Chrysanthemum Pronouns: They/She Location: Baltimore, MD Crag Snack: TWIX

Chrysethmum emerges from her van. She’s been travelling the road and met me in Colorado. We’ve exchanged messages through instagram and now we get to meet-up and climb together. The psych is high for me. Chrys is strong. I also will discover soon that she’s pretty brilliant too.

Chrys’ first time climbing outside was on the ropes at Rumney. She started climbing in Hanover, New Hampshire while attending Dartmouth. While studying sociology and philosophy, she met a climbing mentor named John who influenced how she views climbing. Chrys has a lot of admiration for her mentors and their approach to climbing has clearly impacted her growth.  The climbers there are different and enjoy the solitude she says, “You’re just a nerd who spends a lot of time in the woods”. The gym she started in was a hub for everyone in the area, including Chrys, “ It was really humbling to be a part of,” she shares

“I’ve spent so much time sitting in front of these rocks… I actually know them really well.… they’ve witnessed a lot.” She laughs, “They’ve witnessed a lot of my failures.”

Chrys’ interaction with climbing might be characterized as an intimate and intense relationship. She describes it this way, “I’ve spent so much time sitting in front of these rocks, like years, just like staring at these rocks, and I actually know them really well. I know parts of them really well which is like really cool because they are really old… they’ve witnessed a lot.” She laughs, “They’ve witnessed a lot of my failures.” Climbing, for Chrys, is like that good friend who knows you better than you know yourself. So well, in fact, they can elicit the best parts of you. “The reason why it’s [climbing] so engaging is that I feel like I’m entirely in my body. It’s not something I’ve had for most of my life. That’s kind of what you lose when you’re socialized in a binary gender world and you’re non-binary or you’re trans. Or you’re a cis-black woman and that’s a feeling you’re just not allowed to have, being entirely.. in your body and that just being ok.”  She shares, “…That’s what climbing has helped me with.”

“The way I feel when I’m climbing makes me want to let myself go entirely…”

When Chrys started climbing, she was really depressed. She explains further that the continual process of coming out and sharing who she is has been a process of regaining body awareness. Climbing, for her, has played a significant role in that awareness. For Chrys, climbing isn’t just about sending projects, it’s a lifestyle, “I love climbing…It means more to me as a practice than the activity itself.”

Her time meeting others in the climbing community has not come without its challenges, however. Although she enjoys the company at the gym, the community there often doesn’t understand her experience and therefore, the depth of the relationships is limited. She shared about the day after the Charleston Massacre and how there was no mention of the shooting among her peers. She explained further, “Conversations of social justice at the gym means engaging in conversations that white climbers can “jump in and out of” without the threat of loss of legal protections for civil rights for minorities and the trans community.” To show up in a space and be yourself without hesitation or fear is real freedom. It is what Brown Girls Climb and so many of our communities are advocating for because as great as climbing is, if it suppresses who we really are, how much good can it do in our lives? “The way I feel when I’m climbing makes me want to let myself go entirely, so when I can’t do that-it’s not that fun.”, says Chrys.

“The reason why it’s so engaging is that I feel like I’m entirely in my body. It’s not something I’ve had for most of my life. That’s kind of what you lose when you’re socialized in a binary gender world”

That day, Chrys and I met up with another friend and spent a few hours bouldering at Flagstaff in Boulder. Chrys’ energy is pretty contagious. Her presence can put you immediately at peace; it reminds you to focus, to stay calm and to be aware. This energy translates into her climbing. As physically capable Chrys is, her ability to stay present and calm was what was most astounding to me. We spent the rest of the afternoon drinking tea, eating samosas, and chatting about how climbing has enriched our lives. It’s always astounding to me how connected we really are. In a day where social media is our primary mode of communication, it is also the platform by which Brown Girls Climb was born and continues to grow. It is the hub to connect with people that we may not see at the gym or at the crag but can connect us to the very people we’ve been hoping to meet all of our lives, people that understand the complexity, frustration, and joy, of being a woman of color in this world.

