We come from the Southeast and have discovered our climbing ethos here.
The name āNative Gradeā refers to the multidimensional contrast between climbing zones around the world. Yes, there are grading systems in every developed crag that we visit, and we love those grades to help us to understand our development as a climber. Climbing zones are raw pieces of earth and stone that were first experienced by indigenous peoples. Many of the rock faces in these areas were ascended by those first inhabitants and then by others and then by others and when the sport of climbing was established it formalized something that humans had been doing for thousands of years. That long history of interaction develops something quite unique in every individual climbing zone - its Native Grade. A placeās Native Grade is derived from each locationās distinctive formula of stone type, steepness, access, climbing culture and infinitely more.