David Ethan Graham, known professionally as Dave Graham, is an American professional rock climber renowned for his achievements in bouldering and sport climbing. With a career spanning over two decades, Graham has established himself as one of the leading figures in the climbing community.
Here you can follow David Ethan Graham’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, family, career overview, and more.
About David Ethan Graham
Born on November 10, 1981, in Maine, U.S., Dave Graham discovered rock climbing in 1997 through a skiing teammate.
His natural talent for the sport was evident as he quickly progressed through the ranks, climbing an 8b+ (5.14a) route within a year of starting.
Graham’s passion for climbing led him to Europe in 2005, where he achieved significant milestones, including an 8C (V15) boulder problem and a 9a+ (5.15a) route.
Career
Graham was introduced to climbing in 1997 by a skiing teammate. Within a year, he had already climbed an 8b+ (5.14a) route named The Present, quickly establishing himself as one of the strongest climbers in the United States.
His move to Europe in 2005 allowed him to further his climbing career, where he achieved notable ascents such as the 8C (V15) boulder problem “The Story Of Two Worlds” in Cresciano, Switzerland, and his first 9a+ (5.15a) route “Coup de Grace” in Val Bavona, Switzerland.
Throughout his career, Graham has climbed 455 routes between 8a (5.13b) and 9a+\b, with a significant number of onsights. His highest redpointed routes include grades up to 9a+\b, and he has made first ascents of routes like “The Fly” (9a/5.14d) in Rumney, New Hampshire.
Beyond his climbing achievements, Graham is also recognized for his stance against grade inflation and his strong anti-chipping ethic, advocating for the integrity and preservation of natural climbing routes.
He contributes to the climbing community through his writing, maintaining an ongoing blog for Climbing Magazine, where he shares his experiences and insights into the sport.
David Ethan Graham’s Net Worth Details
Dave Graham’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million as of 2025. His earnings come from his competition winnings as a professional rock climber, sponsorships, endorsements, and his work as a writer and content creator.
Earnings
David Ethan Graham’s income sources are primarily derived from his career as a professional rock climber.
His earnings come from a combination of competition winnings, sponsorships, endorsements, and possibly from his work as a writer and content creator.
Here are the known income sources for David Ethan Graham:
- Competition Winnings: As a professional climber, Graham likely earns prize money from climbing competitions.
- Sponsorships and Endorsements: He has endorsement deals with major outdoor and climbing brands, such as Petzl and Five Ten, contributing to his income.
- Writing and Media: Graham writes an ongoing blog for Climbing Magazine, which may generate additional income.
- Social Media and Online Presence: Graham has a significant following on platforms like Instagram and may also earn income through social media partnerships and promotions.
- Climbing Clinics and Workshops: Professional climbers often conduct clinics and workshops, which can generate income.
- Film and Video Projects: Participation in climbing films and documentaries can also contribute to a climber’s earnings.
- Gear Collaborations: Collaborations with gear manufacturers to develop climbing products can provide royalties or payment.
- Public Speaking: As a well-known figure in the climbing community, Graham may be invited to speak at events, which can be a paid opportunity.
Endorsements
David Ethan Graham’s endorsements come from his partnerships with major outdoor and climbing brands.
He has endorsement deals with:
- Petzl: A manufacturer of climbing gear, caving gear, work-at-height equipment, and headlamps.
- Five Ten: Known for their high-friction footwear, especially popular among climbers for their sticky rubber shoes.
Personal Details
| Detail | Information |
| Full name | David Ethan Graham |
| Nickname | Dave Graham |
| Birth date | November 10, 1981 |
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Weight | 139 lb (63 kg) |
| Birthplace | Maine, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| College | Fairfield Ludlowe (CT) high school, Virginia college |
| Current net worth | $5 million |
| Relationship status | Single |
| Instagram profile | @dave_graham_ |
Girlfriend
Dave Graham is currently single. He prefers to keep his personal life private.
Career Achievements
David Ethan Graham, known in the climbing world as Dave Graham, has a list of career achievements that underscore his status as one of his generation’s elite sport climbers and boulderers.
Here are some of his most notable accomplishments:
- The Story of Two Worlds (8C/V15): In 2005, Graham climbed this challenging boulder problem in Cresciano, Switzerland.
- Coup de Grace (9a+/5.15a): Also in 2005, he ascended this demanding route in Val Bavona, Switzerland.
- The Fly (5.14d/9a): A breakthrough first ascent in Rumney, New Hampshire, completed while Graham was still a teenager.
- Action Directe (9a/5.14d): Graham achieved the fourth ascent of this iconic route in Frankenjura, Germany, in 2001.
- Euclase (8C+/V16): In April 2022, Graham made the first ascent of this boulder problem in Valle Bovona, Switzerland.
- Hypnotized Minds (V16): In October 2019, he completed the third ascent of this problem in Rocky Mountain National Park.
FAQs
1. Who is David Ethan Graham?
David Ethan Graham, also known as Dave Graham, is an American professional rock climber born on November 10, 1981. He discovered climbing in 1997 and is celebrated for his bouldering prowess, cutting-edge first ascents and strong ethical stance against grade inflation. He maintains an ongoing blog for Climbing Magazine.
2. When and how did he begin climbing?
He was introduced to rock climbing by one of his skiing teammates in Maine in 1997 at age fifteen. Within twelve months he redpointed the 8b+ (5.14a) route The Present, a breakthrough that established him among the nation’s strongest climbers and led him to relocate to Europe in 2005 to pursue his career full-time.
3. What are his most significant climbing achievements?
Among his most celebrated achievements is the first repeat of the 8C (V15) boulder The Story of Two Worlds in Switzerland in 2005, alongside the same year’s 9a+ (5.15a) sport route Coup de Grace. He has also completed iconic challenges like Action Directe (9a), pioneered V16 ascents Euclase and Hypnotized Minds, and made numerous cutting-edge first ascents worldwide.
4. What is his stance on climbing ethics and community contributions?
He is known for a principled approach to climbing ethics, advocating strongly against grade inflation and any form of rock chipping. He believes in preserving the natural integrity of climbing routes and promotes ethical standards through his ongoing Climbing Magazine blog, workshops, and public speaking engagements, influencing a generation of climbers to respect the sport’s heritage and environment.
5. What is his estimated net worth and primary income sources?
His estimated net worth stands at approximately US$5 million as of 2025, accumulated through a combination of professional competition prize money, sponsorship and endorsement deals with brands such as Petzl and Five Ten, income from his Climbing Magazine blog and media projects, fees for climbing clinics and workshops, social media partnerships, and collaborative gear development ventures.
