Osiris Extended

Edvinas Šmigelskis added an extended start to "Osiris" on his first attempt, uping the grade to 7B. The problem now starts in the rail below the starting hueco of "Pudgy Bitch" and traverses left to join the original start.

Gold Rush Action

The boulders of Gold Rush in Mpumalanga saw more action this month. The highlights were Guy Hubbard's first ascent of the dynamic "Leap of Faith" 7C, and Russ Hattingh repeat of "Blunt Force Trauma" 7C. Hubbard also opened a range of moderate problems including "Absinthe" 7A, "Loco" 7A, "Lime & Soda" 6C and "Mail Order Bride" 6C. Check out the gallery here.

Guy mid-flight on "Leap of Faith"

Ard Ay for Emile

Emile Esterhuizen has made the 7th ascent of "Ard Ay" 8A+ at The Seaside area in Topside. This is the first ascent after the prblem was downgraded from 8B and it seems that consensus is being reached regarding the grade of this classic problem.

Jungle Gym

Marijus Šmigelskis has made the second ascent of "Chuck Norris" 7C at the Jungle Gym deep in Newlands forest. The one move problem was opened by Scott Noy last year and involves a large move off poor holds to gain the lip of a small face.

Blunt Force Trauma

The Gold Rush in Mpumalanga has seen further development over the past few months. Most notable was Guy Hubbard ascent of the instant classic "Blunt Force Trauma" 7C. The 5m high problem, which is the hardest in the area, climbs a 35 degree overhanging face on slopers and crimps and features a huge dyno before the top out.