Conor Wellman

The Multiverse (V14/8B+) When I first saw the video of @jwebxl do the FA of Multiverse, I immediately knew it was the boulder I wanted to do most in my lifetime. It may be the single best V14+ boulder in the US, and also happens to suit my style of climbing perfectly. At the time it seemed impossibly far away. To have my first V14 also be the boulder I cared most about sending in the world is completely surreal. This truly feels like a culmination of every moment I’ve spent climbing over the last 8+ years, and is the perfect experience to encapsulate what this sport means to me. Too many people to thank for all of the lessons, experiences, and encouragement over the years, but I wanted to give a special thanks to @benblackmore01 for convincing me to try this season and helping me to see it through. It seriously would not have been possible otherwise. #doitforchicago #letsclimbchicago #climbbutora #levelup #v14 #8b+ #bouldering #bteam #thanos #skullemoji #himothee #everythingeverywhereallatonce #wheatland

Fisheye Effect (V13/8B)🐠👁️ Feeling completely ecstatic to have gotten this one done during my time in Vegas this year. It’s certainly one of the proudest, most technical, and prettiest boulders I’ve ever climbed. Felt even better to put it down in team send style with @benblackmore01 📸 @india_adam1 @climbbutora @brightstoneclimbing #climbing #letsclimbchicago #redrock #v13 #newwave #acro #teambutora #betterweatherthanbishop

🔥The Phoenix (V14/8B+)🔥 Magical moment in the park summiting this @orourker test piece in team style with @benn_wheeler . Though not the hardest, this is by far the most technical boulder I’ve ever climbed. Taking 13 days over the last 4 seasons, climbing The Phoenix posed a challenge more intense than any boulder has presented thus far, and honestly, for a time it broke me. Last winter, I was infatuated with the idea of climbing V14, and felt entitled to after the work I’d put in. I felt failure in many facets of my life, and that somehow, climbing V14 was the only way to prove myself. In reality, I simply wasn’t ready. Walking away from The Phoenix that season felt like walking away from a dream. I was angry, hard to be around, and treated those around me unfairly, including myself. This was a low point in my life, and for a time I considered quitting climbing. To send The Phoenix, I’ve had to grow as a climber and a human, redefining my relationship with the sport while learning to love myself regardless of a ticklist, career achievements, and external validation from others. So often, climbing media glorifies rage and self loathing as part of the projecting process, but in reality they cause more harm than good. I hope this can serve as a reminder to others to put their own wellbeing before climbing accomplishments, regardless of perceived urgency. Though my experience on The Phoenix was tumultuous, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. This accomplishment is symbolic of overcoming personal turmoil, and I’ll be forever grateful for the opportunity I’ve been granted to test myself against this boulder which served as a vessel to cultivate and observe personal growth for the past couple years. I’m in a better spot now, and I believe composing myself to return to and complete The Phoenix this season is indicative of that progress. I’m so thankful for the days I spent under this one with many good friends, especially @benn_wheeler @benblackmore01 and @craftedsam who were especially involved in the process. As a bonus, this happened to be my 100th V10+ boulder. Here’s to many more! 📸 @bozovicy

When Life Gives You Lemons Sit (V13/14) 🍋 Hyped to finally wrap this one up. Did the stand in a day almost two years ago, then took 6 more sessions on it before being able to link in the sit. I spent most of that time injured, so putting the pieces together feels like a sign I’m finally getting back in shape. Enjoyed this one a lot, gonna miss the scenic drives up the Pass!

that’s a wrap!

Highlights from almost 2 months overseas, including NYE in Zermatt🇨🇭, Chamomix powder🇫🇷, Belgian Bouldering Championships finals in Brussels🇧🇪, London sightseeing🇬🇧, and many special moments in Fontainebleau

Bear Toss (V13) Pretty shocked to pull this one out second go this season. Did the V12 start a couple years ago and have been trying from lower on and off since then unsuccessfully. Today things clicked and I stuck the crux from the ground for the first time, which lead to a pretty ridiculous sounding fight to keep it together up top. Sadly wind rotated the camera mid go.

Black Velvet Trifecta…Almost. Spent most of my time in Vegas trying Wet Dream, but couldn’t pull it off. Settled for the right line (which still felt harder than Atlas and Abaddon), but glad I got to pull on all three of these classics which felt impossible just a couple years ago! Atlas Shrugged (V12) Wet Dream Right (V11) Abaddon (V12) 📸 @kylerjphotography1

Stasis Low (V12/13) - Second Ascent Coming to Red Rock this year I was curious about this new @mcneely23 line, but doubtful I had the wingspan to get through the start. Surprisingly, I could just barely make it work. After finding some new foot options, I figured out the first couple moves and relearned the stand start. I spent the rest of that session foot slipping off the end after a brutal wind picked up in the canyon. I came back after a rest day and took it to the top. Concerning the grade, the first couple moves suit me quite well, but I think it may be easier than V13 with the foot beta I used. Regardless, the low moves were a lot of fun and gave a great excuse to repeat Stasis!

Happy to wrap this one up before the end of the year. It’s been nice having a low stakes project for the last couple of weeks, and it was a good reminder that quality ≠ enjoyment during a few fun sessions with some stacked crews at the cave. Feeling grateful for how climbing has felt this year, and of course looking forward to the next! “Kook Slams” (V13/8B) As always with the @climbbutora acro comps to stick to the toe hooks @climbbutora @brightstoneclimbing #bouldering #usaclimbing #letsclimbchicago #teambutora #endmypain #movementclearcreek #sidebartakeover

Another @a.geiman South Platte classic off the list!Took more effort than expected with a bunch of falls off the finish move and warm conditions for the crux pinch, but in the end I just had to learn a bit more and wait for the right day to try. Mars Bloc 3 (V12) @climbbutora with the Acro Comps #teambutora #acro #letsclimbchicago #bouldering #climbing #punted8times

Big Worm (V13/8B) 🪱 Been dreaming of this bloc for years, and this summer I came out to Colorado early specifically to try it. Wasn’t even planning to go today but impulsively decided to when I woke up and everything came together in a moment of alpine magic. Recently I’ve been feeling a sense of progression in climbing I haven’t experienced in years and I think taking this one down was a perfect showcase of that improvement. Big Worm feels like a step up from anything I’ve done in the past, but not quite my limit, so I’m psyched to see where I can take it from here! @climbbutora @brightstoneclimbing #letsclimbchicago #usaclimbing #v13 #teambutora #8b #mtevans #bouldering #bigworm #midwestculverscelly