Waterval Boven Guide - December 2011.pdf - Climb ZA

DISCLAIMER
The inclusion of a climbing area in this guidebook does not mean that you have a right of access to
it, or the right to climb it. The descriptions of bolts and other forms of situ gear within this guide
are recorded for historical reasons only and no reliance should be placed on the accuracy of the
nature and position of the bolts and other situ gear. The grades set in this guide are only a fair
assessment of the difficulty of the climbs; climbers who attempt a route should use their own
judgment as to whether they are proficient enough to tackle that route. The author and distributers
of this guide do not recognize any liability for injury or damage caused to, or by climbers, third
parties, or property arising from such persons seeking reliance on this guidebook as an assurance
for their own safety.
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Boven! If you are reading this, there is a good chance you are at one of the
worlds best sport climbing destinations; or at the very least, you are considering making
a trip here. Boven has over 500 sport climbs ranging from grade 8 to 34 (French grade 4
to 8c), and plenty of excellent trad climbing too. The rock is bullet-hard quartzite and
the climbs are typically vertical to gently overhanging with the odd overlap. Technical
endurance climbing is the predominant style and precise footwork and finger strength
will go far! The crags give views over remote wooded valleys and hills rich with animal
and plant-life; the bases of the climbs are flat and shady, the crags are quiet and the
walk-ins are a breeze. It is one of the few climbing areas in the world where weather is
good for climbing almost all year round. Rest-day activities include game viewing in
the world famous Kruger National Park. What more can we say…..the grass really IS
greener here.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW!
When to Visit
Almost any time of year you can experience great conditions, something that is hard to
find at climbing destinations elsewhere in the world.
South Africa is in the southern hemisphere…we have summer while Europe or North
America is in winter and vice-versa! A big difference to remember though, the African
winter is dry and the summer is wet (unless you are in the Cape where it rains year
round!).
During winter (also known as the „dry season‟ – April to October) weeks can go by
without a drop of rain - perfect for climbing but it can get chilly (normally to 8 to 18
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