ABOUT ME... and why I am an advocate for women in the outdoors.
I am a Rock Climbing Instructor based in North Wales. Just a small fish in a big pond you might say. North Wales is a mecca for mountaineering and boasts many extremely experienced mountain professional and even elite athletes in the outdoor business world. But enough about them...
Many moons ago I stumbled upon the Beacon climbing centre on the side of a hill whilst walking, a building that looked like an old radio station and my nosy nature got the better of me. With its high walls and testosterone fuelled environment and shirtless men, I was instantly put off.
"That's not for the likes of me, I'd never fit in, I'm too short, but I'm a woman, I'm overweight, I'm not strong"
Over time I became increasingly obsessed with reading about rock climbing, watching videos of famous climbers and wondered if I could ever get strong enough to try it one day. In summary, I didn't believe it was achievable for someone like me. How wrong I was.
I eventually plucked up the courage to contact a local climbing club and soon enough they took me under their wing. After some time I was a regular climber, both indoors and outside, I even made friends with some of the shirtless guys and they were really welcoming after all. With my teaching background and new found passion, I wanted to share this amazing journey with others like me so I decided to register for my Climbing Wall Instructor qualification with Mountain Training.
Fast forward 10 years and I am now a Rock Climbing instructor, perseverance and self-belief goes a long way and I am proud to make climbing and the outdoors an accessible sport for all, no matter what your background. I specialise in introducing people to the sport of climbing in a really friendly and relaxed environment, you don't need big muscles and you can be any body shape to climb.
I am proud to have worked with all kinds of people with different abilities and backgrounds, Blind veterans UK, mental health charity Blackdog Outdoors to name a few, and those with limb differences.
See you at the crag all my outdoor girls...
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