I love the small town vibe of Squamish in combination with an immense backyard to play in.

Favourite place within walking distance of your house?

Climbing and playing in the mountains in general.

How did you get into climbing?
I started climbing over 12 years ago through a friend who asked me to join him at the gym. I got insanely hooked straight away and was obsessed with indoor climbing for the first 7 years. I didn’t know that climbing outside was a thing, but as soon as I figured that out I started traveling the world in search of rock, movement and cultural exchange.

Doing the Tantalus traverse with no prior fitness training, on my period, with long covid heart issues, a knee injury and exercise induced asthma! The goal was to do it sub 24 hours, but we finished at around 29 hours.

What’s one piece of gear that is always in your backpack and why?
I’d have to say that’s my Petzl micro traxion actually. It is an absolutely necessary tool for when I’m doing climbing photography but also really nice for when I’m TR belaying, TR soloing, hauling or simul climbing. And it’s so small!

How cold is too cold?
I run really hot when I move, but as soon as I stop moving I get super cold so I tend to always bring layers if I know that I won’t be constantly moving. So too cold could be anything from +5 to -20 degrees celsius depending on if I’m moving or not.

Book / podcast / recommendations?
I recently read the three body problem because I worked on the show and was so intrigued by with why all the shots I was working on were so scattered and seemed to have no connection to each other. The book is great, as is the show.

One thing you have learnt in the mountains that you wish everyone knew?
Maybe more something that I’ve learnt about myself in the mountains more so than a specific skill.. Going light and fast is always more enjoyable than carrying heavy loads / lots of climbing gear, as long as it can be practiced safely. Oh! One thing that I wish everyone knew actually, is how insanely effective the emergency blankets are. Which is a really neat thing to bring when you’re going light and fast. Shiver bivies are no fun but I would have been miserable instead of just uncomfortable if I didn’t have my emergency blanket.

Name a non-profit in your community that is doing amazing work/or that you’re affiliated with?  

I would have to say the one that I’m a part of actually. We are organizing an annual weekend long climbing festival in Squamish for women and gender expansive people. It’s called Rock and Rise and this year’s festival will be July 5-7th. We are really focused on belonging and inclusivity and have made it a priority to have minority representation amongst our staff and mentors to create a conscious environment that can meet people where they’re at. 

A value you feel you align with, with OnwardUP’s values?
I’d say we are aligned in many values, a few amongst those are diversity, inclusivity, community building and creating accessible learning opportunities through Rock and Rise.

Upcoming adventure plans, you’d like to share?