SASSU 2004

The annual SASSU inter-university climbing competition was held from 3 to 4 July at the sports hall of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Five universities (Rhodes, Wits, Potch, UCT and UKZN) turned out this year to support the event, and a total of just over 50 climbers registered.

Saturday morning saw some slow warming up on the sun-drenched grass in near-perfect Durban weather. The route setters (Dave Drummond, Angus McFarlane and Trent Burnett) had been working hard all week to ensure that the routes were ready, and that the wall was in good condition. Even a heinous new stalactite was added to the roof, just to spice things up in true Durban style.

The prelims began just after 10am, with four separate routes being climbed by all competitors. The routes were of good variation in grade, the hardest finishing in a long crank through to the end of the roof. By 3pm the prelims were finished, with ten guys and one woman (Tamryn Vivian) having flashed all. The top ten guys and the top six women were selected to go through to the much harder semi-final, which started just before 4pm. The semi-final was well supported, with a great deal of shouting and clapping from the spectators, in support for the battle on the wall. From the results, six men and four women were selected to go through to the final, which started at 9:45 on Sunday morning.

With a huge cold front having blown in over night, the weather had cooled and clouded by Sunday morning. This didn't appear to dampen the electric atmosphere gathering below the climbing wall as the finalists got a peek at the routes they'd soon be climbing. The men's and women's finals were on separate routes, with very technical moves on both climbs, though it seemed the vertical wall on the men's final was reduced to a few very widely spaced crimpers! The roof was also not easy, and competitors would have to bypass the stalactite, now nicknamed 'The Tooth'.

After a spectacular display of talent, the judges spent a short while discussing the scores, and the results were announced: Men's top three (descending order): Paul Brouard (Rhodes), Scott Sinclair (UKZN), and Dave Richardson (UKZN). Women's top three (descending order): Tamryn Vivian (UKZN), Michelle Cowan (UKZN), and Heather Cooke (Rhodes).

The overall scores for each university were also calculated, with first place and the SASSU trophy being awarded to the University of KwaZulu-Natal - well done! Some fantastic prizes were awarded to the top three men and women.

A tremendous word of thanks must be given to the following sponsors, for the generous donation of prizes: Black Diamond, Petzl, SA Mountain Magazine, Men's Health Magazine, Ram Mountaineering and Camping & Outdoors. Thanks also to the route setters and all others who contributed towards making the competition such a success.

Errol