Faced with gruelling class schedules and potential for mounting debt, a pair of UVic students opted for the flexibility of creating their own business.
Kathryn Meers and Dylan Gyr embarked on a dog brand – but it didn’t sit right.
“We weren’t proud of what we were doing,” said Meers, an environmental studies student. “It didn’t make me feel very happy creating something that would end up in the landfill.”
Then Gyr saw a video online, showcasing how to reuse outdated climbing rope.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 – since life is literally on the line.
With the core removed, the lines become a flat tube of woven, strong fabric – perfect for belts and keychains that are the staple of StokedWorks, which helps keep the climbing rope out of the landfill.
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. “That catapulted us to success,” he said.
Folks resonated with their tag line “afterglow of adventure,” 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.
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.
“It tied in exactly with our core belief,” Courval said.
READ ALSO: Victoria urban farm gives innovative coffee, oyster shell compost a trial run
READ ALSO: Victoria looks to be a national leader in the circular economy
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.
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’s a huge pallet of Sterling Rope in the back yard to contend with – about 1,400 belts worth.
And while camera straps and dog collars are also a possibility, “we’re sticking to what we’re really good at right now,” Gyr said.
Now the product is available online, in local and Lower Mainland climbing gyms and Vallhalla Pure in Nelson, Gyr’s hometown.
READ ALSO: Victoria circular economy creators sell out collaboration tote bag in days
READ ALSO: Soft plastics recycling still stumps residents: CRD waste study
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.
“The stuff we’re working with has a story and memories,” Meers said. “It’s cool to turn it into a piece of gear.”
One family reached out to have a climbing rope, used by their late sister, made into memento keychains, Gyr recalled.
“Stuff like that is fulfilling, and you feel like you’re giving back to the family and community.”
Learn more at stokedworks.com.
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on?
Email: christine.vanreeuwyk@blackpress.ca
For more news delivered daily into your inbox, please click here.