What does 5.12a mean to you?

I think many people consider 12a a breakthrough grade because 12a climbs are often the hardest climbs on easier walls. By that I mean that when you're on a wall climbing 10s and 11s, you may be beside a few 12a/b but you tend not to see 12+ very much. It's inspiring to look at the hardest climb on a wall and say "I want to do that someday". Many gyms even stop at 12, and there are often only a few of them to choose from.

I was definitely psyched when I got my first couple 12s, thinking I was all hot shit. Now, however, I find the opposite is true...when I'm looking for a nice 12a/b to project, it seems like they're often the EASIEST climbs on the wall. They're the warmups for the legitimately good climbers...

oh man this thread is so inspirational, i'm gonna put on my beanie and send 2day for sure brah.

warmin' up with some nooners on mt.crushmore, bromio

Locker wrote:It doesn't mean a anything to me. signed, I suck!

If it is a sport route 5.12a means that it's easy and I should flash. It also means that just about any climber can get up that route with the right amount of effort and dedication. Congrats dude, keep it up and ride the wave!

"12's mean no lines and super engaging climbing"

Never been to the Riverside Quarry eh?

I was f'in hyped when I did my first 12...still goin' for that 13a.

It was a sort of benchmark for me, but really it felt kinda anti-climactic. I didn't get on a 12a until it wasn't that hard for me. My first 12 went down in a few tries, and it almost felt too easy.

Aside from that, I think 5.12a is a pretty strong grade, then I hang out at Waimea in Rumney for a day and watch people hike 12b, cruise 13a, and project 14's day in day out. Humbling for sure.

It all depends on the area and local scene I suppose, but for me 5.12 was a benchmark where I felt like there were lots of possibilities for me in the future. After my first 5.12a I was more psyched for what could happen in the future, not so much that I'd put down a "hard" route.

To me it means you got there before I did.... thanks for the extra motivation.,
but on this site? ....unless its in eldo canyon youll have some sprayer tell you its only 5.8..... D
and that your not as good as them

For me it means its getting downgraded to 11d in the next guide book. Happened twice to me! (Fairly though). This is why I collect classic climbing guides, so my climbs are still 12a. Congrats Brent. Good work.

Brent Larsen wrote: What does 5.12a mean to you?

It means I need a career.

It's like bench pressing 225.

To me, 12a is right there in the gym and far away outdoors.

Its the next goal :)

Great job Brent!!

That much closer to being a 5.11 onsite anything and in any style climber. Slab, Face, Overhanging, Crack (from tips to OW),C2/3.

12 means you will probably want to put chalk on your hands and have some brand of pointy shoe with some sticky rubber stuff on your feet.

J Q wrote:It also means that just about any climber can get up that route with the right amount of effort and dedication.

What does 5.12a mean to me?

Yosemite decimal system is overrated.
...(climb Index)...

I've had a long career in climbing (since '67) full of adventure and lots of first ascents but in terms of grades I peaked at 12a--but that was trad, on sight, so I'm pretty happy with that.