Daniel Woods stands as one of the most accomplished rock climbers in history, specializing in bouldering with over 30 V15+ ascents to his name.
The American professional climber has built an impressive career through competition victories, groundbreaking first ascents, and major sponsorship deals.
In this article, you will know Daniel Woods’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Daniel Woods’ Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Daniel Woods |
| Date of Birth | August 1, 1989 |
| Age | 36 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Birthplace | Richardson, Texas |
| Turned Pro | 2003 |
| Net Worth | $1.5 million |
| Salary/Career Earnings | $100,000 – $300,000 annually |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Wife | Courtney Sanders |
| Instagram Profile | @dawoods89 |
| Twitter Profile | @dwoods89 |
| Highest Grade (Bouldering) | V17 (9A) |
| Highest Grade (Sport Climbing) | 5.15b (9b) |
Early Career
Daniel Woods discovered climbing at the young age of five when he visited Mineral Wells State Park in Texas with his father during a Cub Scouts activity. His family relocated from Richardson, Texas, to Longmont, Colorado in 1997 when he was eight years old.
This move proved transformative for his climbing career. He joined the Boulder Rock Club junior team, where he trained under renowned coaches Justin Sjong and Jimmie Redo, who have a strong reputation for developing young climbers into professional athletes.
His talent showed early and often. At just 10 years old in 1999, Woods won the junior Competition Climbing Association National Championships and earned a spot on the U.S. Youth Climbing Team. He continued dominating youth competitions throughout his teenage years.
At 14, Woods climbed his first 8A (V11) boulder problem on natural rock in 2003. The following year at age 15, he completed the first ascent of Echale, grading it 8B+ (V14), signaling his arrival as a serious talent in the bouldering world.
Professional Career
Daniel Woods turned professional in 2003 and quickly established himself as America’s premier boulderer. He won the ABS National Championship nine times between 2004 and 2014, showcasing his consistency at the highest level.
In 2010, he made history by becoming the first American to win an IFSC Bouldering World Cup when he took gold in Vail.
He also earned a silver medal at the World Cup in Eindhoven in 2011 and has the most open wins at the prestigious Hueco Tanks Rock Rodeo.
His outdoor bouldering achievements set him apart from his peers. Woods has completed more than 30 boulder problems rated V15 or harder, more than any other climber in history.
He made the first ascent of Hypnotized Minds (V16) in Rocky Mountain National Park in 2010, which some consider the first V16 in history. In 2011, he accomplished the world’s first flash of a V14 problem when he flashed Entlinge, a feat rarely repeated.
His most significant achievement came in 2021 when he completed the first ascent of Return of the Sleepwalker (V17) in Black Velvet Canyon, Nevada, making it the first V17 in the United States.
Wife
Daniel Woods married Courtney Sanders in 2010. Courtney is also a rock climber who has traveled to fifteen countries pursuing the sport. Woods proposed to her at Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder, Colorado after dating for approximately one year.
The couple shared a passion for climbing and often traveled together to various climbing destinations around the world.
However, their marriage faced difficulties and they divorced in 2017. Woods later described 2017 as his worst year, dealing with the divorce along with other personal challenges including a DUI and an MCL injury.
Since the divorce, Woods has remained based in Boulder, Colorado, where he stays active in the climbing community. He has not publicly shared information about any current relationship or partner.
Daniel Woods’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Daniel Woods’s net worth stands at approximately $1.5 million.
Career Earnings
| Year | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| Annual Income Range | $100,000 – $300,000 |
Endorsements
Woods has secured sponsorship deals with several major outdoor and athletic brands throughout his career.
The North Face serves as his primary sponsor, providing financial support and equipment for his climbing pursuits. He works with Evolv for climbing shoes, even collaborating with them to design the Phantom, a high-performance bouldering shoe.
Previously, Woods used La Sportiva Solutions exclusively for almost 10 years during his early career, completing many of his hardest ascents in those shoes. His other sponsors include Organic Climbing for chalk and holds, Friction Labs for climbing chalk, and Physivantage for nutrition and supplements.
