FA Meltdown 2024: The Grand Finale and New Beginnings at Friends and Allies
Johannesburg’s climbing community, brace yourselves: FA Meltdown 2024 is coming in hot! As we wrap up another year, the FA crew is rolling out the biggest, baddest comp on the calendar, giving climbers, supporters, and party-goers one last shot to celebrate what makes Friends and Allies so lekker. This isn’t just any comp – it’s solidly in FA style where climbing and kuiering go hand in hand. The Meltdown is all about the vibe, the gees, and bringing the community together to close out the year in style.
This year, the Meltdown promises to be something extra special. Not only will climbers be pushing their limits on our tasty imported holds. It will also serve as the grand debut of our new home in Strydom Park. That’s right—the rumours are true. FA is moving to a fresh new space, bringing with it everything you love about the current spot but in an even bigger, bolder package. Think more walls, more climbs, more room to relax, and the same welcoming community atmosphere that FA embodies. So get ready for the grand finale, because the 2024 Meltdown is set to be an epic blend of competition, nostalgia, and a taste of what’s to come.
Mos Lekker Meltdown
The FA Meltdown is more than just a climbing competition, it’s a community gathering and a full-on celebration of the stoke we love to see in our climbers.. At FAM, we don’t put the rules and structure of a traditional competition first. Instead, we focus on the gees, the vibe and energy that comes from the crowd and the pure love of climbing. This means there are no judges making calls from afar; instead, it’s you, the community, who decides the climbers’ fates. Did you think a climber had one more try in them? Shout loud enough, and they might just get another shot.
Our approach to the Meltdown is simple: let the athletes shine, let the crowd fuel the energy, and let the celebration be as big as it can be. And in FA style, this year’s Meltdown will bring everything to the next level. We’re going to have a skitz competition, lekker tunes, and a banging party. It’s the perfect way to close out the year and kick off a new chapter in FA’s story.
A New Chapter for FA: Moving to 304 Tungsten Road
If you’ve been around FA, you’ve probably heard the whispers or seen a post or two on the socials hinting at our move. Yes, it’s true we’re moving to a brand-new space at 304 Tungsten Road in Strydom Park. This wasn’t decided randomly, it was made possible by the growth and the love this community has shown us since we opened our doors. The new space promises to elevate the FA experience for everyone, whether you’re here to train, chill, or just catch up with friends after a session.
So what’s different at the new FA? For starters, more walls and more space mean bigger, more varied climbs to challenge you at every level. We’re talking new holds, new routes, and a layout that will take your training sessions up a notch. Plus, the new space will have even better chill spots where you can kick back after a hard session or watch friends take on some tough problems. We wanted to create a home that feels fresh but still holds that same FA spirit, and we can’t wait for you to see it for yourselves.
Event Breakdown: How to Get Involved in the Meltdown
To make sure everyone has a chance to participate, the Meltdown kicks off with qualifiers held at the original FA spot on Naaf Street. From November 18th to 23rd, you’ll have a full week to test your skills, hit some boulders, and give it your all to secure a place in the finals. The competition will be intense, so don’t forget to bring your best climbing shoes, focus, and a whole lot of grit.
Then, on November 29th, it’s time for the send-off party at 10 Naaf Street—the place where it all started. The whole FA crew will be spinning tunes and amping up the vibes. This isn’t just a chance to celebrate the old space; it’s a moment to recognize all the memories, friendships, and epic sends that have happened there over the years. This party isn’t just about closing a chapter – it’s about sending off our beloved Naaf Street location with the energy it deserves.
Finally, the Meltdown Finals will be held on December 6th at the new FA space on Tungsten Road. Things kick off at 7pm, and for the next two hours, you’ll witness some of the most insane sends of the year as climbers take on the new walls for the first time. This isn’t just a competition; it’s a grand opening, a first look, and a party all rolled into one. When the comp is over, the celebration doesn’t stop – the night will continue with music, laughter, and one last doef to close out 2024
Join Us for the Ultimate FA Send-Off and New Beginning
For anyone who’s been part of FA’s journey – from the regular climbers and first-timers to those who just love the atmosphere – we want you to be part of this unforgettable event. Whether you’re competing, cheering, or just showing up for the vibes, you’re a part of the FA family, and this Meltdown is for you. It’s a way for us to say thank you for an incredible year and to show you what’s next as we move into this exciting new space.
So get ready, FA fam. Bring your friends, bring your energy, and let’s make FA Meltdown 2024 the event of the year. We’ll see you at Naaf Street, then at Tungsten Road. Let’s close this chapter and start the next with a bang.
Check you all on the walls – let’s get sending! FA Crew
