University of Victoria students rope in climbers for rising business venture<\/p>\n
Published 5:30 am Friday, March 20, 2026<\/p>\n
Faced with gruelling class schedules and potential for mounting debt, a pair of UVic students opted for the flexibility of creating their own business.<\/p>\n
Kathryn Meers and Dylan Gyr embarked on a dog brand \u2013 but it didn\u2019t sit right.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe weren\u2019t proud of what we were doing,\u201d said Meers, an environmental studies student. \u201cIt didn\u2019t make me feel very happy creating something that would end up in the landfill.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Then Gyr saw a video online, showcasing how to reuse outdated climbing rope. Designed for safety and durability, it can only safely be used for so long \u2013 since life is literally on the line. <\/p>\n
With the core removed, the lines become a flat tube of woven, strong fabric \u2013 perfect for belts and keychains that are the staple of StokedWorks, which helps keep the climbing rope out of the landfill. <\/p>\n
Gyr bought a sewing machine, got to work and had a haul ready for the UVic Surfrider event that provided the first big exposure to their peers. \u201cThat catapulted us to success,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
Folks resonated with their tag line \u201cafterglow of adventure,\u201d and it became abundantly clear StokedWorks had a broadened buyer base. Handmade from retired climbing rope, the belts are designed for movement, comfort and by the nature of the material used, to last.<\/p>\n
Late last summer, the stress and concern of impending return to classes were starting to loom and the pair discovered Basecamp Repairs, where Nick Courval was already doing similar work. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt tied in exactly with our core belief,\u201d Courval said. <\/p>\n
READ ALSO: Victoria urban farm gives innovative coffee, oyster shell compost a trial run<\/a><\/p>\n READ ALSO: Victoria looks to be a national leader in the circular economy<\/a><\/p>\n Basecamp extends the longevity of technical outdoor gear and clothing, both keeping it out of the landfill and inspiring more folks to get out in nature.<\/p>\n Facing full-time classes and associated work, crazy sewing machine issues, postal strikes and tariffs, could easily be too much. But now, back from winter break, the UVic students are navigating next steps and goals. Perhaps a second staffer. Plus, there\u2019s a huge pallet of Sterling Rope in the back yard to contend with \u2013 about 1,400 belts worth. <\/p>\n And while camera straps and dog collars are also a possibility, \u201cwe\u2019re sticking to what we\u2019re really good at right now,\u201d Gyr said. <\/p>\n Now the product is available online, in local and Lower Mainland climbing gyms and Vallhalla Pure in Nelson, Gyr\u2019s hometown. <\/p>\n READ ALSO: Victoria circular economy creators sell out collaboration tote bag in days<\/a><\/p>\n READ ALSO: Soft plastics recycling still stumps residents: CRD waste study<\/a><\/p>\n Climbing ropes typically need to be retired after 10 years or heavy use. So the climbing gyms like The Hive in Vancouver and Crag X in Victoria are key contributors, but the ropes come in from all sides.<\/p>\n \u201cThe stuff we\u2019re working with has a story and memories,\u201d Meers said. \u201cIt\u2019s cool to turn it into a piece of gear.\u201d <\/p>\n One family reached out to have a climbing rope, used by their late sister, made into memento keychains, Gyr recalled. <\/p>\n \u201cStuff like that is fulfilling, and you feel like you\u2019re giving back to the family and community.\u201d<\/p>\n Learn more at stokedworks.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on?<\/p>\n