20 Years of Climbing! 🧗♂️
The climbing community has been a central part of my life since age 13, when I joined a co-ed climbing team with a coach who deeply cared about fostering a team environment where everyone felt safe and could be themselves. Climbing has provided a pathway to express myself and cultivate a positive relationship with my body. My own experience with climbing has inspired me to pursue an education and career in coaching, which is now 15 years in the running.
My favorite aspect of climbing is enjoying the indoor walls and outdoor rocks with everyone, regardless of ability/age/race/gender. I can climb something that challenges me as a seasoned athlete next to someone who is just trying the sport for the first time and we are both able to have an enriching experience.
Although there has been an immense growth in climbing popularity over the course of my career, I still have faith that we in the community can provide a safe/welcoming environment for any/all people while continuing to uphold the integral values of environmental stewardship and crag/gym etiquette; adhering to leave no trace principles, practicing minimal impacts of climbing methods, respecting local regulations, respect for the environment, honesty, safety, and respect for others.
Cheers to another 20 years!
October 2025 at NH Climbing and Fitness Gravity Brawl competition. Photo by: Max Aubertin
Mid-2000’s, when it all began...