Lafayette, CO – March 21, 2025 – At Trango, we don’t just make climbing gear—we’re committed to supporting the sport at every level. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce the Trango Belay Team, a handpicked crew of expert belayers who will be the backbone of some of the biggest competitions in the world. With Ty Hardaway, Noah Makaiwi, Catherine Ladner, and Meagan Knecht on our team, we’re making a bold statement: World-class climbers deserve world-class belay support.
Why This Team Matters
Climbers push their limits because they trust what’s below them—both their gear and the person on the other end of the rope. That’s where our belay team comes in. These four aren’t just belayers; they’re the best in the business, ensuring smooth, safe, and professional belaying at the highest levels of competition.”
Ty Hardaway– A pioneer in competition belaying, Ty has been shaping the standards of the sport for years. From leading USA Climbing’s belay program to now spearheading global belay development with the IFSC, his expertise is unmatched.
Noah Makaiwi – An advocate for competition belaying, Noah develops local belayer leadership and supports athletes of all skill levels. He has represented competition belaying at IFSC Youth World Championships, Paraclimbing World Cups, National Team Trials and beyond.
Catherine Ladner (“CLad”) – Known for her belay expertise, leadership, and love of the climbing community, CLad has supported the IFSC Paraclimbing World Cups and US National Championships. Her goal is to provide the same level of care to each climber no matter the skill level or competition stakes.
Meagan Knecht – A standout in competition belaying, Meagan has become a key player at climbing’s biggest competitions and has supported the US Paraclimbing National Championships and US National Championships. She continues educating the next generation of competition belayers, evolving techniques and procedures to match the demand of the growing sport.
Together, this team is setting the bar higher for competition belaying. Their expertise, professionalism, and dedication will help keep athletes safe, confident, and ready to push their limits.
Strengthening Our IFSC Partnership
This new initiative aligns perfectly with our expanding partnership with the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC). As the exclusive provider of safety gear for IFSC Lead competitions from 2024 to 2028, we know that safety isn’t just about the equipment—it’s also about the people handling it. That’s why we’re backing this team to ensure that elite climbers have the best possible support on the wall and on the ground.
“We believe that climbing is about trust—trust in your gear, trust in your ability, and trust in your belayer,” said Brett Cardamone, Brand Manager at Trango. “This team truly represents the best of the best, and we’re proud to support them as they redefine what it means to be an elite competition belayer.”
We can’t wait to see Ty, Noah, Catherine, and Meagan in action at upcoming competitions. Stay tuned and follow their journey at www.trango.com.
Media Contact:
Brett Cardamone, Brand Manager | Trango bcardamone@trango.com http://www.trango.com
About Trango: Founded in Boulder, Colorado, in 1991, Trango is dedicated to designing the most innovative and reliable climbing gear in the industry. We’re not just making equipment; we’re investing in the future of the sport through partnerships, athlete support, and our ongoing collaboration with the IFSC. As the official safety gear provider for IFSCLead competitions, we’re committed to making climbing safer, more accessible, and more exciting than ever.
CBJ press releases are written by the sponsor and do not represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.
