Welcome to the ninth edition of ClimbLife – our monthly newsletter where we bring to you a curated collection of climbing facts & history, the latest news, the latest products in our offering and the climber of the edition.
Namah – A brand from an organization established since 1898, specializing in manufacturing and exporting of high quality UIAA/CE certified Ropes and Safety Harnesses.
Climbing Facts & History
Straddling Borders: Rysy, the Peak of Two Nations
Rysy, standing tall at 2,501 meters, is the highest point in Poland and a majestic peak in the High Tatras. What makes it special? It lies right on the border between Poland and Slovakia, with three summits one in Poland and two in Slovakia.
Hiking Rysy is a badge of honor. The Polish route from Morskie Oko is steep and dramatic, while the Slovak path from Štrbské Pleso is longer but more scenic. The summit offers sweeping views and the thrill of standing between two countries. With its name meaning “scratches” or “crevices,” Rysy lives up to its rugged charm. And since the Schengen Agreement, you can cross the border freely at the top.
A high-altitude adventure with a geopolitical twist, Rysy is where nature meets history.
View MoreIn The News
Katie McKinstry Stylos Makes History on Dolomites’ D16 Giant
On March 18, 2025, American climber Katie McKinstry Stylos achieved the first female ascent of ‘Parallel World’ in the Tomorrow’s World cave on Marmolada, Dolomites, Italy. This 60-meter horizontal roof route was originally established in December 2018 by Polish climber Dariusz Sokołowski, who graded it D16. Stylos climbed it using the Yaniro style (Figure Four), marking her hardest ascent to date and a significant milestone for women in dry tooling. Her achievement underscores the growing prominence of female climbers in the sport.
View MoreProduct Spotlight
INDUS 9.0 mm Static Rope – Built for Adventure
Designed for caving and canyoning, the INDUS 9.0 mm Static Rope delivers the perfect balance of flexibility and rugged durability. Its 40% polyamide sheath ensures superior abrasion resistance, while the lightweight 52 g/m construction keeps your pack light.
Certified to CE EN 1891:1998 Type B and UIAA 107 Type B, this rope meets strict safety standards. It withstands 8 falls with a 3.5% static elongation and 4.7 kN impact force, providing reliable performance in harsh conditions. With zero sheath slippage and excellent knotability (0.6 rating), it offers secure handling when you need it most. Whether you’re rappelling into caves or navigating canyons, the INDUS rope is your dependable companion.
View DetailsJean-Christophe Lafaille: The Fearless Soloist of the High Mountains
Jean-Christophe Lafaille (1965–2006) was a renowned French mountaineer, celebrated for his solo ascents and pioneering routes in the Alps and Himalayas. In 1989, he became the first French climber to solo a 7c+ graded route. His notable achievements include the first solo climb of Divine Providence on Mont Blanc’s Grand Pilier d’Angle. In 1992, during an ascent of Annapurna’s South Face, Lafaille survived a harrowing ordeal: after his partner Pierre Béghin’s fatal fall, Lafaille descended the face alone with a broken arm. He successfully summited 11 of the 14 eight-thousanders, many solo or via new routes. Tragically, Lafaille disappeared in January 2006 during a solo attempt to make the first winter ascent of Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest mountain.
Watch NowIndustry insights
IRATA vs. SPRAT: Choosing Your Rope Access Certification
When choosing a rope access certification, professionals typically consider two leading organizations: IRATA (International Rope Access Trade Association) and SPRAT (Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians). Both maintain rigorous safety standards but differ in their global reach and industry focus.
IRATA, headquartered in the UK, offers a globally recognized three-level certification system preferred for industrial and offshore applications. Its comprehensive training programs emphasize strict safety protocols, making it the gold standard in many international markets.
SPRAT, based in North America, provides an equally robust three-tier certification but with greater emphasis on versatility across construction, maintenance, and rescue operations. Notably, SPRAT requires recertification every three years, compared to IRATA’s three-to-five year cycle.
SPRAT, based in North America, provides an equally robust three-tier certification but with greater emphasis on versatility across construction, maintenance, and rescue operations. Notably, SPRAT requires recertification every three years, compared to IRATA’s three-to-five year cycle.
Read MoreThe summit is just the beginning with Namah – ClimbLife.
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