Advanced Beginner in Rocklands - is there potential?
Advanced Beginner in Rocklands - is there potential?
Hi there,
I'm planning a three weeks trip from Germany to South Africa with a friend of mine.
The idea is a combined surfing and bouldering trip.
Since I've seen pics of Rocklands, I definitely would like to go there. Only problem is: in all topo-guides, boulders seem to start at 6c or the like.
My level is more around 4b. So my question: is there some potential even for a beginner like me, or should I train some more years before traveling to Rocklands?
What do you think? Does anybody have experience in bouldering Rocklands at lower levels?
Thanks for any answer and hang loose,
Thorsten
I'm planning a three weeks trip from Germany to South Africa with a friend of mine.
The idea is a combined surfing and bouldering trip.
Since I've seen pics of Rocklands, I definitely would like to go there. Only problem is: in all topo-guides, boulders seem to start at 6c or the like.
My level is more around 4b. So my question: is there some potential even for a beginner like me, or should I train some more years before traveling to Rocklands?
What do you think? Does anybody have experience in bouldering Rocklands at lower levels?
Thanks for any answer and hang loose,
Thorsten
Re: Advanced Beginner in Rocklands - is there potential?
In rocklands there is more than enough rock to cater for any level climber. The topos may not include the lower grades problems, but there are hundreds. Thousands. Many without name and not in any topo. But who needs a topo? Explore. Climb. Have fun. And who knows - suddenly those 6C's might not be so hard.
Re: Advanced Beginner in Rocklands - is there potential?
Hi Gnome,
yes, you're right. Who needs Topos.
I just don't wanna pay 700 EUR for a flight so Rocklands, just to find out that there is no rock i am able to get on.
But what you said, I heard from some sides now. So i'm feeling a bit reassured, that Rocklands sounds like a good idea.
Thanks,
Thorsten
yes, you're right. Who needs Topos.
I just don't wanna pay 700 EUR for a flight so Rocklands, just to find out that there is no rock i am able to get on.
But what you said, I heard from some sides now. So i'm feeling a bit reassured, that Rocklands sounds like a good idea.
Thanks,
Thorsten
- Justin
- Posts: 3785
- Joined: Sat Apr 30, 2005 8:31 am
- Real Name: Justin Lawson
- Location: Montagu/Cape Town
- Contact:
Re: Advanced Beginner in Rocklands - is there potential?
Thorsten, you could probably compile a telephone directory worth of problems under 6C at Rocklands 

Climb ZA - Administrator
justin@climbing.co.za
justin@climbing.co.za
Re: Advanced Beginner in Rocklands - is there potential?
Thorsten...
It is really difficult to explain to people just how much rock there is in Rocklands.
Before I'd been there, someone described it to me as "a field of boulders and rock faces as far as the eye can see."
I thought that they were exaggerating for dramatic effect.
They weren't...
Your brain will melt when you see the place.
To reiterate Justin, there is more stuff under 6C then you will have time for in a lifetime, let alone 3 weeks.
Go to Rocklands.
You will not be disappointed.
It is really difficult to explain to people just how much rock there is in Rocklands.
Before I'd been there, someone described it to me as "a field of boulders and rock faces as far as the eye can see."
I thought that they were exaggerating for dramatic effect.
They weren't...
Your brain will melt when you see the place.
To reiterate Justin, there is more stuff under 6C then you will have time for in a lifetime, let alone 3 weeks.
Go to Rocklands.
You will not be disappointed.
Re: Advanced Beginner in Rocklands - is there potential?
Think Font, but without the polish, shit, pof and crowds and you are halfway there.
And even if you are disappointed by the climbing (which I can almost give a written guarantee you wont be) you will love the surfing.
And even if you are disappointed by the climbing (which I can almost give a written guarantee you wont be) you will love the surfing.
Re: Advanced Beginner in Rocklands - is there potential?
Hey guys,
thanks for the infos.
I need to check with my mate, but I guess Rocklands - we'll come!
Greetz,
Thorsten
thanks for the infos.
I need to check with my mate, but I guess Rocklands - we'll come!
Greetz,
Thorsten
- Nic Le Maitre
- Posts: 1333
- Joined: Mon Apr 02, 2007 9:40 am
- Real Name: Nic Le Maitre
- Location: Stellenbosch
Re: Advanced Beginner in Rocklands - is there potential?
Hi
Rocklands has rock like you cannot believe. I can't upload the image here because it is too large but here is a link to a photo of Rocklands taken from near the car park.
There is a great surf spot not too far from Rocklands called Elandsbaai. You will need a fullsuit, booties, gloves and a hoodie, unless you are insane. The water temperature is around 14 degrees C.
Rocklands has rock like you cannot believe. I can't upload the image here because it is too large but here is a link to a photo of Rocklands taken from near the car park.

There is a great surf spot not too far from Rocklands called Elandsbaai. You will need a fullsuit, booties, gloves and a hoodie, unless you are insane. The water temperature is around 14 degrees C.
Happy climbing
Nic
Nic
Re: Advanced Beginner in Rocklands - is there potential?
Hi Le Maitre,
picture looks great. thanks
Yeah - I know about the water temperature. I've been surfing in Cape town 2 years ago, around october.
Water temps were pretty volatile. One day a 4/3 neo was sufficient, next day I got brain freeze just by diving through the incoming waves...
Nevertheless, I loved ZA...
Greetz,
Thorsten
picture looks great. thanks
Yeah - I know about the water temperature. I've been surfing in Cape town 2 years ago, around october.
Water temps were pretty volatile. One day a 4/3 neo was sufficient, next day I got brain freeze just by diving through the incoming waves...
Nevertheless, I loved ZA...
Greetz,
Thorsten