Chrys is currently practicing law in Baltimore and helps advocate for LGBTQ youth, with specific focus on on juvenile delinquency defense and advocacy for incarcerated people. She recently was a guest at our Women’s BOLDer event celebrating the vast experiences of women in climbing. She is looking forward to climbing in the south east, and has hopes to attend the 2019 Color the Crag Climbing Festival.  

Thank you Chrys for sharing your story and for continuing to stand up and speak out against injustice among the trans community. Thank you for your work to create a more equitable and inclusive climbing community.

Author: Bethany Lebewitz

Fernanda Loustaunau is from San Diego, CA but grew up in Tijuana, Mexico. After the first time she went climbing –after going on a date with someone who broke his foot bouldering (and suddenly she was intrigued)– she was hooked. She says, “even just at the gym, pulling on plastic I thought, ‘I really like this; let’s see where this goes.’ After that it just snowballed into a climbing addiction and it’s been a great year.” She can relate to a lot of us newer climbers that discover this whole new world in climbing that we never knew existed.

“Just strip away the fear. There’s no need to be afraid. People want to connect; it’s one of the great things about climbing. “

Growing up in and around the border, Fernanda grew up around predominantly people of color. She wants to introduce others like her to the climbing community because “it’s so great, right?; everyone is so nice, everyone cheers you on.” She feels like her job is to connect these communities together.

Even in her experience she has seen the vast difference in people of color not being recognized in the climbing community, especially when it comes to sponsorship or social media presence. She is hoping to change this because she says, “If people don’t see people like me outside, of course they’re going to think I don’t belong there.”

She also sees the disparity between men and women in the climbing world. She says she’s seen a lot of female climbers at the gym, but very few outside. She says, “we need more women teachers that want to teach women that are brand new to climbing the ropes. I feel like we can change it.”

Fernanda had some big accomplishments in her first year of climbing. Her proudest –within her first nine months– is climbing 12 pitches at Portero Chico.  She also led her first 5.9 outside a few months later and also climbed an 11.a.

Fernanda applauds climbing for improving her self-esteem and giving her more assurance. She says, “I’m more confident. I don’t second guess myself which I tend to do often; you love to learn your body.” It has taught me to “just focus and you’re gonna be able to do it. Don’t panic. My little lessons I learn from climbing internally, I try to bring them out into my daily life. Climbing strips your ego. It makes you feel empowered — which is something my mom has always wanted for me. It makes me feel like I can do anything that I set my eyes on.”

For new climbers she’d like to share that everyone started from zero. “We shouldn’t feel afraid to ask questions and always want to learn. You always learn something different either about the sport or about yourself.”

My favorite take away from talking to Fernanda is when she says, “Just strip away the fear. There’s no need to be afraid. People want to connect; it’s one of the great things about climbing. Don’t be afraid. Reach out. Everyone loves showing what they love to someone new.”

Fernanda has always been a lover of the outdoors and credits that to her grandfather who is still hitting the slopes and golfing at his young age of 80 years old. He loves adventure and risk as much as she does. When thinking about our attraction to the outdoors Fernanda says, “We’re all human. We all come from ancestors that were hunter/gatherers, so we walked the lands… of course we’re gonna have a draw to the outside. It’s in our nature. Denying certain people the access to outside is like denying our basic human existence. If more people are outside, the better we can protect our public lands. If we bring different people from different perspectives to what we love, we’ll be a stronger unit. We’ll protect these lands we love for centuries. We don’t own anything we have, we’re borrowing it from future generations. We need to bring everyone outside, show everyone the outdoors can be so beautiful and teach them to love nature. There’s a huge need to diversify the outdoors.”

“We’re all human. We all come from ancestors that were hunter/gatherers, so we walked the lands… of course we’re gonna have a draw to the outside. It’s in our nature. Denying certain people the access to outside is like denying our basic human existence. “

Fernanda is currently studying for the GRE in hopes to get a Master’s degree in Public Administration. Her dream job is to work for the Access Fund or work for the American Alpine Club doing policy work — for whom she already volunteers. She is currently a paralegal who enjoys playing board games, going to new restaurants, and listening to music.

