The Countdown Begins
Alright, homies, GET PSYCHED because the most lekka time of the year is here. Tjoms in Arms isn’t just a comp; it’s the celebration of everything that makes our climbing community special. I’m talking pure gees, strong sends, and that special thing only FA has.
Remember that small-town crusher from Limpopo who rocked up to her first-ever comp and walked away with second place? That should be your inspiration to take part in TIA. Any level of climber is welcome at TIA; it is not about how strong you are or how long you’ve climbed, it is about climbing for the love of climbing. And with the right tjom anything is possible.
What Is Tjoms In Arms?
For those new homies who haven’t been to TIA yet, let me give you a quick rundown. TIA is Friends and Allies’ team-based bouldering competition where you and a tjom of your choice climb together.
This isn’t the typical comp grind. Nah maat, this is about having your mate’s back when they’re pumped out of their minds, and celebrating every zone and top as a team! It’s climbing the way it was meant to be – together.
TIA's Gone By: The Vaabs
Tjoms in Arms started in 2021, as a little bit of a wild experiment. And as we welcome TIA Vol5, it is good to take a moment to appreciate how far this competition has come. From all the zones and tops, the tjoms pairing up over the years, the spectacular finals. But most importantly, all the laughs and good times shared.
Each year, TIA ends with a lekka afterparty. You never know what you are going to get, and that’s the beauty of it. The shirts get taken off for the last time, the DJ booth is on fire, and the joll takes us into the early hours of the morning.
Last year’s afterparty was more than just closing off TIA; it was a final skit in the birthplace of TIA. As we said our goodbyes to the original home of Friends and Allies at 10 Naaf, and welcomed our new home across the road.
TIA 2025, It’s Going To Be Lekka:
The crew at FA will be bringing their all to this comp set, I feel it in my chalk dust. This isn’t just about more room (though that’s lekka too), there is a new energy that has filled the setters, and there are fresh setters on the block. If you are worried about the difficulty, get that thought out of here. TIA is here for everyone to get a taste of the comp scene.
The Flow
Quali Rounds: Three 2-hour sessions to choose from where you and your tjom tackle 30 problems. These aren’t your everyday blocs – these are limited edition beauties that’ll disappear forever after the day! Get your top 10 scores, combine them with your tjoms, and keep an eye on the TV to see if you’ve made it to the finals.
Afternoon Chill: While the gym resets for finals, you don’t need to be bored or go home in the hecticness of Jozi. There will be a lot happening between qualis and finals, and trust me, it is worth hanging out for.
The Finals: The Last Battle
Session-style finals with teams from boets, binnets, and mixed categories all climbing at the same time. Four problems, 20 minutes each! If you didn’t make it to the finals, stay to support those who did. This is the perfect opportunity to check some new moves and different techniques.
Catering That’s Banging
The FA crew knows how climbers’ stomachs work. They have the food game covered. Expect proper sustenance to keep you fueled all day no matter what.
The Afterparty
After prize-giving, it’s time to get rowdy! The DJ booth fires up, the bar is restocked, and we party the FA way! This is where shirts get taken off for the last time, mense skit lekker, and the gees continues long into the night!
Have You Chosen Your Tjom?
I know how frothy you have been waiting for this! Tickets are live, and this year’s TIA is going to be one that sets a trend. Don’t be that tjom who misses out because they were sleeping on the admin! Grab your maat, book out the date and prepare those tips.
See You On The Walls!
The vibe that makes TIA special doesn’t just happen – it’s created by those who show up with energy, support, and pure love for the community! Whether you’re gunning for the finals or just there to support the homies, YOU are what makes this event legendary! Hopefully, after this, you are as psyched as I am. Now you know what TIA is and what will be waiting for you on September 27th. Check you there.
