Mienke is joined on the couch by Aimee – Mienke’s first climbing partner and Send Space co-founder (or ‘hostage’, as she calls it). They get rather piddled and talk about climbing partnerships, business partnerships, and open belaytionships with a whole lot of laughter in between. Grab a drink and get to know us a bit better, and while you’re at it get 10% off your next Black Diamond purchase with the code “BD4BUDDIES” at checkout.

[Warning: Explicit language - Aimee does not hold back]

Mentioned in this episode: Order a Send Space T-shirt, read about Boven Open Weekend, watch our original IG Live, join CityROCK’s Climb Like a Girl initiative, or join Bennie de Wet for a tradventure by mailing [email protected] or [email protected].

Advertisers in this episode include Black Diamond and the Send Space. Want the ad-free episode? Subscribe to the Send Space on Patreon.

This is a continuation of episode 3, although you don’t need to have heard part 1 to enjoy part 2! Our conversation with Al digs into the evolution of the climbing scene in South Africa, experienced by Allister as he moved from working at Drifters, to CityROCK, to Friends and Allies. We also hear about the ins and outs of climbing in Blouberg - a truly epic tradventure location.

Advertisers in this episode include GoodBETA and the Send Space. Want the ad-free episode? Subscribe to the Send Space on Patreon.

Mienke chats to Kent Jennings – Head Routesetter at CityROCK Jhb and king of the thumbercling – with the aim of discussing women in routesetting. Naturally, we take many detours and end up discussing grading, sandbagging, Kent’s personality, the setting “boys club”, and the Olympic boulders. Eventually we get on track and discuss what it takes to foster a more inclusive setting industry. For more info on the things mentioned in this episode, learn about the Olympics rising sun boulder problem, Bloc11, and CityROCK. Advertisers in this episode include GoodBETA, Yael’s Yarns, and the Send Space. Want to feature in our community episode? Here’s how.

We sit down with the names and faces behind Jozi’s latest climbing gym – Friends and Allies. Featuring not one but FOUR guests, we dig deep into the business of climbing and the creative processes involved in forming this unique space which may be small, but packs big ambitions. For more info about the things mentioned in this podcast, check out: Boven Open Weekend, Scallywags Climbing, Mumma Mushroom Design, Bloc11, Dream Higher and CityROCK. Advertisers in this episode include GoodBETA, Wazoogles Superfood, the MCSA and the Send Space. Want the full-length episode? Subscribe to the Send Space on Patreon.

Welcome to our Women's Month episode featuring Jenni Commins – local climber and so much more! We talk about the nuances of being a female climber, from motherhood, to body image, to menstrual cycles. Get ready for some epic personal insights from Mienke, as well as some EXCITING announcements about the Send Space. For more info about things in this podcast: read about trekking in the Cordillera Blanca, read Touching the Void, and while you’re at it, show us some love and subscribe on Patreon.

Enjoy the second half of Mienke’s interview with our male Olympian, Chris Cosser. We dig deep into a range of topics from diversity in climbing, the Olympic ego, his training schedule and his mental health leading up to Tokyo2020. For an update on Chris since this interview took place, and further info on the Olympics, read this blog on GoodBETA. If you are curious about some things mentioned in this episode, you can learn more about Bloc11 and Dream Higher; read about Tomoa Nagasaki; watch the African Continental Championship Dec 2020; and watch the IFSC Boulder World Cup Meiringen 2021.

Allister reveals his rather unconventional and passionate entry into the climbing world, and then deep-dives into issues of safety and ethics when it comes to trad and free solo. As a child, he made his own harness. As an adult, he has free soloed multiple times. Listen to this episode to get to know Allister and see if you agree that he remains a safety-conscious and highly-respected part of the South African climbing scene. Like the episode? Why not support the podcast?

We had a Zoom call with our local female Olympian Erin Stekerkenberg and her coach James Barnes to gain some insight into what it’s like to be 18 and preparing to represent SA in the first climbing Olympics. In true Mienke style, there are some detours in the conversation along the way as we dig into some pressing issues of the climbing community. We cover a lot in a short space of time so here are some links to a few things mentioned: Youth Day in South Africa, KZN MCSA, Shongweni Climbing, Umgeni Valley Climbing, City Rock, Southern Rock, RAM, Black Diamond.