Author: Valerie Vera

Thank you Fernanda for sharing your story and continuing to advocate for public lands and access for all!

I was stunned by the sheer enormity of the east Texas desert. There is vast open space, and the interesting bulbous rock formations seem to jut out of nowhere. It was my second outdoor climbing trip, and my curiosity  as a climber was immediately ignited – How high are these boulders? What will the rock feel like? More importantly, what will my skin feel like afterwards?

Climbers usually seem surprised by the unique protocols Hueco Tanks State Park. The regulations are strict with limited visitors on each mountain and guided access only on others. As a new climber however, I didn’t mind. I was happy just to visit. The added price of a guide in addition to the park fees weren’t ideal, but after watching the required video for the park, I knew immediately why these regulations were in place.

The history of Hueco Tanks* is extensive with humans possibly inhabiting the area for about 11,000 years. It’s unique agriculture has drawn multiple people throughout history and their presence in the park is still evident today. The first indication of human history was determined through the presence of Paleo-Indians of the Folsom culture (Folsom points were a type of spearhead associated with mammoth and bison bones). After this period and around 6000 B.C., the Archaic Indians were reported in the area through art depicting abstract shapes to petroglyphs of hunting scenes. The Jornada Mongollon Tradition was marked by advancement in farming practices and pictographs representing Quetzalcoatl, a dualistic diety of Meso-american culture. Many of the paintings from this period are still preserved through famous Thaloc figures and masks revealing stories of Katchina rituals. Hueco Tanks is one of the few places in North America where these masks are so highly concentrated. The Mescalero Apaches also visited the area and their presence is marked by ceremonial paintings which include snakes, horses, and dancing. Today, three tribes currently reside in the area near El Paso each with their own history of the current land Hueco Tanks now encompasses, the Tigua, the Comanche, and the Kiowa. These tribes still hold spiritual ceremonies in the park today and up until a few years ago, were allowed in the park free of cost. All of this history can be experienced through a simple guided trip – a day walking in the footsteps of whole civilizations which came before us.

The beauty of Hueco Tanks has drawn me back each year, but it’s complicated. It’s one of the few places I feel at home as a climber. The warm smell of tortillas and champurrado, the buzz of neon lights against a blank sky, and the beats of tejano music pulsating out of windows of nearby cars. Este es mi hogar – a mestizo state. It is this passion for Texas, and these often neglected borderlands that also drives my frustration towards Hueco Tanks. Each year since my first, I have encountered guides and visiting climbers who have repeatedly complained, blatantly disrespected, or spread and fostered an ignorant perspective on the regulations in place at the park. These attitudes are viral, spreading from one salty climber to the next.

As a woman of color in a park which at the time had very few visible locals present, I felt immediately isolated from  a community I believed I was welcome in. Being often the only climber of Mexican descent on a tour, meant that this part of me was invisible to everyone else, not even my brown skin served to break the conversation. My own cultural identity erased by my climbing identity, it seemed assumed that our values on this topic would naturally align. They did not.

I craved for a crag where climbers were grateful for the opportunity to interact on such sacred land. I wanted them to share the pride that I had watching the video, knowing that we could experience a place where generations of people prospered for years before John Sherman was even born. I wanted them to feel connected. I realize this view is idyllic but also not entirely impossible, nor am I alone in feeling this way. I’ve learned over the years, especially in one of my most recent visits that this perspective is shared by many communities. It’s not a perfect system, but the cultural uses of land brings popularity from different groups at different seasons in the year.

