In the past few years Paraclimbing has been gaining interest and popularity. More local gyms are holding small adaptive climbing meet ups and events. The once-a-year USA Paraclimbing National Competition has also gained in popularity. Joshua Unterman is a Technician at UCSF in the field of Orthotics and Prosthetics and has been climbing for about five years. Joshua placed 2nd in his category at the National Level in both 2021 and 2024.
Joshua says that he, “enjoys Para climbing because of the fact that it is a solo competitive sport. It is just you and the route. Paraclimbing can also be competitive if you want it to be, but the more competitive you get, the less fun climbing becomes.” In the gym setting, climbing routes are set by route setters to test strength and coordination. Climbing routes that are outside in nature, are usually found and established by one or more people who did it first. Outdoor routes test the grit and determination of a climber.
As Paraclimbing grows so does the competition. Joshua says, “In 2021, at the Paraclimbing Nationals, there were around 75 to 80 total competitors. Three years later, there were 126 athletes / competitors at the national level." 
After placing in the top 3 at the USA Nationals this year, Joshua was invited to compete in the first of three 2024 Para Climbing World Cups. In May of 2024 the First World Cup in Paraclimbing was held in Salt Lake City, Utah, where adaptive climbers came from across the globe and competed for two action packed days.
“It is amazing to be a part of it all. Everyone is strong, and everyone is happy to be there. In climbing, anything can happen in competition. This year there is more para-climbers than ever before, and this means more competition.” Joshua placed 7th in his category, although he did not make it to finals this year, there is always room to improve. Joshua says that the Salt Lake City competition was a great event. Although he did not take a medal, he made many new friends.
After 10 years of growing the sport there are many athletes over many countries and Para Climbing was recently chosen to be included in the LA28 Paralympic Games. Following a thorough evaluation by LA28, the IPC Governing Board approved the Organising Committee’s proposal to include Para climbing into the 2028 Paralympic Games!
One of Joshua's first Climbing coaches and friend Brent Kobs said, “all climbing is adaptive, some of us have more gear.”
