Published June 15, 2012 07:17AM
Chris Sharma working on the Clark Mountain project. Courtesy of Bigupproductions.com.
Biddeford, ME Sterling Rope Company announced that Chris Sharma has officially joined the Sterling Rope Team as one of their Elite Athletes. Sterling and Sharma began to discuss this relationship during the past summer and met during the Outdoor Retailer Show. After Sharma tested the product, he signed on.
“I never knew rope could make such a difference on a climb,” said Sharma after using the Nano 9.2mm to send the epic project Jumbo Love on Clark Mountain in San Bernadino County, California. This climb is over 250 feet long, with much of it overhanging almost 45 degrees. Jumbo Love, rated 5.15b, is possibly the most difficult route in the world. Chris worked the route using a Sterling Evolution Velocity 9.8mm and then sent it on September 11, 2008 with an 80M Fusion Nano.
Sharma will play an important role in Sterling’s product development and product testing. Since its inception, Sterling has focused on and is known for the great durability of its rope and cord products as well as for innovation of rope design. The skinny, high-performing Nano is testament to this reputation. This matches well with Sharma’s incredible stamina and amazing fortitude while climbing the world’s most difficult routes, and also to his focus on aesthetics, personal growth, and outreach in the climbing community.
Sterling’s team consists of many outstanding sport, trad and alpine climbers. Sean Issac, a team member for eight years and an acclaimed mixed/ice climber, commented, “…it was inevitable that the best rock climber would eventually use the best rope.” President Carolyn Brodsky said, “we are humbled to have Chris on our team, using our ropes and giving us valuable input. I am impressed, not only by his accomplishments in climbing at such a young age, but also by his understated demeanor. I believe this will be a great and long-lasting relationship.”
For more information on Sterling Rope products, please contact John Branagan in Outdoor Sales (john@sterlingrope.com) extension 3102, or if media, please contact Adam Gagne (adam@sterlingrope.com), extension 3105.
Sterling Rope Company, Inc. 26 Morin Street Biddeford, ME 04005-4413 207-282-2550www.sterlingrope.com