1. Audrey Hamilton, 28 – Lexington, KY

Favorite: Santa Monica, saddle peak, slab (more for the time in my life and the people than the actual routes)

Climbing: I climb because it distills things for me, it feels calculated and process oriented and I like that. It also is a lot less scary than paddling most of the time and I like that.

Advice: Climb with women, as much as possible. Also, don’t be afraid to just stop climbing with someone if they scare you or you don’t feel empowered climbing with them. Don’t be afraid to tell someone to stop spewing beta.

Where We Climbed: Red River Gorge, KY

Highlight: Drey and I met working together in Maine, where she immediately impressed us all with her compassion, ability to create connections and community, maturity and wisdom, and cooking and baking talents. We only overlapped for a few months so I was super excited when we reconnected in the Red in April. The highlight for me was to see Drey and watch as she thoughtfully moved through every route, just like she does with all things in life.

2. Hanne Bailey, 28 – Killington, VT

Favorite: The Red River Gorge is a favorite, but I’m still exploring! Happy to get on any climb, especially with the bestie Sam Copland.

Climbing: I fell in love with climbing because it demands me to be present, vulnerable, and honest. The community rocks and we get to be stewards of the fierce Mother Nature.

Advice: What you put into climbing, you’ll get in return.

Where We Climbed: Red River Gorge, KY / Acadia National Park, ME / Rose Ledge, MA / Deer Leap, VT / Bolton, VT / Farley, MA

Highlight: Hanne and I both started climbing at the same time when we first met. We co-managed the ropes course at a girls tripping camp in Maine and went through all our trainings and certifications together. When I first climbed outside, Hanne was right there with me. Since we’ve known each other, we have planned a handful of trips that never came to fruition – until this past April. It was so incredible to be on a week-long climbing trip with Hanne and watch her grow and push herself more and more each day. The true highlight and proud best friend moment for me was to belay her on both her first 5.10 lead and whip outdoors. She is an inspiration and lights up every room or crag that she walks in. 

3. Leah Kramer Heyman, 34 – Freeport, ME

Favorite: I love climbing. I would always top rope but when I am with the right group I will do almost anything,

Climbing: Climbing means a reason to go outside and see new places and put my body through a challenge.

Advice: You are going to fail and you are going to succeed. It’s the best part about climbing – it reminds you that you learn from failure and that your grit, your support system, and your community build a more positive, stoked and strong you.

Where We Climbed: Red River Gorge, KY / Dolci’s, MA / Farley, MA / Acadia National Park, ME

Highlight: Leah and I met at the climbing gym in Portland a few years ago. We didn’t know each other very well when we ended up on the same April break climbing trip – but after driving to and from West Virginia and climbing together for the week, Leah quickly became one of my best friends. On our third annual April trip to the Red this year, I was so impressed with Leah when she reached her goal and redpointed a 4 star, 85 foot climb. Leah is one of the most intentional, organized and supportive women I know. She deserves an extra shout out for founding #senditsister this year and encouraging every woman she meets at the crag and gym.

4. Anonymous

Where We Climbed: Red River Gorge, KY / Gunks, NY

Highlight: As Hanne, Leah and I parked the car at Miguel’s, a woman was walking by in the parking lot. She immediately was super excited and said, “three women climbing together? hell yeah!” Sharing a similar sentiment, we got to talking and she ended up climbing with us for the entire next day. Her encouragement, patience, and support really stood out to me as we climbed together both in KY and then again in the Gunks.

5. Kelsey Rex, 27 – Madison, NH

Favorite: Cathedral Ledge and trad climbing

Climbing: Climbing makes me feel like my strongest and most resilient self. It helps me to practice communication, trust, focus, and problem solving. It brings me into the present moment, allows me to build meaningful partnerships, inspires me to explore the natural world and opens up doors for adventures to new places. Besides allowing me to move outside, climbing has given me a fun, supportive, driven community to be a part of and a trade to learn. I feel thankful to have the privilege to climb.

