Back to the Top, Part 2- Papichulo 9a+

Back to the Top, Part 2 – Papichulo 9a+ drops you into the days just before a major breakthrough, as a world-class climber circles one of sport climbing’s most iconic lines and tries to put everything together. In this short, intimate chapter of the Back to the Top journey, you’ll see the restless rhythm of attempts, side missions on neighboring routes, and the raw mindset that comes with chasing a 9a+ when nothing is guaranteed. What makes this worth watching is how honest it feels: not just the send, but the uncertainty, the problem-solving, and the quiet recalibration afterward. It’s a snapshot of the thin margin between success and failure—training, doubt, and belief compressing into a few minutes—capturing the addictive pull of hard climbing and the idea of becoming a “new” climber, one day at a time.

PucSeriestraining · 4:07

If you know anything about the last few months for me, you've probably already heard that I sent Papichulo. These images were taken just before, showing he fight, how I dabble around on neighboring routes, and my thoughts after sending. Part 2 is shorter as this journey of training to become - not what I was before - but a new sort of climber, has just begun. One can only hope that the fall and winter are full of accomplished projects but honestly, this game has to be taken one day at a time. You never know what hand you're going to be dealt.