As a climber, I always believe we can do better. As a woman of color, I know that we can. My experience this season was unlike any other. From the first day on North and hearing Spanish echoing around the crag to watching a group of strong climbers from Monterrey, women and men, projecting alongside professional climbers, I can see that things are changing. The pivotal point for me was meeting Mariana Mendoza, a former competitive climber from Mexico. She greeted me with a big smile. She had been following Brown Girls Climb for a while, and was enthusiastic about what we were doing in the climbing community. Over the next few days, we met up, climbed, and talked about ways climbing had changed our lives, and how it could be used as a tool for social justice. Our languages overlapping and our laughter and sighs bonding over our entangled identities. This is what climbing should feel like. Climbing should feel like an extension of home for people of color. It should reflect the deepest parts of us, the parts of us most connected to the land.

Recently, awareness of the fragility of the rock has gained increased attention in the climbing community. As amplified by a recent post by Jason Kehl, the lack of regard or education concerning the danger of climbing on wet rock. A number of popular problems, were broken in the last two months. The desert environment is particularly sensitive in this area. The granite-like syenite becomes fragile with extra humidity from rain, and  it’s huecos, serve as wells for freshwater shrimp and other organisms critical to the park’s ecosystem. Specific ecosystem considerations is an important topic, and one that’s been addressed in other well-known climbing areas.

The responsibility of the climbing community to respect the explicit and exact laws, rules and even suggestions, extends far beyond preserving the best problems for future climbers. Hueco Tanks and the environment preserved within its boundaries is home to a history beyond just our community. These boulders and rocks have an important story that out dates all of us, considerably. Our impact affects everyone and alters the experience for many people. Generations of life have appreciated the beauty and shelter of this historic site. What we do today can either amplify or destroy those stories. Take care – get educated and tread lightly. We are each part of the history of Hueco Tanks and what we choose to do with this opportunity may determine the fate of this park forever.

Author: Bethany Lebewitz

*Tso-doi-gyata-de-dee, Kiowa name for the area “rock cave where they were surrounded”

1. Rock Paintings at Hueco Tanks State Historic Site.” Amazon, Amazon, 1 Jan. 1970, www.amazon.com/Paintings-Hueco-Tanks-State-Historic/dp/B004FOG6UK

Want to learn more about the history of climbing in Hueco Tanks? Check out this recent article by James Lucas in Climbing Magazine.

When we enter into a new year many of us start off by setting new goals and making resolutions. As the year goes on, it can often be hard to stick with them. To help our readers stay motivated all year long, we’ve put together a list of rad women to follow on Insta who are crushing it, both on and off rocks, and will get you excited to do the same. They shared their own goals as well as advice they have for sticking with them in order to succeed. Enjoy and happy sending!

1.Rosemary Saal @everywhere.rose

Rosemary started climbing at age 12 at Smith Rock in Oregon and has been a climber ever since. Nowadays you can find her sport climbing at Mount Lemmon in Tucson or at her favorite spot: Red Rocks. When Rosemary isn’t climbing she stays active by running and dancing but also enjoys reading, drinking bubble tea and of course, Netflix! Rosemary has found that climbing helps her push to higher limits and learn more about her inner-workings, identity, and interactions with the world around her.

2. Wish Sison | @wishsison

Wish has been climbing for about two and a half years. She climbs most frequently at the Touchstone gyms in the Bay Area where she co-runs queer climbing meetups. Unfortunately, Wish sustained an injury at the end of last year and is working this year to recover and regain her climbing skills. In the meantime she is working to keep her mental game strong while dreaming of landing a job a route setter. Follow Wish this year on her recovery journey as she trains to get back in top form. Wish’s advice to others trying to stick with a goal this year is to “get some buddies! Having community support will help keep your spirits high and help you stay accountable to your dreams and goals.” She also shared this quote from Octavia Butler “First, forget inspiration. Habit is more dependable.”