Advice: Remember to breathe and smile. Speak kindly to yourself. Keep a beginner’s mindset of curiosity. Seek experienced/qualified mentorship or instruction. Be vocal with your partners and mentors about the aspects of climbing that call to you so that those people can help you to grow. Listen to the stories and aspirations of others, and podcasts (The Enormocast, For the Love of Climbing, The Cutting Edge, The Run Out)! Climb with other women 🙂

Where We Climbed: Longstack, NH / Acadia National Park, ME / Mormon Hollow, MA

Highlight: It is hard for me to believe that Kelsey and I met just this year at the Strong Women’s Summit. We became fast friends and climbing partners. At the end of April, Kelsey and I headed to Longstack on a cool, wet morning so she could finish her 12th, 13th, 14th, and 15th trad leads to be eligible for the SPI course. Fast forward to November, Kelsey well surpassed the 40 trad leads needed for the exam and became a certified SPI instructor. I am so thankful that our paths crossed because Kelsey is one of my best friends and inspires me in so many ways, on and off rock. She is pursuing her dream of guiding and I could not be prouder. 

6. Sam Mengual, 25 – Nobleboro, ME

Favorite: Red Rocks, I LOVE multi-pitch it’s more of an adventure!

Climbing: Well my cool friend Sam took me climbing outside for the first time four years ago and I fell in love with the puzzle of it and the views from the top of a cliff. But really, climbing to me is much more social. It’s a chance to challenge myself in a supportive atmosphere with people I love, who also prefer having dirt under their nails and peeing outside. Going on climbing adventures with friends is a chance for me to get funky, eat snacks, and laugh at the awkward positions we get ourselves into.

Advice: Find other women to climb with! My main climbing partner is my boyfriend, and while I love him dearly, I can’t help but get competitive with him. With my lady friends, I feel supported and like the climb is much more about us getting out together and connecting. I’m amazed by how easy it is to feel like myself when I’m surrounded by inspirational women. 

Where We Climbed: Acadia National Park, ME

Highlight: It’s hard to believe that Sam has only been climbing for a couple years. It has been really exciting to watch Sam progress from her first time climbing outside to where she is at now. At the beginning of May, we drove up to Acadia with Kelsey to climb for the day. I led up the first climb, followed by Kelsey. We asked Sam if she wanted to lead it too and without hesitation, she got on the sharp end of her first ever trad lead! I feel so lucky to have been a part of some of Sam’s climbing milestones – and to see the smile on her face as she reaches them. She is one of my best friends and I can always count on her to provide endless support when we climb together. 

7. Jean Juliano, 33 – Portland, ME

Favorite: Trad climbing at the Gunks, Yosemite and Red Rocks.

Climbing: I climb because it offers me the space to focus on the present moment, to slow down, and focus on my breath when we are constantly fixated on the future or in the past that adds chaos to our day to day lives. It offers silence that brings healing to the unwanted noise that clutters our minds. It offers a moment to connect with the people we are with. It provides opportunities to reach new heights to experience beautiful views of sunrises, sunsets, and various landscapes that we wouldn’t be able to see otherwise. It gives me a constant reminder that life is precious, short, and that we must live it well. It’s another way to dance.

Advice: Take responsibility for your own learning and growth. Invest in your education and training in the sport. Climbing is dangerous, so learn self-rescue skills and techniques. Show appreciation for those who help you along the way. Pay it forward because someone sacrificed their own time, resources, and energy to help you at one point. No one gets good on their own. Belaytionships are like relationships, so learn how to communicate well with your climbing partners, even when it comes to hard stuff. Good or bad experience, debrief! It’s part of the learning process. Be open to feedback. No one’s perfect. Look out for each other, not just yourself, you wouldn’t want to be on the wall without your partner. Understand your goals may not be the same as someone else’s so analyze your agendas before you tie in together. It’s ok to part ways when things don’t align. Safety first, summit second. Speak up when you’re uncomfortable. Focus on the fun and not the send, because the crags are better to be around when everyone’s having a good time. Be the belayer you want to be belaying you. So be attentive and supportive. Respect the lands and rocks you climb on. Pick up after yourself and participate in projects to maintain these areas. Otherwise, donate to organizations that do. Be inclusive of all genders, races, ages, body types and backgrounds. The fittest and strongest climbers don’t always make it to the top. 

Where We Climbed: North Conway, NH / Humphrey’s Ledge, NH

Highlight: Jean is a climber who gets after it more than anyone I know. She’s always training hard, scoping out her next project, and planning her next adventure. She is also very eager to help people reach their goals too. Climbing with Jean this year is best captured by the words support and patience. The highlight for me was when Jean and I went to Humprhey’s right before my SPI exam and she let me mock guide her and practice a handful of skills and scenarios to prepare. She could have easily gotten on a classic multi pitch route with someone else that day, but took the time to help me prepare for my exam because that’s the kind of climber Jean is in a nutshell. 

