Are those bolts safe?
Many crags in the Western Cape were originally bolted decades ago using steel expansion bolts, also known as mechanical bolts; unfortunately, these bolts are susceptible to damage – specifically stress corrosion cracking (SCC), which can occur when stainless steel is exposed to tensile stress and a corrosive environment (like the Cape’s salty sea air).
That means, to ensure the safety of our climbing community, a large majority of climbing bolts in the Cape Peninsula need to be replaced… luckily, ARF has got our backs!
ARF – a.k.a. the Anchor Replacement Fund – has been hard at work since 2006, replacing old, unsafe expansion bolts with far more reliable glue-in bolts so that we can safely enjoy the Cape’s stellar climbing.
There has been an increasing number of bolt failures reported at Cape Town crags, making it more important than ever to stay clued up on which routes are safe for climbing and which crags/routes should be avoided.
Click the button below to check out ARF’s list of rebolted routes, spread the word to your climbing buddies and stay safe out there!
REMEMBER: Just because a bolt looks to be in good condition doesn’t mean it is – the most dangerous thing about SCC is that it’s often not visible from the outside, so it’s best to be cautious and stick to routes that have been rebolted by ARF.
Images courtesy of Andie Davies.
WHAT IS ARF?
ARF, which stands for Anchor Replacement Fund, is a project funded by the Mountain Club of South Africa (MCSA) Cape Town section that facilitates the removal and replacement of old, compromised bolts with brand-spanking-new glue-ins.
Find out more about ARF and their incredible work in our article at the button below!
GET INVOLVED
ARF is always looking for volunteers who are willing to lend their time and energy to the cause – even those with no bolting experience can lend a hand!
If you want to make a difference (and meet some local climbing legends) email Cormac Tooze at [email protected] to get involved.
If you can’t volunteer your time but would still like to show your support, donations are always greatly appreciated. Donations can be made to the MSCA Cape Town section via the below bank details – just make sure to include “ARF” in the reference:
Bank: Standard Bank
Branch: Cape Town
Branch Code: 020009
Account No: 071556060
