The BMC has teamed up with the Mountain Club of South Africa (MCSA) to champion a trad climbing exchange between the two countries.

We are looking for ten UK climbers who can go to South Africa 26 February to 8 March and submerge themselves in trad climbing in a flexible and informal way. The exchange will build upon a similar initiative arranged by Ed February in the 1990s attended by leading British climbers including Glenda Huxter, Pete Robins, Ben Bransby and Dave Birkett. The MCSA will take care of logistics once you’re there and you’ll be teamed up with ten experienced resident climbers. In return you need to be able to host the ten South African climbers when they come to the UK on 29 April to 10 May.

To take part you need to:

• Be a competent and experienced trad climber
• Be comfortable leading E2 and above
• Be comfortable climbing on UK sea cliffs
• Have knowledge and experience of climbing in North Wales and the Peak District
• Be able to take part in both parts of the exchange

South Africa dates

Friday 26 February to Tuesday 8 March

UK Dates

Friday 29 April to Tuesday 10 May

Costs for South Africa leg

• Organise and pay for your own flights to Cape Town. The BMC will contribute £150 towards your flight.
• There is an option to climb in Blouberg. If you go then you'll need to pay for your internal flight to Johannesburg.
• Pay for any beer/alcohol.
• All accommodation and food will be provided by the MCSA.
• Accommodation will be a mixture of caves, huts, tents, clubhouses and other climbers’ houses.

Costs for UK leg

Travel: the BMC will pay your travel at 32p per mile (if using your own vehicle).

Food: the BMC will provide a team food budget, be prepared to do some cooking and food shopping with the UK team.

Accommodation: the BMC will book and pay your hut fees.

Check out the South African climbing schedule

Check out the UK climbing schedule

Apply by 23 November 2015

Please email Becky McGovern by 23 November stating:

• Your full name, age and gender
• Your current trad lead grade
• Your experience of sea cliff climbing
• The number of years you’ve been trad climbing for
• Your experience of climbing in North Wales and the Peak District
• Why you wish to take part
• Any other relevant information

All applicants will receive an email from the BMC by 27 November letting them know the outcome of their application.

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