8. Megan Mackenzie, 26 – Portland, ME

Favorite: I love Cathedral Ledge right now! I really love crack climbing and anything stemmy.

Climbing: I love climbing for the community of kind, thoughtful, and driven folks that the sport attracts. Climbing gives me the opportunity to slow down and move thoughtfully and mindfully – when I’m on the rock or climbing plastic, it’s the only thing I’m thinking about.

Advice: My advice to new climbers is to make community your #1. For many years, I wanted to get into climbing, but the only climbers around me were super competitive dude-bros that were good at the sport but who intimidated me – I didn’t actually want to hang out with them, so climbing wasn’t actually that fun. It wasn’t until I started seeking out my own climbing community – kind and patient folks of all identities who are badasses in a more welcoming and compassionate way – that I really started to love climbing. Find your own squad in the climbing community – don’t settle for people just because they climb hard. Climbing is both a physical and emotional sport so seek out people who inspire you emotionally, not just physically. 

Where We Climbed: Farley, MA / Rose Ledge, MA

Highlight: Megan was taking classes at Smith this summer and reached out so we could connect and climb at Farley. Our first trip there was a discovery mission of sorts – summer heat, mosquitoes everywhere, and unknown routes and areas. We only ended up getting on a couple climbs that day, but I was so impressed with Megan’s level of stoke nonetheless. She shared with me that she started trad leading in the last year and was excited around developing those skills. It was really exciting to watch from afar how Megan progressed from when we first got out in June to the end of the season with trad climbing. She set a goal and made it happen, just like that. 

9. Ali Shaw, 29 – Portland, ME

Favorite: Acadia National Park

Climbing: I climb to spend quality time with people I care about and to challenge myself.

Advice: Trust yourself and use what you’ve got! After all, climbing isn’t just using hands and feet – any body part can help you reach your goal!

Where We Climbed: Acadia National Park, MEHighlight: Hands down, the highlight of heading to Acadia with Ali this summer was that it was her first time ever climbing outside. We went with two of the other teachers on her team at King Middle School and you never would have guessed that Ali was new to the sport. She nonchalantly put on a harness, helmet, and shoes before being lowered on the Great Chimney and speedily climbing back up. One of the coolest things is that Ali used photos from our trip to teach her current students about one of the school’s norms, perseverance. 

10. Jeanette Wiley, 25 – Somerville, MA

Favorite: Cathedral Ledge, love cleaning on long chill multipitch trad climbs 🙂

Climbing: I love getting the chance to see places from a view that I wouldn’t otherwise get, feeling strong and pushing myself with people I love.

Advice: Sometimes there can be a lot of pressure in the sport to make it all about the grades you are able to send and it can be hard not to focus on that, especially as a newer climber. I’ve found that for me, I have a blast climbing “easy” routes and that’s okay. There are so many styles of climbing and types of rock that you will find the ones you like best. 

Where We Climbed: Farley, MA

Highlight: When Kelsey, Sam and I were climbing at the South Wall in Acadia we met Jeanette and her partner. Climbing on routes next to each other, we got to know each other a little bit. Like Sam, Jeanette had never led trad before that day, but by the end of it, I was so grateful to belay her on her first trad route. She pushed herself outside her comfort zone and crushed it. A couple months later we were able to reconnect and climb at Farley. Jeanette is the type of climber who is simply happy being outside and climbing, regardless of the place or grade. She makes everyone around her smile and is kind to everyone – she even shared corn muffins she had gotten at a bakery that morning with complete strangers. 

11. Mary Seid, 35 – Granby, MA

Favorite: Farley Ledges, MA and Jackson Falls, IL. Haven’t climbed outside in many other places than that! Love  flaky/juggy/side pully 5.8s-5.9s.

Climbing: I go climbing when I crave adventure, a little “safe” fear and adrenaline, but not too much. I like being outside in new places and meeting other smart, funny, quirky, and unique people at the crag, just like how we met!

Advice: Keep it fun and enjoy how each move on the wall feels. I feel like people can worry too much about the difficulty ratings of climbs and can be too focused on trying to push their level. Try to find people to climb with who enjoy the whole climbing experience and are just fun or inspiring or interesting to be around. Some of the coolest people I’ve hung out with have been climbers, so enjoy every part of it, not just the workout!

