South African OCR world champion Thomas van Tonder conquered 600 Bloukrans Bridge monkey bars on 26 October 2026. He completed the 280-metre crossing in 47 minutes and 37 seconds.
The Red Bull athlete tackled the course beneath the bridge’s arch, 216 metres above the ground. The challenge tested his grip, upper-body strength and concentration from start to finish.
Known as Red Bull Bridge Bars, the attempt followed two years of planning and preparation. However, the steep climb placed greater demands on his muscles than training could fully reproduce.
A steep start beneath the arch
The opening section rose at 45 degrees. As a result, Van Tonder had to turn backwards and pull himself uphill, reaching for each bar behind him.
The repeated movement strained the same muscle groups throughout the climb. Meanwhile, his hands took a constant beating as he worked towards the crown.
Although the arch flattened at the top, the crossing remained difficult. Fatigue affected his grip, and he struggled to establish a steady rhythm.
To stay focused, he divided the route into smaller sections. He then relayed each target to rigging and safety head Richard Lievaart over the communications system.
Bloukrans Bridge monkey bars test control
The descent brought another challenge. Instead of pulling himself uphill, Van Tonder had to slow his movement and control the force of gravity.
Each bar demanded a secure grip. With fatigue building, he concentrated on placing his hands carefully, especially over the final 20 metres.
Meanwhile, Lievaart and his team managed safety beneath the bridge. Some riggers worked through the night to prepare the course before the attempt.
The team used two independent safety points and no permanent fixings. They installed the rigging without drilling or bolting into the structure.
Bloukrans Bridge spans the boundary between the Western Cape and Eastern Cape on the N2 near Tsitsikamma. It also hosts Africa’s highest bridge bungee jump.
For Van Tonder, completing all 600 bars brought a demanding project to its finish after preparation.
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