About
Here's the Lowdown
Scallywags was born in 2018 from a simple idea: make quality climbing gear that's accessible, sustainable, and made right here in South Africa.
scal·ly·wag
/ˈskaliwag/ — noun, informal
A person, typically a child, who behaves badly but in an amusingly mischievous rather than harmful way; a rascal.
Our Story
For the Nomads
and the Dirtbags
We make climbing products for the scallywags, for the nomads and the dirtbags, for the mischievous and adventurous.
Built to last and work. Built to look good enough for post-climb drinks, and cheap enough for the drifters.
We're not a mega-corporate populated by suits — it's dirtbag central here. The brand is for the athlete and the person who just came to hang out.
Everything we make is handcrafted at Made in Workshop in Johannesburg, right next to our sister gym, Friends and Allies. Local is lekker.
“Climbing changed my life. I started Scallywags because I wanted to give back to the community that gave me so much.”
Our Philosophy
Conscious Climbing
Getting to the top isn't what it's all about — being in nature is.
Sustainability
Less plastic, more thought. We choose materials and processes that respect the places we climb.
Ethical Labour
Every product is made by hand in our Johannesburg workshop. Fair wages, good conditions. Non-negotiable.
Community First
Built BY climbers FOR climbers. We reinvest in the community through events, sponsorships, and Dream Higher.
What We Stand For
Accessibility
More walls = more climbing. Scallywags exists to bridge the accessibility gap in South African climbing.
Local is Lekker
Proudly South African. Handmade in Johannesburg at Made in Workshop. Supporting local talent.
Quality Over Quantity
We'd rather make fewer products that last a lifetime than flood the market with disposable gear.
No Gatekeeping
Climbing is for everyone — from the grom sending their first V0 to the veteran projecting their life goal.
The Crew
Meet the Scallywags
Wesley Antonites
Founder
Started it all in 2018. Climber, maker, and the heart of Scallywags.
Tim Slabolepszy
Wall Building Lead
The mastermind behind our wall builds. From home setups to commercial gyms.
Ready to Get Involved?
Whether you're looking to kit out your training space, build a wall, or just want to say howzit — we'd love to hear from you.