Originally posted on blackdiamond.co.za.
Africa’s only trad rock climbing festival once again lived up to its name — and then some. The Black Diamond Tradathon is about community, connection, and climbing for the pure love of it. It’s a roaming celebration of our country’s wild, vertical places — and this year, it found its heart at the iconic Monteseel Crags in KwaZulu-Natal.
Friday Night Kickoff: Reunion at the Hacienda
The weekend started strong with laughter and storytelling at the Hacienda Pub and Grill. Familiar faces reconnected, new friendships were forged, and the excitement for the weekend ahead filled the air. With gear talk and route planning echoing through the pub, it was clear: something special was about to unfold.
Saturday: Trad Time at Monteseel
Saturday morning dawned with clear skies and stoked climbers. After a solid briefing from Simon Larsen, climbers fuelled up with coffee and breakfast rolls at the Hacienda before making the less-than-5-minute pilgrimage to the crag. That’s right — no epic walk-ins required!
Workshops ran throughout the day, giving new trad climbers and curious sport climbers an opportunity to build skills and confidence on the rock. Climbs of all grades went down — including sends of historic Monteseel classics that have seen generations of climbers wrestle, waltz, and wonder their way up.
With over 60 climbers scattered across the rock, the crag buzzed with energy. From wide-eyed first-time leaders, to experienced climbers cruising familiar lines, the spirit of the Tradathon was alive and well.
Saturday Evening: Fires, Rugby & Tall Mountain Tales
The day ended as all good South African climbing days should — around a braai with the Springboks demolishing the Barbarians in the background (a whopping 54–7 win!). The cheers echoed through the night as the rugby screen shared space with climbing legends.
Speaking of Legends, Gavin Raubenheimer, Gerald Camp, and Mike Roberts (aka Microbe) took us on a heartfelt and humorous journey through the history of Monteseel climbing, touching on route guides, the grading system, and spirited debates around it, which drives change. Highlights included the White Rider Revolution, Wild Sky and of course, Bolt wars, crag ethics, and historical fashion.
Prize-Giving & Gratitude
Thanks to our incredible sponsors — Black Diamond, Scarpa, and the MCSA KZN Section — the evening ended on a high note with amazing prizes handed out under a sky full of stars.
Some highlights:
Gavin Raubenheimer: Trad rack Raffle winner – who is now donating his previous rack to an aspiring trad local.
Duncan Carter: Who has attended every Tradathon since its inception over a decade ago.
Special shout-outs to some legends who helped make it all happen:
- Brian from Honey Trails – for building hot showers just for the event (you are a hero). Remember to support him in future.
- KZN MCSA Crew – your humour, heart, and helping hands made the magic happen. The pre-event clean up was really appreciated
- Colin, Steven, Isabella and the rest of the KZN Mountain Rescue team – your quiet confidence and presence ensured everyone felt safe and supported.
- Monteseel Conservancy – for opening and sprucing up the ablutions at the crag.
- Yvonne, Debra, and the Hacienda Team – your hospitality kept us fuelled and smiling.
- The coaches who ran training workshops – Colin, Tristan, Brad and Simon
- Brendan Kuhnert – for the amazing Photographs
To every single climber who joined us, thank you. You brought the stoke, the stories, and the soul that make the Black Diamond Tradathon more than just an event — it’s a tradition. Whether it was your first time on gear or your fiftieth route at Monteseel, you were part of something special.
Until the next one, rumoured to be in Montagu 😉
Stay safe and stay stoked.
Team Black Diamond South Africa.
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