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Who says climbers cant be fat?

Going out side: from climbing to rock climbing

8/28/2017

5 Comments

 
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WOW!! 
So it took me all summer but I finally took my beginner outdoor climber course! 
It took all summer for a few reasons: and all the reasons relate to being busy, distracted and tired. 

But finally my brother and I signed up for a two day class to learn how to lead the rope up the wall and how to assist a climber that is leading a rope up the wall. Some knew knots, a bunch of safety. Lots and lots on new information!
First day is an indoor lesson to prepare for a full outdoor day the next day. I was nervous, I haven't been climbing all summer. And again my same old insecurities played in but it was a good night.
Honestly I loved being back there, feeling more confident, learning. Its legit.
This is a sport that inspires so much in me and I just have to commit better to it to keep it in my life. Make a plan and execute because I know very well how easy it is to fall off the track and not notice how much time had passed.
So indoor complete and  I home to fret and not sleep very much and then head out very early to the mountains

So, out to the mountains, and I am not going to lie, I saw that wall of rock and I was freaked out. Stomach was upset, hands were shaking. 
Who would be there? Would they be nice to me? Was I going to be able to do it?
Our group was fantastic, so nice and supportive. My guide who was only 18 was an amazing lead for the day, meeting me right where I was and offering me alternatives to make sure I got all the info of the day. To get this kind of support from a young fit guide was awesome, and he was excited to discuss sport inclusivity. I find people that are into these specialized sports are excited to share, so many teach as a way to sustain the hobby and love to share knowledge and encouragement.
I only tried one real climb and didn't get very high. The rocks are so different than the gym. They are not marked for which ones to grab and they are also not just sticking straight out. So what is labelled a 5.4 (something I can easily do in the gym) I made it less than halfway. The day wasn't really for learning to climb, it was for safety and rope techniques, so we didn't get much climbing in and I didn't get to take another try.
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That was a little disappointing but this will not be the last time we go and I learned much about the skills that I am going to have to work on in the gym this fall and winter so I can get out there and kill it next summer.
Im so jazzed to get out there and get up some real rocks. Really push what it means to remain logical, trust the gear I set up and trust my partner and get to the top of a climb.
As per usual my shoutouts go to the Calgary Climbing Center for being amazing and welcoming. And to my freaking awesome brother who I am so happy to share this hobby with. This was his birthday gift and I was very happy to give it to him.
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5 Comments
Elvis
9/1/2019 11:47:10 am

Thank you! I want to try to begin climbing and was upset saying I never saw any fat climber and a friend shared your article :)
Let’s see if I can start soon! Thank you for the share!

Reply
Shannyn Dowsett
9/1/2019 05:45:25 pm

Hey thanks for letting me know! The only real reason I post is cause I couldn't find anyone either. But now a community is blooming! Check out this article I was a part of for REI https://www.rei.com/blog/climb/outdoors-for-all-plus-size-climbers-challenge-stereotypes

also check out this instagram (its ladies but really I think its for everyone) https://www.instagram.com/biggirlsclimbtoo/?igshid=1cv3souh1f5be

Reply
uk dissertation link
1/17/2020 03:23:02 am

Rock climbing is one of the activities that I plan on doing this year. I have been trying to get to it for the past month, but now I am sure that I will do it. If you can give me pointers on how I should approach it, then I will appreciate it. I am hoping for maybe someone to go and help tutor me. I still have a lot to learn when it comes to rock climbing, that is for sure.

Reply
Shannyn
1/17/2020 08:53:31 am

Hey thats great! If you haven't started indoor climbing yet I would start there. Take a lesson at a local gym to learn your knot, and how to belay.
I took a course for outdoor climbing as well to learn how to lead climb and set an anchor. Lessons are a great place to start!
Then look locally for groups and people to go with.
Truthfully I haven't been climbing much in the last year, its been on the back burner. So check out instagram @biggirlsclimbtoo and chat with Sam, she has a lot more experience outdoors and likely has some great tips!
Thanks for the comment and for reading!

d link
11/28/2019 06:11:50 pm

d

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  • Home
  • My Story
    • Meet your guide
    • My Team
    • contact
  • Getting Started
    • Start at the beginning
    • fat adventures: things you may encounter
    • A beginners guide to understanding trail books
    • off you go: basic hiking gear (day trips)
    • Getting Started: Fat Climbing
    • Getting Started: Fat Kayaking
    • Getting Started: Fat Trekking
  • My Fathlete Adventures
    • Trail guides for the fat hiker: Alberta and BC
    • Climbing blog
    • Training for Adventure: Everest Basecamp
    • Media >
      • video
      • gallery
    • Blog of Miscellaneous thought