (The Mandala & Realization 1st ascents), Dave Graham (Spectre 1st ascent), Klem Loskot, Lisa Rands, Jason Kehl
Dosage I
Television & Series (3)
Every fall the REEL ROCK Film Tour brings the year's most exciting new climbing films to live audiences around the world. For 2010, the tour features six amazing short films, with stories from the cutting edge of alpine climbing, bouldering, sport climbing, and traditional climbing.
Reel Rock
In this all-encompassing competition series, amateur climbers are put through a rigorous series of mental and physical challenges, utilizing the most intimidating ascents in the world to crown the world’s best amateur climber.
