My Journey: Rock Climbing

Something that I haven't talked about much on The Seed Pod is the role that rock climbing has had and continues to have in my life and connection with nature.

Story time: I have been a competitive rock climber since 2009 (15 years wow)! I had been a competitive gymnast prior, but tore my medial ligament in my knee on a class skiing trip in primary school and couldn't get back into it after my recovery.

I had always been a keen climber (especially of trees), but it wasn't until that first competition that my passion had been fully explored. It was the community that truly filled my cup! Everyone was so welcoming and supportive, and I had a blast pushing myself physically and mentally on the wall, I craved the challenge.

I didn't start exploring outdoor climbing until a little while later, but that for me brought a whole new layer to the challenge and getting out into the elements, exploring and climbing made for some epic adventures!

Competitive climbing has taken me all over the world. I have been lucky enough to represent Aotearoa/NZ in three World Youth Championships (Singapore, New Caledonia, Italy), two (nearly three *lockdowns*) Oceania Championships (NZ, New Caledonia, and *Australia*) and have taken part in hundreds of competitions within NZ.

I love bouldering in particular, but I have competed in all three disciplines overseas.

My relationship with the sport has changed significantly over the years, and through intense training, injury, covid-19 lockdowns, and large life changes, it has really built and tested my resilience.

Indoor bouldering has my heart ❤️ It's how I met my husband Angus (@northernrocks.climbing), how I have made many incredible friends, been inspired (especially seeing those I had coached grow into incredible leaders and strong climbers), kept physically and mentally fit and well, and how I have explored many new places.