The heart behind Solstice Women's Climbing

Four years ago, I started climbing with friends who worked at City Rock. At the time, I had no idea how much climbing would become a part of my life. I only went about once a month for the first few months, then something changed once I got a membership and my first pair of climbing shoes; needless to say, I was hooked. 

What started as something fun to do quickly became a big part of my life. Since then, climbing has taken me to places I never expected, introduced me to some of my closest friends and given me something I’m constantly working towards. Looking back, it’s hard to believe how much has come from simply giving climbing a try.

Over the years, climbing has also come with its fair share of injuries from a pulled hamstring, finger injuries to torn ligaments in my ankle. Each time, you have to work your way back to climbing, slowly rebuilding strength and confidence before you can get back to where you were. It can be frustrating watching your climbing change while you recover, but it’s also taught me that progress isn’t always about climbing harder; sometimes it’s simply about getting back on the wall.

THE COMMUNITY

For me, climbing has never just been about completing the climb. It’s something that trains you both physically and mentally. 90% of the time when you’re trying at your limit, you’re failing the climb. But from those failures, you learn and you can track your progress.

There’s something about figuring out a climb together that can turn strangers into friends very quickly. I’ve found climbers to be some of the most genuine people, accommodating, caring and inspiring.

I love the hours spent outdoors on a project with friends who are there supporting you, without an agenda to rush you. I put a lot of pressure on myself to get the climb done and leave so I’m not inconveniencing the people waiting, but my friends are always the ones telling me to stay and try “just one more attempt”,  which never ends up being just one more.

MY TOP THREE CLIMBS

1. CHOCOLATE SPEEDWAY

My first outdoor climbing experience was in Montagu, sport climbing. I believe the climb was a grade 18 called Chocolate Speedway which I think took me about 20 minutes to complete.

I didn’t complete it on my first attempt. The big moves to tiny holds and invisible feet in some sections really pushed me, but I was determined to succeed. I knew then that outdoor climbing was going to be a thing for me.

2. THE UNNAMED 6B

Bouldering slowly crept in and stole the show.

I had previously visited this spot only with friends, without any climbing happening on my part. When I returned, I started attempting an unnamed 6B. Heel hook after heel hook, I made my way up repeatedly, failing at the same point more times than I could count. Each time I would tweak my beta, hoping that this would be the attempt where I finally succeeded.

Eventually, my skin was running thin and every attempt was taking more energy, so I gave up. I still haven’t completed it.

This is the beauty of climbing. It’s not about sending the climb always; it’s the spots you hike to and the friends you go with. It’s more than just doing a climb, it’s the experience overall that keeps us coming back to hopefully send our project each time.

3. GIRL ON OUR MIND

14th September 2025, about 8pm, out in Rocklands, Cederberg, the day after my birthday. Multiple trips over 3 years and what felt like hundreds of attempts... I’d done it.

One of the most popular classic climbs on a boulder called Poison Dwarf in Rocklands, Girl on Our Mind, a 6B+/6C. I’d dedicated hours to trying to make every move more efficient, to the point where it was muscle memory.

It was a bittersweet moment, as this was it. I would need to find a new project to dedicate my time to, and to this point I just haven’t found something that I have liked trying as much.

WHY I’M DOING WOMEN’S CLIMBING EVENTS

Where it all started was with two new friends sitting and yapping at Krag climbing gym. I mentioned that for about two hours, I’d been the only female in the space. My friend Jaco then told me about how in Japan they have monthly women’s nights and how amazing they were. It was one of those conversations where an idea just clicked,  that’s what we need here. 

I felt inspired to create a space for women to come together to climb, connect and celebrate strength, resilience and the joy of moving together.

The first event was meant to be a once-off, but I quickly realised it needed to happen again. After the event, I had so many people coming up to me asking if we were going to do another one. That was when the idea of making it a monthly event started to grow, and now we have a women’s night at Bloc 11 on the last Thursday of every month.

Each month we have something different planned. This month, we have a handstand workshop, while other months have included a mini competition. The nights are constantly evolving as we find new things to bring into them.

The events also create opportunities beyond the night itself. We are able to bring female route setters into the space to set climbs for the evening, while the brands that support us each month have the opportunity to create awareness through the prizes and support they provide.

I feel there is such an importance to these evenings. In such a busy world where it’s always onto the next thing and consistency is easily lost, having something that happens every month gives us a reason to slow down and make time for each other.

THE PARTNERSHIPS BEHIND SOLSTICE

As Solstice has grown, the support of our partners has played an important role in bringing these events to life. Scarpa has been a key supporter of the journey, helping us create opportunities for women to try new things, challenge themselves and connect through climbing. From Demo Days, where climbers can try out Scarpa climbing shoes, to prizes and competitions, their involvement adds something special to our evenings.

An important part of this is also creating awareness around resoling climbing shoes. Rather than replacing a favourite pair when the soles wear down, resoling can give them a new lease on life, helping climbers get more out of their gear while making a more sustainable choice. It’s a small but meaningful way to encourage a culture of looking after the equipment we use and the places we climb.

None of this would be possible without the climbing gyms that have welcomed Solstice into their spaces. Bloc 11 Climbing Gym, Krag Climbing Gym and CityROCK have all played a part by making their premises available and helping create spaces where women can come together, climb and feel part of something.

We’re also grateful to Black Diamond, Sealand Gear, Culture Lab and our event DJ and Photograpers for their support in making these evenings what they are. Every partner brings something different to the table, whether it’s gear, prizes, a place to climb or the atmosphere that makes each night memorable.

For me, this is what makes Solstice so special. It’s not just about putting on a climbing event; it’s about bringing people and brands together around something we all care about, creating opportunities for women in climbing and building a community that continues to grow beyond the walls of the gym.

Rocklands: The Sweetest Place on Earth

Something about this place has stolen a piece of me since the first time I visited. The countless memories I’ve made with friends on every trip, the endless skin lost on the rocks, and the scars left behind to remind you of all the trips taken.

Although I haven’t travelled extensively, I can say with a fair amount of confidence that there isn’t quite a place like Rocklands. Rock climber or not, the beauty this place holds and the community built within the valley are unlike anything I’ve experienced.

People travel from all over the world to try hard every session and hang out at the Hen House, the local coffee shop, especially when the rain rolls in during “Rocklands season”. Whoever decided that winter was the time to climb, I question their sanity. It’s usually damp and cold, to the point where you can’t fully warm up for a climb, or you spend the whole day layered up, trying to gain some form of heat.

The friends you make during these trips are something special. Hearing everyone’s stories, where they’re from, why they’re here and getting to know who they are is one of the most special experiences.

Sometimes you come to Rocklands to try your projects, making small amounts of progress or sometimes no progress at all. That’s the reality of climbing here. You never know what to expect. You might feel super strong and send everything you’d planned on, or feel like you’ve gone backwards and have no idea what has changed.

No trip is a lost cause or not worth making. Regardless of how the climbing goes, you know you’re going to have the best time away.