The Coaches

Delaney Carpenter

Delaney has been involved in the climbing scene since 2009 and more actively in the larger climbing organisations since 2012. Due to her passion for the sport and environment, as well as her love of sharing the spirit of the sport with everyone, Delaney’s climbing path has led her to open up her own climbing club with partner, Ricky Traviss.  After spending two and a half years coaching exclusively for Western Cape Climbing and following the structural requirements of the South African National Climbing Federation as well as the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee, opening up their own climbing club seemed the obvious best next step.

Climbing Coaching Qualification

  • WCC Beginner Level 1 (2014)
  • WCC Beginner Level 2 (2014)
  • Intermediate Coaches Workshop (2014)
  • SANCF National Coaching Seminar 29th September and 1st October 2014
  • MDT Single Pitch Supervisor Certification (pending certificate receipt)
  • Diploma in Business Management and Entrepreneurship (2017; Alison)
  • Diploma in Children’s Studies (2017; Alison Online Study Platform)
  • Diploma in Human Anatomy and Physiology (2017; Alison)
  • Certificate in Introduction to Supervision (2017; Alison)
  • Certificate in Outdoor Education – Outdoor Recreation and Land Management (2018; Alison)
  • Diploma in Public Relations (2018; Alison)
  • Certificate in Social Media Strategy for Small Businesses (2018; Alison)
  • Certificate in Introduction to Human Nutrition Revised (2019; Alison)
  • Certificate in Human Nutrition – Introduction to Macronutrients (2019; Alison)
  • Certificate in Human Nutrition – Introduction to Micronutrients (2019; Alison)
  • Certificate in Revised Human Nutrition – Understanding Macronutrient Metabolism (2019; Alison)
  • Diploma in Human Nutrition (2019; Alison)
  • Diploma in Psychology (2019; Alison)
  • Certificate in Health and Fitness – Flexibility, Calisthenics and Plyometrics (2020; Alison)
  • Diploma in Outdoor and Physical Education Studies (2020; Alison)
  • Certificate in Physical Education – Coaching Styles and Techniques (2020; Alison)
  • Certificate in Physical Education – Fitness Training Principles and Methods – Revised (2020; Alison)
  • Certificate in Physical Education – Fitness Training Principles and Methods (2020; Alison)
  • Diploma in Physical Education – Physical Fitness (2020; Alison)
  • Certificate in Physical Fitness – How to Avoid Injuries and Train Safely (2020; Alison)

Other Coaching Qualifications

  • Pole Fitness Trainer Level 1 through 3 Certifications (2010 to 2012; Vertical Secrets)
  • Aerial Silks and Hoop Trainer Level 1 and 2 Certifications (2011 to 2012; Vertical Secrets)
  • Strength, Conditioning and Flexibility Certification (2010; Vertical Secrets)

Other Coaching Experience

  • Pole Fitness Trainer Level 1 through 3 (2010 to 2012; Vertical Secrets)
  • Aerial Silks and Hoop Trainer Level 1 and 2 (2011 to 2012; Vertical Secrets)
  • Pole, Aerial Silks and Aerial Hoop Dance Choreographer (2011 to present; Vertical Secrets 2011 to 2012; Simply Goddess 2012 to present)
  • Western Cape Climbing (2013 to 2015)
  • Rock Chicks Adult Beginner Climbing Technique Courses
  • UIAA (Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme aka International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation) Youth Training Seminar Certification (15th to 19th August 2014, Magaliesberg)

Related experience

  • Rock Climber since 2009
  • Mountain Club of South Africa Member (2009 to present)
  • Chairperson of the Mountain Club of South Africa Youth Section (2014 to present)
  • Past Chairperson Mountain Club of South Africa Cape Town Section Rock Climbing Committee (2012-2015)
  • Past Member Mountain Club of South Africa Cape Town Section Access Committee
  • Past Member Mountain Club of South Africa Cape Town Section Outreach Committee
  • Member of Mountain Club of South Africa Cape Town Section Committee
  • Past Secretary of Western Cape Climbing (2012-2013, 2015 to 2019)
  • Past Treasurer of Western Cape Climbing (2013, 2015 to 2019)
  • Past President of Western Cape Climbing (2014 to 2015)
  • Past Secretary of the South African National Climbing Federation (2013-2015; 2017-2018)
  • Past Treasurer of the South African National Climbing Federation (2018 to 2019)
  • Founder and Organiser of Rock Chicks and associated Website, Climbing Calendars, Climbing Club and Adult Beginner Climbing Technique Courses
  • Incorporator, Director and Climbing Coach of Top Out Climbing Club
  • Chairperson of Western Cape Climbing Transformation and Development and Women and Girls Commissions (2014 to present)
  • Member of Western Cape Climbing Competitions and Calendar; and Coaches and High Performance Commissions (2014 to present)
  • Member of the South African National Climbing Federation Development and Transformation Commission; and Coaches Commission (2017 to present)
  • Treasurer of Western Cape Climbing (2021 to present)
  • Treasure of Western Cape Climbing Cape Town District (2021 to 2022)

