Interview with Justin Hawkins

Last updated on 17th August 2009

Justin has been a figurehead for climbing in South Africa over the past decade, he was the first South African to open an 8A+ 'Boogie Nights' and the first south african to climb 8B 'Armed Response'. Born in Pietermaritzburg in 1977, Justin started climbing when he was twelve after a taster family day at his local outdoor club in Cape Town. He began competing on a regular basis, although indoor and competition climbing were only just starting to take off in South Africa at the time. After studying camerawork at City Varsity Film School, Justin is now pursuing his career in the film industry.

What aspect of climbing made you take up the sport seriously?

"At the time it was competitions. I was 15 when I really started to get psyched. There were three nationals a year, which to me were three goals, something to look forward to and train harder for."

Favourite climbing area in South Africa and why?

"Rocklands without a doubt, it's got awesome climbing and the best vibes."

Worldwide?

"Ceüse for the sport-climbing and Mallorca for the DWS."

Favourite problems in Rocklands?

"John Denver (7A+, Old Campground) and Sunset Arete (7B+, Roadside)."

You played an important role in organising Rockstock this year. How did the idea come about and what was the aim in carrying it out?

"It was awesome this year wasn't it?  It was the third Rockstock since it all started two years ago. Originally it was a small spit-braai, partly to wave off some of the guys who were leaving, but mainly to bring all the climbers in the Rocklands area together. This year Mark and Thys of De Pakhuys were psyched to host it at the campsite, and were largely responsible for its success."

I think it's important as locals to initiate something like Rockstock to bring everybody together. The one thing we can really influence is the community spirit and the general vibe. Anyone who's spent some time out here knows that climbing is only a small part of what makes this place."

How do you hope to improve Rockstock in years to come?

"Rockstock has to be sustainable, it is entirely dependant on the number of people attending and I think that as the area becomes a more popular climbing destination it will naturally grow. By going big this year we learnt a lot (two rental speakers were blown, a mixer, and the stage kindly lent by the agricultural society was left a little warped (cough..). We're considering making it two days instead of just one evening. Then we could incorporate a day or two of Olympics, with rusk eating competitions, slacklining, golf, pool and poker, and the airstar naturally. Who knows we may even get some sponsorship? Lets not forget it started off as only 30 people and this year we were over 100!"

Was a profit made? Where does it go?

"Not sure at the moment, still busy paying bills for the damages. We may just break even."

Do you think they could be donated to an organisation to help preserve the Cederburg?

"Definitely. We are looking at benefiting the Clanwilliam area as well as the local climbing scene and community. At this stage profits aren't significant enough, hopefully next year though."

Rocklands is growing by the season, and so is the quantity of climbers coming, in your eyes how will this change the dynamics and the essence of the area?

"I can remember when it was just us locals and then Fred and his crew.  Maybe 20 foreigners visited each year then, I remember me and Scott Noy would officially end the season when we packed up our stuff and left. These days several hundred visit annually, which is great for the local tourism and has allowed us locals to meet some amazing people from all over the world.

Rocklands is a very sensitive area though. More traffic means a greater impact, which is what makes events like Rockstock even more important in keeping the community spirit alive and making us all aware of the local etiquette. With a stronger community spirit the easier it will be to manage the sustainability of an area like Rocklands."

And last but not least, what is the walk from Clanwilliam (De Kelder) to De Pakhuys like at night?

"(...smiles sheepishly...) Fucking tiring. But we were so stoked to find boulders that night."

Any final words?

"Commit random acts of kindness and scenceless acts of beauty."

This interview was kindly conducted by Chris Kelk for Rocklands Boulders