3. Taynara Magarotto | @taymagarotto

Tay has been climbing for two and a half years and is usually found at the crags around New Hampshire, Vermont and New York. While she enjoys all styles of climbing her particular favorites are trad and ice climbing. “I love the fact we can climb pretty much anything with gear and love the idea of ‘leaving no trace’. You see, pick the line, get stoked, climb and the rock ends up clean. And ice climbing is just one of my favorite things to do during winter. It’s a lot of suffering, I’m not gonna lie, but I’m stoked at each kick and swing.” Follow Tay this year as she tackles her goals of climbing The Armadillo, a technical multi pitch line in Maine, as well as the Pinnacle, a mixed route found on Mount Washington in New Hampshire. Tay’s advice to our readers:  “Don’t let anyone tell you you cannot or you’re not capable of doing something you want. If you really want it, you train, you fight [for] it, and you pursue it on your own time and terms. Just listen to yourself.”

4. Genevive Walker | @walkergenevive

Genevive has been climbing for over six years, mainly at Rumeny in New Hampshire, but a year ago moved into her Honda Element to take her love for climbing on the road. Keep an eye on Gen this year as she works to send her first .13a outside. When she isn’t putting up hard sport routes, Gen enjoys hiking, playing tennis, slacklining, mountain biking and her newest obsession:  ping pong! Gen’s advice for anyone working toward their own goal this year is: “Don’t feel discouraged if you hit a plateau or stop seeing progress. Sometimes it’s a sign to switch things up or try a new approach. Another tip is to set small sequential goals that will lead you to your main objective. This makes it easier to track your progress, which in turn will motivate you to keep working hard.”

5. Mahtisa Djahangiri| @mahtisa.leigh

Tisa got her climbing start in central Texas about six years ago at places like Reimer’s Ranch and Enchanted Rock. Now you can find her climbing in the Tetons, Lander, the City of Rocks, and in various garages in Jackson, WY as the town doesn’t have a gym. When asked her prefered climbing style Tisa said, “I’m definitely a master of nothing when it comes to climbing styles which makes it hard to choose. I love sport climbing because of the movement and the fact that is is (mostly) type one, bolt clipping fun. I love trad climbing because of the puzzle solving aspect and for the places those skills can take me in the mountains.” Watch Tisa as she tackles her first 5.12 outside, spends time in the Wind River Range, and (hopefully!) takes a climbing road trip. Tisa’s advice if you’re trying to stick with a resolution this year is:  “Consider what motivates you and your goals. Acknowledging where the motives behind your ideas come from can help you authentically give it your all.” Tisa has also offered up a standing invitation for anyone who wants to climb with her in Wyoming this summer!

6. Paris Brown | @paris_mvmt

Paris has been climbing for about three years. She has spent most of that time in the gym at Earth Treks and Sportrock. Over last year Paris has started venturing outside more and more. Her favorite style of climbing is bouldering. This year Paris plans to start climbing specific training to push herself past her current limits. When she isn’t climbing you can find Paris enjoying the outdoors. She especially likes hiking.

7. Heidy Khlaaf | @hak90

Heidy started climbing 5 and half years ago. She usually climbs at Yonder in North London. When describing her plans and goals for the year, Heidy said, “In the past, I’ve spent the climbing seasons outdoors focusing on projects. It’s mentally draining and my climbing holiday can often seem like a chore. So this year I’m focusing on volume instead! It’s more fun, and I believe teaches you technical skills in climbing that projects can’t.” Heidy uses climbing to take a break from her career. She’s a Computer Scientist PhD. Her advice for you is:  “If you are a woman or a WoC, it may seem that the physical strength and technique required for climbing are unattainable and unnatural, especially if you didn’t come from an outdoors-y family. There is no inherit body type to climbing (and only a small subset of people have the “natural” inkling for it).”

8. Olivia Long | @oliviasends

At eleven years old, Olivia is the youngest climber on our list and has already been climbing for five years. Olivia says she has “always loved climbing, even when that just meant going on the monkey bars, or playing on the furniture at my house”. When she isn’t climbing on the playground, you can find her at Mesa Rim Climbing in San Diego where she is part of the climbing team. Olivia prefers bouldering, especially problems with toe hooks, heel hooks, and stemming. An seasoned competition climber, Olivia’s goal for this year is to place in the top 25 as a first year C climber at Youth Nationals. After sustaining an injury last year during competition season she has worked hard to regain her strength and is excited to be back in the comp circuit. Her advice for other’s working towards their goals is “think of something that is possible and then push past it. But [it] will take a lot of hard work.” When she isn’t climbing you can find Olivia reading or coding in her free time.

