Welcome to Beta Blog, where climbers connect, share stories, and explore the vertical world together. Click on the below quick links or scroll on to enjoy some SA’s locally produced podcasts, newsletters and shared stories.
Climbing Tales
Blouberg Tales – Part 1
Blouberg—the towering giant of South African climbing—beckoned, but my first attempt ended…
South Africa’s Tallest Via Ferrata – The Dragon’s Tale – Drakensberg
South Africa’s tallest via ferrata, the Dragon’s Tale, offers a thrilling new…
Ever Wondered Where the Belay Test Came From?
Before harnesses were common and gym walls were made of wood, Peter…
The Colosseum: South Africa’s Newest ‘Alpine-esque’ Sport Climbing Destination
The Colosseum, a newly developed alpine-esque sport climbing crag in Du Toits…
New Table Mountain Challenge: India Venster to Jacob’s Ladder FKT
A new Table Mountain challenge awaits: climb Jacob’s Ladder via India Venster…
Brit Rock VI comes to South Africa
Watch the Brit Rock Film Tour: Season VI—featuring an electrifying lineup of…
Great Gear Guide
Ultralight Gear Wishlist: The Paradox of Wanting More to Have Less
In the excitement of collecting cutting-edge hiking products, it’s easy to go…
GriGri Misuse Leads to 13-Meter Fall for Professional Climber
A professional climber suffered severe injuries after a belayer’s improper use of…
How to Inspect Your Climbing Harness (and When to Retire It)
Your climbing harness is crucial for safety, so regular checks and proper…
Summer Camping Essentials
Upgrade your camping game this year with gear that can weather anything…
The Ultimate Gift Guide for Climbers
Make any climber’s holiday season unforgettable with Mountain Mail Order’s Festive Gift…
Sell Your Pre-Loved Gear!
Exciting news! Our Gear Marketplace has undergone a transformation to provide you…
Community Insights
Post-Fire Access Update: The Pass Sector – Rocklands Winter Season 2025
The Pass Sector in Rocklands reopens this winter with new access rules…
South Africa’s Tallest Via Ferrata – The Dragon’s Tale – Drakensberg
South Africa’s tallest via ferrata, the Dragon’s Tale, offers a thrilling new…
2025 April Fools’ Fun: A Tradition of Laughter and Creativity
From outlandish new climbing routes, absurd gym policies, or bizarre product offers,…
GriGri Misuse Leads to 13-Meter Fall for Professional Climber
A professional climber suffered severe injuries after a belayer’s improper use of…
SOLD OUT – Film Premiere 18 March in CT: NEWBORN – The Next Generation
Experience the exclusive premiere of NEWBORN: The Next Generation, a gripping documentary…
The Story of Hands: Part 2
Jenni Comins explains that keeping your climbing skin in top shape is…
Rainbow Glen Climbers
Nestled in Montagu, Rainbow Glen Self Catering Chalets offer more than just a convenient location near the Cogmanskloof hiking trails and Rock Climbing Crags. With a shared passion for climbing, they curate a monthly climbing newsletter filled with inspiring content. Get ready for some epic reads!
- 09/20/2024 – Rainbow Glen Climbers – Climbers Photo Competition Winners
- 08/26/2024 – Rainbow Glen Climbers – Climbers Photo Competition
- 07/25/2024 – Rainbow Glen Climbers – Climbers Profile: Garvin Jacobs
- 06/25/2024 – Rainbow Glen Climbers – Stop and smell the fynbos – The Cogmanskloof Trail
- 05/25/2024 – Rainbow Glen Climbers – Climbers Profile: Andre Schoon
- 04/26/2024 – Rainbow Glen Climbers – Climbers Profile: Jeremy Colenso
- 03/25/2024 – Rainbow Glen Climbers – Stop and smell the fynbos – The Bloupunt Trail
- 02/29/2024 – Rainbow Glen Climbers – Climbers profile: Sakkie Jansen Van Rensburg
- 01/25/2024 – Rainbow Glen Climbers – Crag Update: Rock n Roll Kloof at Guano Caves
- 11/27/2023 – Rainbow Glen Climbers – Route of the Month: God Child, grade 22 at The Farm
- 10/25/2023 – Rainbow Glen Climbers – Climbers profile: On your “Marx”, get set, go! Montagu local, Brenda Marx
- 09/25/2023 – Rainbow Glen Climbers – Climbers profile: Meet the “Honorary Life-Time Local” Stuart Brown
- 08/25/2023 – Rainbow Glen Climbers – Climbers Profile – Meet our Guest: Paul Schlotfeldt
- 07/25/2023 – Rainbow Glen Climbers – Climbers Profile: Tony Lourens
- 06/26/2023 – Rainbow Glen Climbers – Climbers Profile: Ed February
The Send Space
A proudly South African climbing podcast. This is a space for you – our local climbers – to tell your stories, record history, share beta, and inspire others.