These sponsorships provide him with financial support, equipment, and resources needed for training and competitions.
In return, he represents these brands during competitions, on social media, and at public appearances, helping raise awareness for their products within the climbing community.
Achievements
Daniel Woods has accomplished what many consider an unmatched bouldering resume. His achievements span both competition climbing and outdoor first ascents, establishing him as one of the greatest climbers of all time.
His competition victories include:
- Won ABS National Championship 9 times (2004-2014)
- First American to win IFSC Bouldering World Cup (Vail 2010)
- Silver medal at IFSC World Cup Eindhoven (2011)
- Fourth place finish at IFSC World Cup Sheffield (2011)
- Third place at IFSC World Cup Hall, Austria (2008)
- Most open wins at Hueco Tanks Rock Rodeo
- Won SCS National Championship
- Second place at Youth World Championship Veliko Tarnovo (2003)
- Third place at UIAA World Youth Championship Edinburgh (2004)
- His outdoor bouldering achievements represent the pinnacle of the sport:
- First ascent of Return of the Sleepwalker V17 (2021) – first V17 in the United States
- First ascent of Hypnotized Minds V16 (2010) – possibly the first V16 in history
- First ascent of Box Therapy V16 (2018)
- First ascent of The Process V16 in Bishop, California
- First ascent of The Game V16 in Boulder Canyon, Colorado
- First ascent of Paint it Black V16 (2012)
- First ascent of Monkey Wedding V15+ (2012)
- First flash of a V14 problem – Entlinge (2011)
- Over 30 boulder problems graded V15 or harder
- More V15+ ascents than any other climber in history
- His sport climbing achievements show his versatility:
- La Capella 5.15b/9b (2018) – third ascent overall
- Mission Impossible 5.14d (2012) – first ascent
- Papichulo 5.15a/9a+
- Thor’s Hammer 5.15a/9a+
- Empath 5.15a/9a+
- Tinipi 5.15a/9a+ – possibly the highest altitude 9a+ in the world
Career Stats
| Category | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Bouldering High Point | V17 (9A) |
| Sport Climbing High Point | 5.15b (9b) |
| V15+ Ascents | 30+ |
| V16 First Ascents | Multiple |
| V17 First Ascents | 1 |
| World Cup Gold Medals | 1 |
| ABS National Championships | 9 |
| First V14 Flash | 2011 |
| Years Active | 2003 – Present |
| Competition Appearances | 23+ IFSC events |
| Best World Cup Finish | 1st Place (Vail 2010) |
FAQs
1. How did Daniel Woods get into rock climbing?
Woods started climbing at age five when his father took him to Mineral Wells State Park in Texas during a Cub Scouts activity. After his family moved to Colorado when he was eight, he joined the Boulder Rock Club junior team and began competing seriously.
2. What is Daniel Woods’s hardest climb?
His hardest boulder problem is Return of the Sleepwalker at V17, which he completed after three months of effort. For sport climbing, his hardest ascent is La Capella at 5.15b, which he climbed at Siurana, Spain.
3. Has Daniel Woods won any World Cup competitions?
Yes, Woods won the IFSC Bouldering World Cup in Vail, becoming the first American to win a Bouldering World Cup. He also earned a silver medal at the Eindhoven World Cup and multiple top-five finishes.
4. Who are Daniel Woods’s main sponsors?
His primary sponsors include The North Face for apparel and general support, Evolv for climbing shoes, Organic Climbing for holds and equipment, Friction Labs for chalk, and Physivantage for nutrition supplements. He previously climbed in La Sportiva shoes for nearly 10 years.
5. Why is Daniel Woods considered one of the best boulderers?
Woods has more V15+ boulder ascents than any other climber in history with over 30 sends. He has completed multiple V16 first ascents and sent the first V17 in the United States. His nine ABS National Championship victories and World Cup gold medal further cement his legendary status.
