|
My name is John Morris and rock climbing has always been a part of my life. My earliest climbing memory is getting stuck on Tiptoe Ridge at Mt. Arapiles when I was 8 years old. Since then, I have climbed extensively in Australia and traveled to America and New Zealand on other climbing related trips.
I love the endless variety of experiences that climbing provides and the beautiful places it takes me. As I mature, I see the joy in celebrating Australian rock climbing and spreading information about the activity with my photos and stories. My heart will always be with adventurous yet easy trad climbing, but I do enjoy dabbling with sport climbing and bouldering - anything that gets me outside and on the rock. |
John Morris on Jerusalem (19/5.10b) at Mt Coree, ACT. Photo by Melanie Ruetzel.
|
John Morris with Melanie Ruetzel belaying on Cornerstone Rib Direct (14/5.6), Warrumbungle National Park, New South Wales, Australia. Photo by Steve Morris (IG: @rockhardware_steve)
|
In 2020, just before the pandemic, I conceptualised the possibility of a climbing-themed card game. I had also been traveling around Australia taking photos for a book I am working on. Then the COVID lockdown gave me the time to develop the concept. I began with drawings on pieces of paper that progressed to drawings on cards, which eventually were refined to what it is now.
My partner Mel did the bulk of the initial game testing with me because I was embarrassed to show the draft, I eventually printed draft cards that I tested with friends, refining some core aspects. It came on the market in January 2022 and in the first four month sold 200 copies . It has been nice getting feedback about the cards having unique gameplay and niche subject matter. |
The original Rock Stack card trials.
|
Above photos: Click to enlarge and see caption.
|
Rock Stack is an Australian rock-climbing card game for 2-4 players. Each player gets a Player Card and a Quick Rules card. The game's core concept is to stack Route Cards under your player card to build attributes and send harder routes. The game takes between 10 and 60 minutes, depending on the number of players and level of experience.
To win: Send 14 route cards Or Send route cards from all 8 states and territories in Australia Or Send grade 30 or above Explore what inspires you to climb. Project. Send. Win! |
|
It came on the market in January 2022 and in the first four month sold 200 copies . It has been nice getting feedback about the cards having unique gameplay and niche subject matter.
|
9. John Morris holding his creation with Tonduron Spire in the background, Warrumbungle National Park, NSW. Photo by Melanie Ruetzel.
|
ROCK STACK is printed in Australia.
There are over 100 climbing routes featured from over 50 climbing destinations in Australia (NOTE: Some of the climbing routes are no longer available to climb, out of respect for the Original Peoples of the area. Therefore, it is nice to send it virtually through this game!)
Half of the photos on the cards were taken by me and the other half were generously contributed by over 40 photographers from the delightful climbing community. All credits are in the instruction manual of the game.
Where to buy: https://www.rockhardware.com.au/rock-stack
There are over 100 climbing routes featured from over 50 climbing destinations in Australia (NOTE: Some of the climbing routes are no longer available to climb, out of respect for the Original Peoples of the area. Therefore, it is nice to send it virtually through this game!)
Half of the photos on the cards were taken by me and the other half were generously contributed by over 40 photographers from the delightful climbing community. All credits are in the instruction manual of the game.
Where to buy: https://www.rockhardware.com.au/rock-stack