Rock climbing immediately brings about images of real steep cliffs and anxious moments. 

But for Jan Wuzyk and his fellow adventures at TuksExploratio rock climbing equates to having maximum fun. Yes, it is true some of them had experienced some anxious moments. And yes there was the odd “fall” at times, but that is part and parcel of the sport. The adrenaline rushes and sense of achievement they get from conquering a real challenging climb is hard to put into words. It boils down to living life to its fullest.

The only requirements to take up rock climbing are a sense of adventure, a bit of fearlessness and a love for the outdoors. One of the sport’s most significant rewards is the sense of camaraderie that develops between the climbers and with just reason. There are times when one’s life hangs in the hands of a fellow climber.

According to Wuzyk, he had done climbs lasting longer than five hours, conquered cliffs of more than a hundred metres. However, he hastens to add that a longer rise does not necessarily mean it is the ultimate experience. Sometimes a shorter climb is so much more challenging.

“At TuksExploratio were specialise in four different codes of climbing: Trad climbing, sports climbing, bouldering and top rope climbing.

“Traditional climbing or Trad climbing is a type of rock climbing in which a climber or a group of climbers places all gear required to protect against falls, and removes it when a passage is complete. It can be as short as the length of one rope (one pitch).

“Sports climbing is where we rely on permanent anchors fixed to the rock, and possibly bolts, for protection. Since the need to place protection is virtually eliminated, sports climbing boils down to gymnastic likeability, strength and endurance. 

“Bouldering is a style of rock climbing undertaken without a rope and is usually limited to very short climbs over a crash pad, called a bouldering mat. It is typically practised on large natural boulders or artificial boulders in gyms and outdoor urban areas.

“Top rope climbing is where a rope is used for the climber’s safety. It runs from the belayer at the foot of a route through one or more carabiners and is connected to an anchor system at the top of the route and back down to the climber, usually attaching the climber utilising a harness. Often the top of the climb can be reached through non-technical means, such as scrambling to the top of the cliff. It is handy in teaching beginner to intermediate climbers.”

The Tuks climbers favourite training places are at Watervalboven, on the outskirts of Bronkhorstspruit and in the Magaliesberg outside Hartbeespoortdam.

A Tuks team was supposed to compete over the weekend at a USSA climbing competition, but due to the climbing wall at the university being under reconstruction it was decided to withdraw as it was not possible to adequately prepare.

Members at TuksExploratio also often explore the various hiking trails in South Africa and do compete in trail runs. Anyone wanting more information is welcome to send a mail to [email protected].