Author: Laura Edmondson

  Claw or Climb Like A Woman, the first Indian women’s climbing event, took place from December 26^th to 30^thand wrapped up 2018 with a bang in Hampi, India. This was an event primarily to introduce Indian women into climbing by learning and climbing together in a positive and encouraging environment. We had 25 to 30 women participants, most of whom were complete beginners and had never climbed before.

   I had been thinking of how there are few well run events in the Indian climbing community, specifically especially for women. Entering the climbing world can be daunting for a beginner, especially if you don’t already have friends in the community. I felt that a women’s only event would be refreshing and allow female climbers to try something new in a positive and encouraging setting. a feeling of security to share anything with each other as we all face similar fears on rocks, share similar weaknesses or strengths and help each other while climbing.

“Many of the girls expressed how they enjoyed how climbing allowed them to break cultural norms, like how women should dress or how women’s skin has to be free of scratches, bruises and even a suntan; something often expected of women in India. “

   I have wanted to do this for two years now, but I procrastinated in taking action, as I hadn’t really met too many other Indian women climbers until earlier this year. In January of 2018, I climbed a project in Badami that I received the Live Your Dream Grant for, which opened up doors to meet a few strong Indian women climbers. It turned out we all agreed this would be good for women’s climbing. It began taking shape when I called up my climbing friends Lekha Rathinam, Prerna dangi and Vrinda Bhageria. They were totally in to organize a meet up in Hampi. Vrinda was busy as she was opening one of the best climbing gyms in India called The Boulder Box so she agreed to help as much as she could. Soon after, Mel Batson from NY but who lives in India half the year joined in the organizing team as well. Zhen Paintal and Kopal Goyal, from Inspire crew, an online platform that showcases Indian women in extreme sports, joined us and became our event partner as well. The experienced climbers instructed the newcomers on climbing basics. Participants were shown a number of climbing techniques and safety and by the end of the event had climbed at least one highball boulder. When we weren’t climbing we lead other fun activities like yoga, slacklining, and a little bit of swimming and exercise workshops. Everyone was excited to be outdoors and learning and we had a lot of fun making new friends and bonding during the event. We always started on the same warm up boulders together and moved in smaller groups to other boulders. Many of the girls expressed how they enjoyed how climbing allowed them to break cultural norms, like how women should dress or how women’s skin has to be free of scratches, bruises and even a suntan; something often expected of women in India. Our hope is to do more events where experienced women climbers will mentor beginners and bridge the gap in ratio of men climbing versus women. The main goal though is to create a community for women within the larger climbing community, and have fun outdoors!

Author: Gowri Varanashi

Meet the organizers!

Prerna Dangi
Location or city of origin: Delhi 
Favorite crag snack: does coffee count?
Climbing experience : I began with the monkey business 8 years ago at my college wall. I love to climb the mighty Himalayas, water ice, trad, sport and boulder, in order of preference!
“Climbing is one of the most exciting and empowering pursuits and to be able to share it with a bunch of women of all abilities was a super unique experience!  The psyche was high and the vibe was great and each day someone outdid themselves! We had no idea we’d have so much fun because it’s literally never happened before! The best part was that by end of it, everyone was spotting like a pro and had one boulder they were obsessed about!”

