Michaela Kiersch x Rocklands | Sending 8B+ (V14) After Finger Break

In the summer of 2024, Michaela Kiersch traveled to South Africa to climb on the legendary boulders of Rocklands. But just two weeks before the flight, she fractured and dislocated her pinky and had three screws put in during surgery. Having her doctorate in Occupational Therapy with a specialty in hands, this was the ultimate cross-section of her life. In her own words, "As an OT, I knew that I needed to prioritize healing. As a climber, I was already in the gym moving my remaining digits and big muscles the next day." She kept her plans to travel to Rocklands and decided to see what she could accomplish while working through the recovery process. This film documents her journey, from the injury to sending v14 while still on the mend.

Produced by: Brandon and Gabi Fox
Featuring: Michaela Kiersch

Michaela's Full Rocklands Tick List:

Amandla 8B+/v14
Quintessential 8B/v13
Master key 8B/v13
L’arch 8B/v13
Green mamba 8A+/v12
Fragile steps 8A+/v12
Hatchling 8A/v11 flash
Light saber 8A/v11 flash
Barracuda 8A/v11
Tea with elmarie 8A/v11
Pendragon 8A/v11
Out of balance 8A/v11
Nutsa 8A/v11
Purple nipple clan 8A/v11
Dirty epic 8A/v11
Caroline 7C+/v10 flash
Black mango chutney 7C+/v10 flash
Paula Abdul 7C+/v10

Timestamps:

00:00 - The injury
03:15 - Recovering from surgery
05:26 - First day in Rocklands (Caroline flash)
10:02 - Out of Balance 8A/v11
11:06 - Nutsa 8A/v11
12:39 - Paula Abdul 7C+/v10
12:52 - Barracuda 8A/v11
14:14 - Black Mango Chutney 7C+/v10
15:18 - Quintessential 8B/v13
18:07 - Projecting Amandla
19:47 - Master Key 8B/v13
23:36 - Lightsaber 8A/v11
24:42 - The Rhino 7B+/v8
25:14 - Amandla 8B+/v14
26:12 - Credits

Music Licensed from Epidemic Sound

Reliance of Dawn - DEX 1200
Malhana - DEX 1200
Santosha - Van Sandano
Soga Jamaile (Instrumental Version) - Ebo Krdum
Dotted - Pobleno
The Unaccounted - Hampus Naeselius
Grub - Nina
Timglas - Weest & Zander
The Great White North - Eden Avery