Alyssa Meyer

Alyssa has been involved in climbing since 2014. She found out about climbing through her older sister’s birthday party. She was taught how to belay and lead in 2014 by the inhouse training program at City Rock. She has been involved in competition climbing since 2015.

She has competed in 2 IFSC Youth World Championships, she first being in 2016. Through training with Delaney and making friends in the sport it grew her passion. She has made friends with both local and international climbers, which has opened her to various training styles and methodologies and the levels required for international competitions.

The idea of always having something new to climb inspires her and it also forces her to on route reading and planning, which has enabled great growth in the sport.

She has always loved children and being able to coach/train them has given her a new perspective and even greater joy for competitive climbing. She enjoys helping and improving anyone of any age and ability in the gym. She has made and continues to make incredible friends through the sport

Getting to be in the outdoors is just one of the perks of this amazing sport.

Climbing Coaching Qualification

  • Higher certificate in fitness (distinction)
  • Diploma in Fitness (distinction)
  • Bachelor of exercise in sport and leisure (currently final year)
  • Safe Guarding Course
  • Western Cape Climbing Beginner level 2 Coaching Course
  • Western Cape Climbing Intermediate level Coaching Course
  • MDT Single Pitch Supervisor Course (pending assessment)

Related experience

  • Performance coach and Manager of Top Out Climbing
  • 2 time South African Open Lead Team (2022, 2023)
  • WCC HP Coach
  • Performance Level Athlete for Top Out Climbing Club.
  • 2 x South African Youth Team Member
  • 2 x SA Youth Boulder Nationals Winner (2015, 2017)
  • 3rd in Bloc 11 Gravity Bowl – Advanced Open Category (2017)
  • Ballet Dancer for 12 years
  • Outdoor experience for Sport Climbing in Waterval Boven on a variety of grades between 14-27 (2024)

Anneke Eberhard

I started climbing in 2014, and competed nationally until June 2017. I love the challenge of climbing, and the feeling of strength it gives me. It’s been exciting to watch climbing grow, and to see more and more children join the sport. I love working with children, and started assisting Delaney in coaching special needs children in 2016.

Climbing Coaching Qualification:

  • WCC Beginner Level 1: 2019
  • MDT Single Pitch Supervisor Course (pending assessment)

Other Coaching Experience:

  • Coaching Special Needs Children

Related Experience:

  • Climber since 2014.
  • National competition experience
  • First Aid level 3 qualification
  • Western Cape Climbing Beginner level 2 Coaching Course

Daniel Robbins

Daniel currently works part time at CityROCK where some of his duties are to teach Top Rope and Lead Belay Courses.

Climbing Coaching Qualifications:

  • Western Cape Climbing Beginner level 1 Coaching Course (2021)
  • MDT Single Pitch Supervisor Certification (pending certificate receipt)

Related Experience:        

  • Level 1 First Aid

Ella Wakart

I have been coaching for over a year and a half and it has taught me an incredible amount. I love kids and I can’t imagine a better job than to teach children about creativity, problem solving, patience and confidence on the climbing wall.

I have been climbing since I was 8 years old and instantly fell in love with the sport. I started with CityROCK’s kids program, and moved to TopOut when I started competing in 2019. This is where I truly found my community and grew my love for the sport, making many friends and having new experiences both outdoors and in the gym.

My coaches have all had a hugely positive impact on me, and the opportunity to be that to the next generation of climbers is something I truly love!

