Hogsback Bouldering!

The Eastern Cape received perhaps it's best new bouldering venue for Christmas! Marijus Šmigelskis dicovered lots of boulders in the amazing forests surrounding Hogsback and started development. Several moderates have been opened and many more lie amongst the trees. Check the topos page for more details...

Emile on Form

Emile Esterhuizen continued his good form and made several more good sends over the rest of December. First to fall was "Believe it or Not" 7C at Topside, impressive considering how short he is. Then, despite the summer temperatures, he moved on to Rocklands and finally worked out how to do "Sunset Arete" 7C, and with that, the sit start, "Nutsa" 8A+ soon followed.

Boogie Nights Repeated!

Marijus Šmigelskis has made the long-awaited 3rd ascent of "Boogie Nights" 8A+ at Topside. The problem was opened by Justin Hawkins in 2000 and had only been repeated by Swiss superstar Fred Nicole. Marijus worked the line over 3 days to build up enough stamina to then send the 18 move roof. Amazingly, the problem then saw it's next ascent the very next day with Emile Esterhuizen, who worked the problem with Marijus, grabbing the 4th ascent.

Dom the Tall!

Dom Riordan has made the 4th ascent of the bizzare overhanging dihedral "Believe it or Not" 7C at Echo Valley in Topside. The problem was opened by Clinton Martinengo and originally graded 7C+, however the moves are fairly reach dependant and taller climbers have suggested a downgrade.

Dom also made a repeat of the "Flaming Pig sit start" 7C at Redhill, commenting that it's relatively easy if you're tall, but desperate if you're short due to a foot lock that can be used by taller climbers on the hardest move.