By Amber de Decker
Perched on an uncomfortable stance off-route somewhere above the BP overhang, I gaped at the inventive parking arrangements in the jam-packed Wolfberg parking lot. I would never have believed that half that many cars could fit in there, but this was the 2024 Black Diamond Tradathon, and more than 100 psyched climbers had walked up to the cracks that morning. With superb and historic routes waiting on the impressive, orange cliffs above, a collection of excited climbers can make any number of cars fit!
The magic of the annual Tradathon is in our vibrant and welcoming community. It is something special to experience such a large gathering of climbers of all ages, all walks of life and all levels of experience – all constantly talking about climbing! Apprehensive campsite chatter around the braai on Friday evening heard bargaining of who would lead the scary pitches and reckoning of who would whip from the hard ones the next day. By Saturday afternoon, leaders relied on the hope that their belayers could recognise their voice, since joyful shouts of “off-belay!”, “climbing!” and the occasional “take!” echoed continually and confusingly off the cliffs all around.
Eager newbies had started up the hill at 5am to be taught by more experienced climbers, including Megan Beaumont, Tony Lourens, Garvin Jacobs, Justin Lawson and Ant Hall.
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