Climbing Coaching Qualifications:

  • Safe Guarding Course
  • Western Cape Climbing Beginner level 1 Coaching Course
  • MDT Single Pitch Supervisor Course (pending assessment)

Matt Johnstone

Matt has been climbing since 2014 as a way to get over his fear of heights. He has done coaching for water polo and swimming so had a little coaching experience before starting at Top Out. Matt is really into a lot of Xtreme sports like Airsoft and MMA.

Matt currently works as a Route Setter at CityROCK and has done so since 2015 so he understands body movement and safety as he tends to focus a lot on when it comes to his work. Matt’s coaching motto is: “My training can get an elephant up the wall if they work hard enough.”

Climbing Coaching Qualifications:

  • Western Cape Climbing Beginner level 1 Coaching Course
  • Western Cape Climbing Beginner level 2 Coaching Course

Related Experience:        

  • Level 1 First Aid

Mila Blaine

Mila has been coaching for just over a year now and it has brought her such joy, as climbing is her greatest passion and she cannot think of a better job than showing the next climbing generation this love of the sport and lifestyle.

Mila first started climbing when she was only 5 years old with her dad as her coach. They began with outdoor climbing and Mila admits that she didn’t immediately love it but thanks to the insistence of her dad, she continued, joining a class at Top Out Climbing Club. This is where Mila found a love for the sport and it’s community.

Ever since Mila had a coach supporting her climbing and helping her improve, she knew she wanted to do the same. So Mila became Delaney’s Assistant Coach for a Term and from there on, she has been coaching her Saturday morning classes.


Coaching qualifications:

  • Grew up in the Top Out Climbing Club Coaching Syllabus
  • Western Cape Climbing Beginner level 1 Coaching Course
  • 10 years of prior climbing experience
  • 1 year of prior coaching experience
  • Experience in trad; outdoor and competitive climbing
  • Part of the High Performance Climbing Academy of Western Cape Climbing
  • Experience competing at a National Level

Nadine Breedt

I have been involved in Climbing since the age of 11, I competed in 2017. I prefer lead over Boulder but I do love both disciplines. I enjoy coaching as it allows me to share my passion for the sport while helping others grow both mentally and physically. Seeing climbers push their limits, overcome their fears and achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding. I enjoy the problem solving aspect of coaching, tailoring techniques to each individual, and fostering a supportive, encouraging community. Whether it’s helping someone send their first route or refined advanced skills, I take pride in guiding their progress and celebrating their successes.

Coaching qualifications

  • MTD course completed (certificate still pending)
  • Western Cape Climbing Beginner level 1 Coaching Course
  • One year coaching experience
  • 10 years climbing experience

Shanay Meintjes

Shanay has been climbing since 2014. Working her way up the ranks, she competed at a national and an international level. She made the Western Province team in 2015 and the SA team in 2017.
Shanay loves the challenge of climbing, and the strength – mentally and physically that it demands of her. She also danced for 8 years and would compare a good climb to a dance. A sequence that requires balance, flow, strength and focus.
Shanay is just as passionate about climbing, as she is about sharing it. She believes that climbing is a fun sport with bucket loads of benefits. Physical, mental as well as social. She has made so many of her closest friends through climbing. Likeminded, nature loving, energy junkies. The gym is a safe space that welcomes all ages, races, and genders.

Climbing Coaching Qualification:

  • Safeguarding course
  • Western Cape Climbing Beginner level 1 Coaching Course (2021)
  • MDT Single Pitch Supervisor Certification (pending certificate receipt)
  • 200hr Yoga Teacher Certificate

Zoe Nuttall

I began climbing in 2016 and immediately fell in love with the unique physicality and mental commitment of it. I’ve always had a passion for the great outdoors, and nothing excites me more than sharing that love with kids. The thrill that comes with challenging yourself is something I encourage, and I am always keen to help young climbers discover their own strengths and be excited, not disappointed, by their weaknesses. Coaching is not solely about teaching technique, but about learning and growing together with the kids and keeping it fun and interesting. Watching kids build their confidence as they overcome challenges and enjoy the outdoors is so exciting for me.

Climbing Coaching Qualification:

  • MDT Single Pitch Supervisor Course (pending certificate)
  • Western Cape Climbing Beginner level 1 Coaching Course

Other Coaching Experience:

  • Coaching Children with Special Needs

Related Experience:

  • Climber since 2016
  • Grew up in the Top Out Club Climbing Syllabus
  • First Aid Level 1 qualification
  • Safeguarding Course (pending assessment)