Where We Climbed: Farley, MA

Highlight: When Jeanette and I were gearing up to get on a climb at Farley, Mary came up to us and asked if she could join. Her partner had to bail, but she still wanted to climb. We immediately said yes and I am so happy we did. Mary is so kind, supportive, easy to talk to and creative. As a middle school science teacher, she made her own stick clip which definitely came in handy. Mary did not care what routes we got on or what grades we climbed, but was simply happy to be out climbing. She pushed herself to lead almost every climb we got on which was really awesome. To top things off, she brought a cooler because it was a really hot day, and shared some Capri Suns with us!

12. “Dolci” Dolcimascolo, 45 – Northampton, MA

Favorite: New River Gorge and crack climbing

Climbing: I love the movement, community and being outdoors.

Advice: Climb with other women

Where We Climbed: Farley, MA / Gunks, NYHighlight: I first met Dolci on a climbing trip to the New River Gorge a couple years ago. She is one of my biggest inspirations as a female climber and human in general. Dolci is an all-around badass and a humble crusher – leading harder trad than any woman I know. The highlight from climbing with Dolci this year, for me, was when we were in the Gunks together. She got on her first multipitch in 25 years! Words cannot describe how proud I am and how grateful I was to be part of that experience. 

13. Pat Dolcimascolo, 70 – Manchester, NJ

Favorite: Gunks

Climbing: I love being with my daughter.

Advice: Remember the goal is to have fun 

Where We Climbed: Gunks, NY

Highlight: I had the pleasure of staying with Dolci and her parents for a weekend in the Gunks. Pat, Dolci’s mom, recently started climbing because she loves being with her daughter so much. Sharing meals, playing games, and connecting with Pat was really fun and comfortable. But the highlight of the weekend for me, hands down, was being able to watch Pat and Dolci climb alongside each other. And at a young 70 years old, Pat gives me hope that I’ll be climbing for the next 50 years!

14. Sara Ettinger, 30 – Falmouth, ME

Favorite: Favorite type of climbing is 100% sport. Favorite place to climb…that’s a hard one. Leonidio, Greece was my favorite. The crags in NE are all unique, it’s hard to pick just one. Though I really enjoyed my time in Rumney and Shell Pond in particular. 

Climbing: Climbing is a lot of things for me. It’s a place for growth, especially personal growth. Sure, it’s cool to send hard, but it’s even cooler to build and be a part of a community that works hard to support one another. Climbing is a great way for me to work on trust, communication, building relationships (and belaytionships), and strangely enough a way to be gentle with myself. Being ok with not sending or making moves I think I can. Some days I succeed at being kind to myself and some days (more than I would like to admit) I don’t, and that’s a part of it too. 

Advice: My advice to new climbers would be to find other climbers who meet your needs to make climbing fun! There’s a variety of styles and experience and stoke. Don’t let someone tell you how you should enjoy climbing or force you into climbing in a way that makes it not fun for you. If you want to TR because that’s what is fun for you, then TR and have a blast! If you want to boulder and never get on ropes that’s awesome! If you don’t want to take falls and you want to work on leading bolt to bolt because that’s what makes you feel comfortable that’s killer! If you want to take massive whips and go hard and push grades then find a similarly stoked buddy and go crush! Find people who make climbing fun for you and support your needs when you voice them. You can push yourself and have fun and have appropriate support. It may take a while to find those people, and you may find a lot of people that are great people and climbers and friends but just not the right fit as a climbing partner for you. That is OK. You’ll find your people.

Where We Climbed: Rumney, NH

Highlight: Sara and I met climbing at Evo in Portland. Every time I saw her at the gym, she was crushing harder than everyone around her. I was excited when we were able to meet in Rumney this fall and get outside together for the first time. I was most impressed with Sara’s head space and attitude around the day. She is such a supportive climber and makes everyone around her feel both safe and ready to push themselves. Sara showed up ready to work on her leading head space and pushed herself mentally and physically and encouraged us to do the same. She had such a positive, contagious attitude throughout which made the day really successful. 

15. Anonymous, 23 – London, UK

Favorite: Niagara Glen Reserve in Canada, favorite type of climbing: bouldering

Climbing: I climb because of the community. I’ve made some of my best friends through climbing, and it gives me a sense of accomplishment. I love the physical challenge and being able to see the progress I’ve made over the years. It’s the best feeling when I surprise myself by being able to do a climb or even a move that I thought was completely out of my element.

Advice: Don’t be intimidated by other climbers you see in the gym. Climbing can be enjoyed by people of all skill levels. At the end of the day one of the best things about climbing is the community!

