Inside VL56 Spring 2026
Vertical Life 56 celebrates the people, places and experiences shaping climbing at home and abroad. Packed with practical insights, honest reflections and epic journeys, this spring issue has something for every climber.
Spring has arrived, and with it comes another issue packed with stories that celebrate every corner of Australia’s climbing community and beyond.
Gracing the cover is Mira Jordan on Catch the Wind (21) in the Blue Mountains, marking the release of the Australian Climbing Handbook, the country’s first dedicated technical climbing guide in more than two decades. We take readers behind the scenes of this landmark publication, exploring the immense effort that went into creating a resource set to educate and inspire the next generation of climbers.
Photography legend Simon Carter shares decades of experience offering practical advice and insights into becoming a climbing photographer. Malcolm Matheson breaks down the techniques and mindset needed to master one of climbing’s most rewarding disciplines, while Tommy Hutchinson is back with another instalment of Sensational Sandbags, finding himself humbled once again.
John Smoothy making the most of an early start for an ascent of Checkpoint Charlie (21) in the Blue Mountains, NSW.
Image by Simon Carter
This issue also introduces Rock News, hosted by Tom George from The Hangout, bringing together the latest news stories from around Australia’s climbing scene. Our new Gym Community News section, celebrating the people, events and achievements shaping indoor climbing across the country.
Further afield, we journey to the world’s highest peaks with powerful stories from Mount Everest, before heading to the untouched sea cliffs of remote New Zealand for an unforgettable deep water soloing adventure. Seb Ashton takes us to Smith Rock, Oregon, the birthplace of American sport climbing, while speed climber Andrew Burge shares his journey in our latest Getting to Know profile.
Smith Rock, Image by Seb Ashton
Rounding out the issue is an honest and insightful feature on climbing through pregnancy, exploring how athletes continue to adapt, challenge themselves and stay connected to the sport during one of life’s biggest transitions.
From instructional wisdom and adventure to community stories and inspiring personal journeys, Vertical Life 56 celebrates the many ways climbing continues to bring people together.
Left: Speed Climber, Andrew Burge. Image by Victor Hall. Centre: Eddie Dawson learning from the best at Crack School with Malcolm Matheson. Image by Claire Williams Right: Buffalo Boulders – Crimpfest. 30th March 2026. Image by Lauren Morgan Sport
