YES COACH!
Experienced and dedicated! The Black River Crossfit Coaches will bring the best out of you by pushing you when needed, guiding you and looking after your personal wants, needs, strengths and weeknesses.
GREG McDONALD
Owner & Head Coach
I started CrossFit in 2010 to reverse the physical effects of my desk job and fell in love with how hard it was and how much there was to learn.
It is still hard, and there is still so much to learn, but I love it now even more than at first.
I’ve been privileged enough to earn my Level 1 & 2 and Weightlifting certifications. I am always looking to educate myself further, as personal development and growth are a passion of mine.
I value authenticity and despise hypocrisy.
Quote to Live by: “Wherever you go, there you are” and “So long and thanks for all the fish!”
Favorite Benchmark: Grace: 30 Clean & Jerks
Coaching Pet Peeves: People talking during the explanation and then asking what they need to do.
NATHAN GRAHAM
Coach
grew up in the Eastern Cape before moving to Cape Town in 2020. I started doing CrossFit in 2015 at CrossFit GHT and fell in love with it.
Training led to coaching when I got my level 1 in 2018 and I started coaching in 2020. . In 2023, I went on to get my level 2 to better equip me for my coaching journey. I am currently doing my honours in Psychology.
I am passionate about people, and seeing them for who they really are and I value honesty.
Quote to Live by: “Comparison is the thief of joy” – Theodore Roosevelt
Favorite Benchmark: Cindy: 20min AMRAP - 5 Pull-Ups | 10 Push-Ups | 15 Air Squats
Coaching Pet Peeves: People hating on Natasha Bedingfield.
MO MANUAL
Coach
I am born and bred in Cape Town and have been in the fitness industry for over 10 years.
I graduated with a Degree in Sports Science from the University of Stellenbosch.
CF-L1, Bachelors Degree in Sport Science.
I have always believed that my purpose is to help others and coaching is one way for me to do that.
Quote to Live by: "Life is about taking the maximum opportunities and overcoming the odds."
Favorite Benchmark: Dianne: 21-15-9 - Deadlifts | HSPU
Coaching Pet Peeves: People who sit on Wallballs.
I’m a coach with a keen interest in injury prevention and mental health. I’ve been in the fitness industry for 8 years now.
My certifications include CrossFit Level 1, BirdBox Coaching Development and more to come.
I’m passionate about helping others reach their full potential, and I really value hard work
My favourite benchmark workout is Fran, and my goal is to get sub-3. I'm not sure where I’ll steal those 2 minutes from, but that’s the goal.
Quote to Live by: “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does." — William James
Favorite Benchmark: Fran: 21-15-9 - Thrusters | Pull-Ups
Coaching Pet Peeves: Ego. Allow yourself to be coached and try to take something out of every class.
Coach
SHANE MAAS
KYLE RIMMER
Coach
I am originally from KZN. Father to Hugo, and husband to Milan. I’ve been back in the cape for a year after the last 11 years in KZN. I completed my studies at Stellenbosch with a BSC in Human Life science (biochem & Physiology.) I work as a molecular scientist for a pathology company.
I’ve been involved in CrossFit since May of 2016, I walked in overweight and very unfit, unable to front squat a 15kg bar. I got my L1 in 2018 before co-opening a crossfit gym. I’ve been coaching ever since. I’ve fallen in love with weightlifting and spent two years as a dedicated weightlifting coach for Crossfit Zulu. Since joining BRC I have stepped back into that role as well as investing more time in my own training!
I’ve helped my mother break African powerlifting records, coached and judged Crossfit Games Semi final athletes as well as taught my three year old toes to bar.
Quote to Live by: “Slow change is lasting change” and “Effort is the most important value in fitness and in life."
Favorite Benchmark: Holleyman: 30 RFT - 5 wall balls | 3 HSPU | 1 Power clean
Coaching Pet Peeves: Someone going off book and not doing the workout the class is doing.
G'ANNE ABRAHAMS
Owner & Ops Ninja
Grew up in East London, EC and made the trip down to Cape Town over a dozen years ago.
I’ve been doing Crossfit for forever but still can’t find a way to enjoy wall balls & box jumps (maybe it’s my height…?)
Avid lover of people, but not those who constantly push their luck. My role as a project manager gives me loads of opportunity to practice deep breathing…
I love good wine and food, working out with my people and seeing other people grow.
Quote to Live by: “Never let fear decide your destiny” – Lucinda Riley
Favorite Benchmark: Annie: 50-40-30-20-10 - Double-unders|Sit-Ups
Coaching Pet Peeves: When people don’t show initiative and ask silly questions
DEVINE JOSIAH
Barista & Front of House
They call me Divine Rhythms because of my love of music, especially playing guitar and piano (come and see one of my shows!)
My passion for the outdoors has led me to guide many school camping excursions where we teach children life and leadership skills.
I’m obsessed with making the perfect cup of coffee so come and try one out!
I value integrity, adaptability and believe that confidence is key.
Quote to Live by: “The truth will set you free” and “Life is a long lesson in humility.”
Favorite Benchmark: Anything with burpees!
Coaching Pet Peeves: PWhen customers don’t pay attention to the price part of their orders on the menu.