John Sherman (climber)

John Sherman (climber)

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. An 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 are important in the sport's history.

Sherman's reputation does not exist without qualification. Alleged 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 repeatedly torch-drying a hold at Rumney which then broke on use) have been the subject of grumblings in some communities. Sherman is the chief instigator behind bouldering's popularity. He writes for Climbing Magazine.