Remembering Cuba

  • 3rd June 2010
  • Blog

Cubana boys watching a game from the roof tops.

So much to update! Where do I begin? I’ll start with recently having a full feature article in Rock & Ice Magazine (Issue 186) on our trip to Cuba in spring 2009. The article “For Cuba” was written by the amazing Janet Bergman and will give you a recap on climbing in Cuba, the scene down there, and our adventures- be sure to check it out! It was an incredible trip, except when friend and climber Janet took a huge whip when a hold broke and busted her ankle. Experiencing the medical and hospital situation was one neither of us will forget. But other than that- the country is full of life, color, culture, and so much climbing! But where do I start to share these these images? I’ll start with a few a my favorites that are non climbing related.

Also, I want to thank our sponsors that not only helped us, but also helped the Cuban climbing community as we were able to to leave behind an incredible amount of ropes, harnesses, and other climbing equipment for the climbers down there. The really have no access to any of the above. Be sure to keep these companies in mind when making your next purchase because in our books- they rock. In specific: Mountain Hardwear, Sterling Rope, Julbo, La Sportiva, & Misty Mountain Threadworks.

You know it- these beautiful old cars are throughout Cuba.

Angel- local farmer and friend to all. This man had the kindest blue eyes we had ever seen. With them he shared cigars he had made from his own fields, and joined us a few times while cragging next to his tobacco fields.

Tobacco leaves being dried.

A Cubana feast! All gather around to indulge in eat jutia and drinking rum.

Janet Bergman getting aquainted with rum on the way to Viñales.

Cubana girls getting ready for a local game where the stadium was filled with songs, music, clapping, and cheers.

Local boys loving a day out of school and on the field for games.


The surrounding Viñales in the village of Viñales.

Local farmer selling pineapples on the way to the limestone climbing.

On the streets of Havana.

Early morning light in the streets of Havana.