It was a scanty beginning…
Summer camp, North Carolina, 2005.
I’m standing on Looking Glass Rock in the middle of a multi-pitch, wearing these weird and effing TIGHT rubber shoes. I gaze out, far above the tree tops, I am so high up. I’ve climbed this chunk of rock and I really have no idea how I got here or what the hell I’m doing. All the serotonin has hit my brain and I’m overwhelmed. I burst into tears.
An indifferent reintroduction…
Brisbane, Urban Climb West End, 2013
I bought a 10 pass deal that let me climb indoors a bit, then get some free weeks off a membership. It was fun! My housemate and I go on random drives on our way home to see the moon from different vantage points in the city. We get some of our friends to come along too, super social. Climbing on the actual wall is a secondary focus. Top roping (line of safety), lead climbing (which seemed to be performed only by those who were able to fly), and bouldering (why would you even bother? There is no rope!) keep us entertained and a little exhausted. A slow burn, climbing was a casual affair for many years. Stepping in and out of the gym to climb and do occasional yoga; training for my first marathon had most of my attention. In the balance of keeping my feet happy for many kms, climbing often got shelved.
I liked it, it was fun. I was always a little cautious about how strong I could get, what grades I could really do. I usually felt like an imposter trying to learn a new language, scared and vulnerable.
I really liked climbing on stuff though!
A slow unfolding into a deeper connection…
Brisbane, Urban Climb West End/Milton/Newstead, 2016.
I learnt more about this ‘bouldering’ business and caught myself thinking “how cool would it be to work here?” during a 6am climbing session. Watching Pat clamber about the walls and open windows, whilst listening to music of his choice, it seemed like a great way to spend working hours.
Then there was the email… asking for staff. It felt so RIGHT! I applied the second I saw it, I knew I needed to work there. I had been searching for a workplace and community to belong to, to dive deep.
I got the job! Somewhere to show up to! People to interact with! Puppy at work! Be paid to chat to people on the floor, to make sure they were safe and having a good time, provide hugs as required, liberally hand out high fives. I got to climb for free! It was home the instant they gave me the keys.
I loved indoor climbing, I was the face behind the desk pretty regularly, made a bunch of new friends and reconnected with old ones through climbing sessions. Bouldering terrified me enough to keep trying, still in a delicate balance of what my mind thought was possible. Outdoors… well that required the right kind of introduction.
The reflection at a critical point…
South East QLD – Current
This past winter I have scaled the rocks of five different locations in SEQ. It has been thrilling, scary, confidence boosting, tiring and fun. Climbing has taught me lessons. Number one being that you really need to focus and pay attention to what the cute guy is SAYING… Coz, you know. Safety.
On a broader scale – building on how to be brave in the face of the unknown, to celebrate wins and victories even if it isn’t completing the climb, to problem solve in stressful situations, to be a team player in an individual sport. The biggest one – that my barriers and challenges are mostly in my own head.
This time has been a constant state of unfolding. I have sat with people and found out about their lives, drank beers with the funniest people you can find, had dinners, gone to events and gigs, hugs (lots of hugs), spent time rolling around on the floor in various classes… There is a lot of love inside and outside those walls. I love seeing new and old faces across the gyms, the sense of community and connection that exists as a thread for those who want to pick it up and tie in. Climbing and ascension, physical and personal growth, physical and personal strength. When I think about the joy it brings me, I find myself with wonderful feelings of overwhelm once more.
Bouldering is where I am humbled.
Top roping is where I am fearless to try.
Leading is where I gain strength.
Climbing is where I’ve found myself.
No one has ever told me I couldn’t do it.
It’s taken some time to realise that I want to and I can.
Climb on! You got this.
Happy Wandering!
Hx