A reader sent me an email yesterday that made me chuckle. This is how he started it:
There always seems to be a big huff when big name climbers come to Rocklands, but how about some news on the locals?
Turns out he was writing in to see if Rocklands, South Africa local Arjan de Kock couldn’t get a little love for the excellent season he’s been having down in South Africa. Sure, why not?
Since the beginning of May, according to his logbook, the 24 year-old de Kock has done 27 boulders V10 or harder including a flash* of Green Mamba (V12/13) and repeats of Madiba (V14) and a post-break Mooiste Maise (V14). The same day he did Mooiste Maise he also managed to climb The Vice (V13). Not a bad day no matter where you’re from.
Not limited to only climbing boulders, de Kock has climbed sport routes up to 5.14b, and last year he nearly repeated South Africa’s first 5.14c, Mazawette (Adam Ondra FA), falling at the anchors. Check out some pictures of that route here.
*Apparently he had previously done Black Spider, which shares something with Green Mamba??
