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Howick Abseil Just to thank you for the experience…The experience was terrifying at the top, then scary but most of the way down fantastic! Christine thought it was much safer doing the abseil than being in the boat! I loved your comment that went something like it being a metaphor of life – moving out of the comfort zones. I’m certainly using the example when I happen to be speaking at church this Sunday! —> John Raby, UK |
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Hiking-Rhino Peak, Howick Abseil, Sani Pass, Tugela Falls / Amphitheatre
Just to say thanks a million to you again for the fantastic experience you gave us in the Drakensberg. It will be a great memory for a long time. We have been enjoying many nights in a warm pub here in Ireland regaling stories of our adventures and experiences to the people we know and sometimes the odd stranger! —>Niall Fitzgerald, Ireland |
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Howick Abseil Thanks for organising and arranging the abseiling day Geoff - was a quality day for the abseilers and a nervous day for those who were tempted off and on to do it - but never did!! Appreciated your help and professionalism in helping those, like Tony, who thought they couldn’t do it at the time. You made the day for many people - thanks. —> Steve Lancaster, UK, Oak Hall Team |
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Howick Abseil Just wanted to say thanks again for mentioning the abseil thing to Steve because I loved it and every time I look at the picture you took of me (and me and Laura) at the top I think 'wow!' and relive how amazing it was. And it did bring home to me the beauty of God's creation, I guess an unexpected 'side effect'! You are doing a great thing and I wish you every success in it - beats an office job any day, too! —> Ruth Blakeborough, UK, Oak Hall Team |
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Howick Abseil Thanks for the warm welcome that you gave us while in South Africa….The whole experience was amazing. —> Fiona Calder, UK, Oak Hall Team |
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Rap Jumping, Hiking-Rhino Peak, Howick Abseil
Dear Geoff and Siya. Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed our rock climbing, rap jumping and trek in the Drakensberg. It was without doubt 2 of the best days in my life and I have bored everyone senseless with all my photos. I know that Noo has sent some pictures on to you which I hope you like. My thanks to you both for such an exciting, liberating and peaceful couple of days. With love and best wishes. —> Kate Fox, UK |
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Client Comments |
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Howick Abseil “Gnarly Gnarly extreme chick!” - said husband upon seeing his 30-year old wife with her climbing harnesses and helmet on. Alexander Jenkins, SA - 15 July 2007 |
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Pillar Cave family hike I thought you would like to know that Ben is still talking about Siyabonga and the cave and he now sleeps in a sleeping bag on the floor! Regards —> Christina Scott, SA, July 05 |
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Howick Abseil Hi Thank you so much for sending us the pictures, the memory of our experience with you is still very fresh and always enjoyable , we had a great time in your country and one of the highlights was the time we spent going down the water fall. In our religion next week is the New Year so all the best to you and your family and have a good year. —> Ram end Einat, Israel, July 07 |
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Howick Abseil, Intro to Rock Climbing, Drakensberg Classic
It started in April 2004 with an innocent abseil from Howick Falls. I just wanted to have some fun in the weekend, because I was working for 3 months in South Africa for my Masters. When I told Geoff that I did a beginners course climbing in The Netherlands (where I am from) he was immediately enthusiastic and invited me to go climbing the next week. Of course I couldn’t say no to so much enthusiasm! So that week we went with Sfiso, Geoff and me into the Valley of the 1000 Hills. I was a bit nervous about the whole thing, because I know I am not a good or experienced rock climber, not only that, I am also afraid of heights! But from the start they comforted me, they didn’t just do their thing, they showed me what they did and told me why. They really tried to teach me something! That first morning we did some short routes with the best view ever (that is what I thought then!) just for me to warm up and learn a bit. The afternoon was reserved for Old Baldy, a 200 meter climb. WOW, that was high!!! I didn’t know I could do that….. But they gave me a secure feeling and I did it. Although sometimes I stood with shaky legs on a little edge waiting for Geoff to lead the next pitch. But at those moments there was Sfiso who kept me company and helped me to face my fear. I felt great on the top, WOW what a view! That day gave me a boost of self-confidence. Although I did pay for the trip, I didn’t just feel as a paying customer, it felt like I made 2 friends that day. And this was confirmed on the second trip we did a month later or so. This time it was a two day trip to the Drakensberg to climb the sentinel. We had so much fun the whole day! They already warned me for the climb, because somewhere halfway there would be a kilometer of air down between my legs. I was very very nervous about that but Setseka, Sfiso and Geoff assured me that I could do it. There definitely were some scary points in the whole trip, especially sitting down and waiting for the others was scary, because when you are climbing you are busy and you don’t realize how high it is. When you are waiting for the others, then you are confronted with the height. The great thing on this trip were the cultures, there were 4 different cultures on one trip! Canadian, Dutch, Zulu and Sotho....I learned a lot that day. It was great to combine the scariest thing I ever did with a social gathering. That day I had many discussions with Setseka about South Africa, The Netherlands, culture, skin color, religion etc etc. These guys talked me up the mountain and made me cross many boundaries I normally wouldn’t have crossed. The times I said that “I was scared” or that “I couldn’t do it” are not countable on a few hands…. But somehow I did it every time. It wasn’t just a physical experience! It was as much a mental experience as a physical one! I felt a different person after that weekend. And I made great friends as well; we kept in contact during my time in South Africa and even beyond. Now, months later, I still cannot believe that I am able to do these things, but I have great pictures that prove the fact that I did!
—> Dagmar Zwebe, The Netherlands
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Abseil Guide Training Course Geoff, now that was a good training. Thanks for your contributions. —> Chris, All Out Adventures |
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Old Baldy Intro Climbing Day "Dude, now that was amazing!" —> James Johnson. SMS'd me after the day... |