Gowri Varanashi
Location or city of origin: Bangalore, India/ NY state, USA
Favorite Crag snack: Nuts and dark chocolate!
Climbing Experience: I was introduced to climbing in the US and have been doing it for 7 years now. I am a sport climber and boulderer but wish to improve my trad climbing skills as well. Hardest grade I have climbed is a V6 in bouldering and 5.12c sport route. I have climbed in a few places in India and also various places in the US.
“The positivity and enthusiasm every participant came with was the biggest highlight for me. None of them ever said no to trying a problem or hearing advice and suggestions on what they could improve. They all helped each other, bonded and had a great time, which made all the organizing, coordinating and work that went into this completely worth it. “

Melissa Batson
Location or city of origin: NY, USA
Favorite crag snack: Imli pops 😛 and some sort of GORP-like mixture (dried fruits and nuts)
Climbing experience: I just started climbing regularly about three years back. Until recently I have mostly been bouldering; but I am looking forward to learning more about lead and trad climbing this year!
“The STOKE level was so high throughout the whole event! My absolute favorite aspect of the meet-up was the energy of the participants. They came ready to face any obstacle and, in turn, ready to help others face the same. No matter what we were doing – getting up at the crack of dawn; spotting, projecting, and executing a project (including the down-climb!); relaxing with downtime activities – everyone was positive, open minded, and supportive and that really gave a warm soul to the meet-up which no one could have planned.”

Kopal Goyal
Location or city of origin: Bihar, India
Climbing experience: I started climbing 3 years back right after attending 23rd National Sports Climbing Championship held in Delhi as an audience. I have been participated in two nationals after that. I mostly climb sports route, sometimes boulder around.
Favorite crag snack: Potato chips
“It was so inspiring to see so many women coming out from their normal routine and try something which they wanted to. I was there for filming the event and I think I got the most interesting task. It was so empowering to see them stepping their foot over the rocks for the very first time. I saw their happiness while interviewing them about how they felt while. Everyone was so thrilled and, they were supporting each other the best way they could.“

Zhen Paintal
Location or city of origin: Born in Delhi, lived more than 20 years in Pune, Currently in Goa 
Climbing experience : I’ve barely tried climbing 2 or 3 times recently in the past 6 months, I got introduced to alternative sports through skateboarding, took to slacklining and surfing a year later and then climbing recently. Only tried wall climbing (gym)
“Although I couldn’t attend for unforeseen reasons, I think the best part was and will be pulling this off, actually getting women to come together for nothing else but their self-interests & curiosity towards a new outdoor sport. “

Lekha Rathinam
Location or city of origin: Bangalore, India
Favorite crag snack: Chocolate doughnut.
Climbing experience: A little close to two years, which is when I was introduced to climbing and have since then been consistently climbing. I’ve climbed in Fontainebleau, Saxon Switzerland, Hampi, Badami and various other parts of India. And the hardest grade I have climbed is a V6.
“This was the first time in India I witnessed so many women who came out to climb in this 5 day event. The support and motivation among the crowd was just overwhelming. The trust we built with each other was so great that even the beginners went up on highballs on the second and third day of the event without any hesitation for they were confident. The post-climbing chill out sessions in the reservoir was definitely another memorable moments of the festival.”

“They came ready to face any obstacle and, in turn, ready to help others face the same ” – Melissa Batson

Special thanks to all of the organizers for sharing their story and to all the women who made this event possible. Lastly, thanks to the sponsors and partners that helped support CLAW!

By Brown Girls Climb & Friends

We’re back with another round of amazing gifts for your holiday gift shopping. Whether you’re shopping for a friend or you’re looking for an end of the year reward for all of your try-hard attempts, we’ve got some great options for you! We asked for your input and these are the top 15 items made by POC*-owned businesses that can help you or your friends & family enjoy this season’s outdoor adventures. Enjoy & Happy Sending!

