Breathe Magazine

The Fox Mountain Guides instructor talks to us about climbing and how she turned her passion for the sport into a career.

When did you start climbing?

A friend in college asked me to check out the wall at one of our campus gyms. This wall consisted of five ropes and was barely 20 feet high, but it was enough to recognize my immediate draw to the sport! Following a climbing trip out west that summer, I was hooked.

How did you get into climbing instruction?

I wanted to make a profession out of my love of climbing and sharing it with others. My instruction began at climbing gyms from 101 classes to lead climbing to coaching youth climbing teams and then into the outdoor arena.

What do you love the most about teaching others?

There is great joy in sharing your passion and imparting your knowledge with others who crave adventure. Life is all about learning, growing and challenging yourself and others.

You specialize in climbing instruction for women. What makes climbing different for women?

In all-women groups I have found there is a different dynamic and support base women often don’t have in a male-dominated sport where there can be more pressure. Also, I think women and men learn movement differently—due to body types, weight distribution, balance and certain tendencies.

What do you do to train for a climb?

This is very situational. In general, my training for climbing is running, climbing with a pack and combining anaerobic activity in an aerobic setting. Cross-fit and Mountain Athlete have excellent programs and ergonomically smart and effective exercises.

What’s in your haul bag?

My shoes are the Evolv Rockstars. Ever since they first came out, I’ve been a fan and have gone through I don’t know how many pairs! I’m a big fan of Black Diamond cams—those are my choice placements for trad climbing. For ropes, Mammut and Sterling (9.8mm thickness) are great—thick enough to last but thin enough not to hurt the elbows on top managed belays and multi-pitch climbs. And if it’s new… oooh, gotta love the slickness… just flows through your fingers. And I love my Arc’teryx harness! It’s so comfy and light.

Do you have any climbing heroines?

There are a multitude of phenomenal women climbers and pioneers of the sport. Most climbers will agree Lynn Hill’s extensive resume and impressive climbing ability will always put her in the forefront of leading women climbers. Angela Hawse, a phenomenal and incredibly well-versed guide whom I was fortunate to have as an instructor in my American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) Rock Instructor course should also be honored in a heroine role. Steph Davis and Lisa Rands are remarkable for their pursuit of something greater than themselves, continually pushing the bar: Steph for her grace and mind control and Lisa for her power and perseverance. The impact these climbers have for women in professional climbing is extraordinary and unique.

What’s the most challenging climb you’ve attempted?

Tough question. But considering I’ve just begun venturing into alpine climbing, I’ll recall a recent endeavor… Spiral Route on Notch Top in sub-optimal conditions: bad ice, avalanches and a lot of snow. End result: we bailed! I’m also occasionally working on The Glass Menagerie on the North Side of Looking Glass. That one is pretty intense.

What’s your favorite climb in North Carolina?

I don’t think I could pick just one. Fathom Direct on Laurel Knob is absolutely beautiful—pitch after pitch of bliss. Waste Not, Want Not on the North Side of Looking Glass is fantastic for its stout, technical and thin movement, keeping you on your toes!

What words do you live by?

Iusually live off movie quotes, mostly from Caddyshack or The Big Lebowski, “The Dude abides.” I also like what a good friend reiterates to me once a week: If you’re not learning, it’s time to do something else.

What gets you going in the morning?

A great workout gets me pumped but if that’s not an option, a vanilla iced coffee.

How do you unwind at the end of the day?

Climbing or hanging out with my favorite climbing partner.

Are you doing any ice climbing this winter?

Yes, and I’m psyched! Ice comes in on the Blue Ridge Parkway and Fox Mountain Guides take clients on day trips there. We also run a New Hampshire trip every February to get in all the fantastic northeast ice! It’s pretty sweet, especially with the chalet we rent. There may be a winter trip to Colorado before the NH trip to get in some ice as well.

Any advice for women who are interested in getting into climbing?

The best advice I have is to keep any adventure safe, fun and conducive to learning. In the outdoor arena, hire an AMGA-certified guide for an intro day out on the rock. If starting at a climbing gym, take a beginner’s course on the technical basics and movement. Most importantly, have fun and challenge yourself!