Where We Climbed: Rumney, NH

Highlight: I met this climber through Sara on our trip to Rumney. I was really happy we were able to connect and climb together. This was her last time climbing outside in New England before moving abroad for her phD program and it was such a great day. She had a positive attitude throughout the day and was able to push and surprise herself with what she was able to do. I’m looking forward to when we’ll be in the same place and can climb together again. 

16. Barbara Kramer, 67 – Sharon, MA

Favorite: My new favorite place to climb is Otter Cliff. Before then it was Moose Hill Audubon Society in Sharon (16 some years ago)

Climbing: I used to climb because it was another way to be outdoors. I then learned to lead groups and taught it to troubled adolescent boys.

Advice: Just do it. (I never saw it as a man/woman issue) Do it if you want to. Go for it!

Where We Climbed: Acadia National Park, ME

Highlight: I was lucky enough to spend a weekend with Leah and her family in Acadia this fall. I asked if I should bring a spare harness and helmet in case anyone wanted to climb, but Leah didn’t think so. However, her mom came by to see us climbing and decided she was down to give it a go. With my shoes and Leah’s harness and helmet on, Barbara was a champion as I lowered her just above where the ocean met the rock. She climbed back up like a professional with ease and some really incredible footwork and moves. I was so impressed with her in every regard and am so thankful that I could be there for her first time climbing in 20 years! The other highlight for sure was to watch Leah be so proud of her mom and for their hug when Barbara got back to the top!

17. Lindsey Pekurny, 25 – Killington, VT

Climbing: For me, climbing has always been a struggle. No matter what grade, location, or style of climbing, this sport forces me to overcome mental hurdles. How I handle my mentality when climbing determines my success or failure. My favorite part of climbing has been feeling my ‘mental toughness’ develop. This mental toughness doesn’t just help with climbing, but in all aspects of my life. 

Advice: Climb with confidence – know you belong on the rock as much as anyone else. It doesn’t matter whether you climb 5.3 or 5.13, a lot of climbing is about self-discovery.

Where We Climbed: Farley, MA

Highlight: I met Lindsey when I was with Hanne at the Vermont Climbing Festival this fall. She and Hanne used to work together. We exchanged numbers with a goal of getting on rock before the season was over. We were able to make it to Farley on a weeknight after work and I was immediately impressed with Lindsey’s approach to climbing. She works hard and is super strong and both of those things were immediately evident. Lindsey is a crusher but doesn’t brag about it at all. Rather, she supports the people around her, helping them to reach their goals.

18. Elissa Burdick, 33 – Montague, MA

Favorite: I mostly climb in the gym and enjoy balancy slab climbing, but love to climb outdoors in any sense when given the chance.

Climbing: Climbing is a form of moving meditation for me that allows me to focus, feel in control, and is a way to practice working my edges ie. places of growth within myself since there’s always room to grow in climbing, and learning to calmly push those edges is so satisfying.

Advice: Keep going to the gym and trying climbs slightly harder than what you’ve sent so far. Start on ropes to build confidence, then give bouldering a try. Look for folks who smile and make eye contact, and say hi! Friendly climbing partners who are supportive and try hard are so valuable!

Where We Climbed: Farley, MA

Highlight: Lindsey brought her friend Elissa to climb when we met up at Farley. I first noticed Elissa’s positivity and kindness before either of us left the ground. The highlight of climbing with Elissa was the stoke that she brought. She hadn’t climbed outside in a couple years and she pushed herself and crushed it! I’ve been really excited to climb with her inside this winter, too and look forward to getting back out in the spring because she has such a positive and supportive attitude. 

19. Lisa Copland, 27 – Los Angeles, CA

Favorite: Joshua Tree by default haha

Climbing: Climbing means challenge and embrace the fear both mental and physical.

Advice: Breathe and try 

Where We Climbed: Joshua Tree National Park, CAHighlight: My goal is to visit my sister once a year. She lives in LA, so every time I visit, we make a plan to spend a couple days in a national park. This year, we decided to go to Joshua Tree, and I had a secret hope that I would be able to get her on rock. Long story short, a very kind climbing guide let me borrow his personal climbing rope so I could make it happen. With an hour before sunset, I set up a climb and belayed my sister from the top. Lisa is not a climber and we’re both still a little surprised I convinced her to try it out. I am so proud of her for facing her fears and trusting me to keep her safe, even though she was terrified. I couldn’t think of a more perfect 19th woman for my 19 in 2019 than Lisa and cannot wait until the next time I get her back on rock.