Lucho Birkner, Mateo Barrenengoa and Matias Fuentes, three Chilean climbers joined by the Surinamese guide Julio De Rooy has opened the first sport climbing crag of Surinam in Ebba Top mountain. They opened several sport climbing routes, one traditional multi-pitch line and some boulders in the time they were there, but they said the potential is huge for all these disciplines and all levels. The objective of introducing rock climbing in this amazing country was also to give a tool to the villages at the Saramacca river to help these African people to fight against the forestals and miners whit out the necessity of cutting any trees. They also build an artificial boulder wall in the Boslantie Village to promote the motivation for the kids who live next to these rocks as they also teach them and gave them the sport climbing equipment necessary to climb on their own. At the same time, they help to build the first climbing gym in the city of Paramaribo. Whit this we can say now that Surinam is on the rock climbing map and that all the adventurers who want to have a jungle experience climbing and setting new routes are welcome.

Together with a group of influential leaders and experts within the indoor climbing industry, Vertical-Life has decided to draw up a strategy outline that is intended to be the basis for gyms to safely transition from the current lockdown. Although there are different, country-specific degrees of lockdown, it can be estimated that sports facilities throughout Europe, and especially indoor sports facilities, should be prepared for being subjected to even longer periods of closure. The goal must be drawing up a strategic plan and workable solutions that will make it easier for the national authorities to evaluate the reopening of climbing gyms. Read the first outline for a strategic plan of action here. We’re open to any feedback, questions and input!

James Webb has posted two second ascents from last month in Ticino. Poison the Well 8C+ in Brione put up by Giuliano Cameroni and Roadkill 8C in Valle Bavona put up by Shawn Raboutou. In total, James has now done five 8C+' and 20 8C' out of which 2 + 8 just the last 12 months. Daniel Woods is #1 in this ranking with close to 30 boulders 8C and harder. "Covid has definitely kept me from climbing. I've been doing some hangboard workouts and now I'm in the process of building a Kilterboard on the back porch." On Insta, (c) Kevin Takahashi Smith, James has some further comments on the Covid-19 situation. "After putting in a good amount of effort last season it felt so damn good to come back and finish it up. Huge fist bump to my amico @giuliano_cameroni for establishing this test piece. Giul has always been one of the best climbers I’ve ever met, and his drive and motivation towards pushing the limit of our sport is something I respect so much. Cheers homie, you’re a legend."