Ex Diamond Boar – Rock Climbing in South Africa
by Lt J Coutts This exercise took place in and around Cape Town, South Africa, from 9 to 30 November 2009. Troops from A, B and C Companies each deployed for a week to explore the area and experience the world class rock climbing available in stunning surroundings. The groups consisted of 5 or 6 soldiers and JNCOs with very little climbing experience. They began by visiting the nearby single pitch sport climbing outcrops in Table Mountain National Park which dominates Cape Town. Later in the week, they moved out to explore the best venues available in the Western Cape ranging from the world famous boulder fields of Rocklands in the North to the steep compact river valley crags around Montagu in the East. They learned basic skills and techniques in both safety
systems for climbing and abseiling and movement on rock. The variety of venues and rock types available allowed for a very broad experience of different climbing styles. This ranged from strenuous overhangs to vertical cracks and chimneys to holdless granite slabs requiring careful balance and delicate footwork. As well as getting to grips with the South African grading system and pushing their difficulty level, the teams were also introduced to the different equipment and techniques required to safeguard routes using both fixed bolts and leader-placed protection. Throughout the week, the eye was drawn continually to the soaring cliffs and pinnacles of Table Mountain. The steep, hard, colourful sandstone which makes up this feature provides an excellent arena on which to climb and affords spectacular views of Cape Town’s cityscape, its multitude of beaches and the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. For the majority of participants, the highlight of the week was to complete a 200m multi- pitch route up the highest buttress on the
mountain, finishing at the cable car station which sits on the summit. The chance to ascend a route in such famous surroundings on one of the most famous landmarks of South Africa was fantastic in itself: the fact that it took place in front of a steady stream of watching tourists sailing closely overhead only added to the experience. Although it was only possible to award only two participants Rock Climbing Proficiency certificates because of a lack of suitably qualified instructors, all those who took part were able to reach that equivalent standard which puts them in a good position to go on to complete supervisory qualification courses in future.
Convenient cragging. Cpl O’Malley being lowered
Pte Wayte on Table Mountain South Africa
Lt Coutts above Cape Town
Lt Coutts bothering tourists
58 October 2010
The Mercian Eagle
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