Nicolai Užnik’s Sending Spree in Rocklands
On a bouldering trip to South Africa in July, the Austrian climber sent two V15s, one V14, seven V13s and eight V12s
In July 2025, Austrian climber Nicolai Užnik went on a bouldering trip to Rocklands, South Africa. He had an unbelievably successful trip, sending two V15s, one V14, seven V13s and eight V12s. He just released a video of eighteen of his sends from the trip, graded V11 to V15, which you can watch below. Užnik’s climbing style is unique. He often appears weightless, making huge dynos look like child’s play.
Užnik’s highlights of the trip were his sends of two V15 classics, Monkey Wedding and The Smile. In the same session he sent Monkey Wedding, he also topped the aptly-named Air Star V13. The following day he flashed the popular Amandla V13/14, taking V13 for the problem. Monkey Wedding was opened by none other than Fred Nicole back in 2002. The Smile is a more recent highball addition, being established by Giuliano Cameroni in 2018.
“What a day!” said Užnik about Monkey Wedding on Instagram. “Checked out this boulder [on July 7] and couldn’t really find a good method for the crux part and wasn‘t sure if I wanted to try again. [On July 9] right after climbing the iconic “Airstar” I decided to give it another shot. Thanks to the help of the crew, I managed to find a good beta and then sent it on my third go from the bottom! Psycheddd!!”
In March this year, Užnik made the first ascent of Mount Doom, a low start to the popular Hide and Sick V14 in Maltatal, grading the problem V17. Later that month, he topped Emotional Landscapes V16 in Maltatal, Austria. In November he went on a trip to Magic Wood, Switzerland, and after sending Mystic Stylez V14 in only a few attempts, he topped Will Bosi’s Brain Rot V16 within approximately an hour. Later on the trip, he was heartbreakingly close to flashing La Force Tranquille V15 in Magic Wood, Switzerland, but ultimately got it on his second go (first burn of the next day). Užnik also has extensive IFSC Word Cup experience, making the finals at multiple events over the past few years.
Nicolai Užnik’s Rocklands Highlights
- The Smile V15
- Monkey Wedding V15
- Bloody Mary V14
- Quintessential V13
- Sky V13
- Hiding in the Shadows V13
- Airstar V13
- Amandla V13
- Antidote V13
- El Corazon V13