*person of color

1. The list wouldn’t be complete without plugging our new shirts. Developed, designed and in support of women of color, this unisex shirt is made for everyone and stands out on and off the crag – stopper earrings and all! Brooklyn Bell Mountain Woman Design T-Shirt by Brown Girls Climb – $25.00.  
2.  On the market for a new board? Go no further than Dead Pawn Skateboards! Based out of Arizona, these folks now how to make a stunning piece for long rides or tricks. N0. 90 ” Panel 1 of Winter Harmony 8″ Wide Deck by Dead Pawn Skateboards– $75.99. 
3. There’s plenty of great gear by Evolv but we are psyched to see options for everyone with the world’s first and only adaptive climbing shoe and adaptive climbing foot.  Eldo Z and EAF by  Evolv $50.00 and $200.00
4. Is 2019 the year we start actually taking care of these precious crimpers? If so, pick up two of these for yourself and a friend! Piton 1.0 by Lee Physical Therapy– $32.95
5. What goes well on that new crag bag? A clear message to anyone doubting that a 5’2 climber could carry a machete in their boot. That’s right mujeres, that beehive means business. No Me Toques Pin by Luna Sangre – $ 27.00
6. We love everything at NWW but couldn’t find a better mug to drink our Abuelita (or Bailey’s) from than this little gem right here! Enamel Campfire Mug by Native Women’s Wilderness-$17.00
7. NO has got some fly swag and this beanie is a great example. Cool, fresh, and fits under a helmet, this gift will keep you warm while you stay safe! White Shell Mountain Beanie by Natives Outdoors– $24.00
8. Haven’t heard of Heroclip? Well now you have! Whether you’re a mom, an engineer, an outdoor enthusiast or all three, you’ll appreciate the versatility and design of this neat new tool! Heroclip by Heroclip – $19.95
9. If you climb in the district you may have seen these folks around. Made from hemp, the Everbar is tasty and nutritious. Oh! they also have a new line with CBD. Everbar by Livity Foods – Approx. $3.00/bar
10. Think you’re strong? Think again. Overcoming Gravity can give you the knowledge to put together your own routines for improving in your climbing goals. Overcoming Gravity by Steven Low $39.40
11. “20% of everything you purchase” goes directly towards providing education to vulnerable children in Kenya and Ethiopia. Yema Khalif’s got good style for a great cause. Bay B+Y Sports Bra by YEMA – $14.00
12. If you’re new to the gym and looking for a brand to support, think about Butora. Great shoes, good bags, good stuff. Chalk bucket by Butora – $28.00
13. A declaration for a friend or a subtle hint to your belay buddy, Lonez candles smell good and spread truth. Healthy Candle by Lonez Scents – $15.
14. If you’re also avoiding Starbucks this holiday season, we’d suggest supporting this Georgia based company. Not So Urban knows their coffee and will keep you fueled at your next sesh. Makossa (Dance) Burundi by Not So Urban – $12.50
15. “Preparation is key” and when it comes to hair, it couldn’t be more true. For BGC, our crag chat centers a lot about hair tricks and tips. So we got ya’ll covered with this award winning product for naturally curly hair. Also, check out those travel size samples! Hair Dew Moisturizing Leave-in by Oyin Handmade – $13.99

ANNUAL FAVORITES

• Yellow Swirling Chalk Bag by Chaandu – $24.99
• 2019 Calendar by Lady Lock Off   – $25.00
• BOC T-Shirt by Brothers of Climbing – TBD
• Grippul 2.0 by Beastfingers – $55.00
• Coffee Hatch Chile or Jalapeno Tanka Bar by Tanka – $5.99
• Watching You Watching Us Crop Top by OXDX-$30.00

Searching for alternatives to celebrate the holiday? Look no further!

1. Take a hike or a walk!
2. Visit your local history museum and learn about ways communities of color have contributed to your neighborhood, city, and states.
3. Push-up contest with the kiddos.
4. Make a gift (favorite herbs, recipes, hair care, etc.)
5. Support through donation or volunteering, one of these amazing organizations:
   • Outdoor Afro
   • Indigenous Women Hike
   • Latino Outdoors
   • Brown Girls Climbing – Taylored Fit Solutions
   • Out There Adventures
   • Queer Nature
   • Adaptive Climbing Group
   • Your local social or environmental justice advocacy organizations

Did we forget some? Comment below to add your favorite products!

All photos included are property of each company or organization.