A Celebration of Climbing, Creativity, and Community
Tjoms in Arms is not your ordinary climbing competition. It’s a celebration of homies, movement, and love for climbing. This year’s edition was no exception, bringing together old tjoms, new faces, and a shared sense of excitement.
In the lead-up to the event, anticipation was already building. With the gym settled into its new, larger location, the planning process was filled with fresh ideas and creativity. From theme brainstorming to setting up unique challenges, the larger team made Tjoms in Arms a little more flavourful. A cheeky marketing video hit social media in the weeks before the competition, showcasing the playful, communal spirit of the event and spreading stoke throughout Jozi.
The Flow of the Day
Competitors arrived in costumes, ready to climb and bring gees. One of the most delightful aspects of Tjoms in Arms is watching pairs of climbers, sometimes long-time maats, sometimes unexpected new duos, all navigate the walls together. The camaraderie between pairs adds a dynamic energy to every climb, making the event as much about teamwork and tjommies as it is about climbing.
The move to a larger venue had a noticeable impact. With more space and seating, the vibe was relaxed yet filled with stoke. The quallie rounds kept climbers moving and mingling, striking a balance between chilling and crushing.
Setters Candyland
For the setting team, the new gym was a playground. Bigger walls and an array of new, big holds allowed the setters to craft up unique blocks. Tjoms in Arms is there to bring a bit of the comp climbing scene to those who never thought they would get the chance to experience it. And the setters did just that.
Rooted in Tjoms
Despite the location changes, Tjoms in Arms has deep roots. The event’s core spirit, built by its founders, continues to shine through each year, carried forward by the community that gathers to climb together. The details may shift, faces may change, and energy evolves, but the heart of the event and the shared passion for climbing remain constant.
The Finals
The grand finale was the highlight, as the community came together to cheer on the final teams. As the finalists stepped onto the mats, everyone’s focus shifted entirely to the climbers on the wall. Everyone is rooting for all the climbers as they reach a zone or the top, and this energy really carries you on the wall.
A Day for Everyone
Ultimately, Tjoms in Arms is not about grades or podiums. It’s about giving everyone the chance to push themselves, share a laugh, and experience the thrill of a climbing competition. Tjoms in Arms V5 proved once again that climbing at its best is about connection with maats and the magic climbing brings.
Winners
Congratulations to this year’s Tjoms in Arms winners, first to third:
Male + Male Category:
Jason Tan and Josh McNally, Nathan Britz and Michael Karner, Sebastien Rankin and Morgan Arkinson
Female + Female Category:
Abigail Mitchell and Kelsy Dowds, Céline Gravenor and Michelle Smith, Jolene Bico and Maia van Zyl
Male + Female Category:
Courtney Schagen and Alistair Stubbs, Caitlin Bouwer and Willem van der Westhuyzen, Edward Harvey and Abigail Strange
Sponsors
A big thank you to our sponsors who lent a hand to help us build something bigger than ourselves. Thank you to Scallywags Climbing, CultureLab Kombutcha, GONE., Unparallel, Friction Labs, SA Outdoor Academy, CityROCK, Roc ‘n Rope, and Kilnhouse for your support.
