Hot Rock in the press...
Listed below is a selection of comments that have appeared on forums and in the climbing media about Hot Rock... I've tried to offer balance here, to give you a feel for what the trip will be like.
If you prefer, click here to go to vimeo and see interviews with a load of hot rockers from the first south america trip in 2011. It was put together by Martin, a client, and shows the good and not-always-so-good about the expedition style. No-one was asked to say anything for this, it is completely independent.
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"...Some of you may have heard of Hot Rock. It's been around for a while but its reputation has been growing in strength over the last few years. The truck travels through africa and asia [and south america] full of individuals psyched to climb and explore. The group was an eclectic mix with the youngest being 19 and the oldest 70...with one unifying cause - to climb. Now before I continue anyone who thinks this is a blatant bit of advertising for Hot Rock - think again. Some people will hate Hot Rock. It's dirty. It's shambolic. It's anarchic... and I ruddy well loved it..." Kate Burke, editor, Climber magazine |
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"I'm just back from the 5week Capetown Loop and had a fantastic time. I was really apprehensive about going on my own, especially as I had only been climbing indoors for only 7 weeks before I left. Dunc gave me all the info I needed before I left and Lianna kept me right when I arrived. I met some great people and now have loads more climbing partners. I'd recommend it to anyone. I had an absolute ball and am trying to figure out how to get back out there. Wendy(sorry Wendy, no pix of you I'm afraid!) |
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I did nearly 4months, and had a fantastic time. If you don't mind bushbashing and general discomfort, the adventure and unforgettable experiences seriously outweigh them. The climbing is pretty unique aswell. Luke |
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errrrrrr yes Hot Rock is great, there isn't a problem going out on your own as you get to know people very quickly. As a woman i didn't encounter much hassle- you just have to act sensibly and realise you can't wander off by yourself in the middle of nairobi. All you really need is an ability to drink vast amounts of alcohol and then go climbing the next day, enthusiasm and some cooking skills... Vicky |
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Hot Rock Africa was an amazing trip for me. I did 5 months. Possibly the best months of my life. It's the people that make it. But that's on top of all the other amazing stuff. THere's discomfort, hardship and adventure by the bucketload but as with anything you have to struggle for, the pay off is immense. Chris |
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The South Africa loop in July was the best trip I've ever been on..... seriously go- you wont regret it (just dont drink the wine outta the orange boxes ;)) You've gotta be prepared to rough it at times tho and not wash properly but hey thats all part of the trip and it wouldn't be the same otherwise. Get on it! Mole |
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I was on the hotrock global challenge from harare to cape town. (3 months) it was brilliant. i climbed in places i could never have gotten to logistically without buying a 4*4, i climbed with really strong climbers and improved my grade significantly on trad and sport, i drank a lot of beers, and i wish i was going again. J
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Yeah, I did africa a couple of years ago and it was awesome - I thoroughly recomend it. Things will go tits up occasionly; you may spend some days freezing your nips off on the back of the truck or have close encounters with angry locals/wildlife, but it's all 100% adventure and you won't want to go home at the end. Rich |
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Aye its cracking. Really good value for money and I'm a pretty tight bastard. Definitely worth going. (especially if beer [in Asia] is as cheap as it was through Africa) Mat |
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I did the 2007 Africa trip from Nairobi to Windhoek (5 months). It had it's ups and downs, it excitement and it's occasional less exciting moments, but was by far the best trip I've ever done. Such a cool bunch of people and such an good adventure. It's adventure travel , with climbing. You're visiting the best of the developed areas and opening new crags, so there could be some 'african death rock' (as we called it) on the way. But also mountains, sport crags, impecable crack lines, beach bouldering, deep water soloing etc etc. Ans all the sights, smells, sounds and colours of a very interesting continent. Do as many months as you can afford and enjoy it. Chris |
If you've read this far then why not read Duane's blog? He was on the whole way from South Africa to Istanbul in 2008/9, scribbling and taking excellent photos all the way. NB read from the bottom to the top!
Or, for South America, Martin's blog is impeccable.
Or you could have a look at the hot rockfacebook group
