Jacqui from the Local Rag chats to Ella and Julia from Raglan Rock to learn more about the Wāhine climbing day happening on March 10th.
Tell us about the event in March hosted by Raglan Rock.
Our Wāhine Only Climbing Day event is hosted by us (Ella & Julia). We are both passionate climbers and passionate about getting more women into the outdoors! As for the day itself, our Wāhine will meet us at our office in Raglan, where we will provide our Women with all the equipment they need for the day. We will then drive to our climbing site, which is about a 25-minute drive from Raglan township. This is where all the learning will begin. There will be two instructors — Ella teaching lead climbing for those ready for that progression, and Julia instructing top-rope climbing and the fundamentals of climbing. Our climbing day is open to complete beginners and those looking to progress to the next stage of their climbing journeys. Our Wāhine will be provided with a packed lunch for the day and an opportunity to connect with like-minded women.
Why are these days important and successful?
We feel that days like this provide women with an opportunity to network with other women interested in exploring the world of the outdoors, as well as a stress-free Wāhine-dominated environment, which is very rare for the climbing world. Climbing is usually a male-dominated sport, and our aim is to give women equal opportunity! We feel that climbing solely with other women gives us a more empowering and uplifting environment to learn in. We believe they are successful due to the lack of judgment and misogyny from other people, as well as the inspiration you get from watching other women overcome a new challenge or skill.
What is your personal connection to climbing and how do you benefit from it?
Julia – While my climbing journey started several years ago, it was not until I found a welcoming space and community, where my drive to test my limits began. The meditative flow of climbing sparked my love for the sport but the constant relearning of your mental and physical capabilities pushes me forward. From solving bouldering problems to ascending a multi-pitch trad climbing, the only thing that matters is you and the rock. Climbing forces you to push through fear and exhaustion to reach past what you ever thought you were capable of. The passion and encouragement found within the climbing community is like no other but finding a place as a woman to break into the sport is a daunting task. As a male dominated activity depending on physical and mental strength, it is an intimidating sport to learn in an environment that is often influenced by male ego and competition. Recreating with female-identifying individuals creates a space for women to learn to climb without the fear of judgment or underlying misogyny. I have found a passion in creating a welcoming environment for new female climbers and strive to inspire other women to push past limiting boundaries and climb to new heights.
Ella- I embarked on my vertical journey 5 years ago; I discovered a profound love for climbing that goes beyond just the physical act of climbing itself. Whether I am sport climbing or captivated by the timeless allure of trad climbing, each ascent represents a narrative of strength, perseverance, and connection with the rock. As a woman in the outdoors, it can be daunting in such a male dominated environment. I have found my passion in the vertical dance and I am on a mission to inspire other women to embrace the challenge and move past the fear. The wall is a personal sanctuary where I can disconnect from the business of the outside world, be in tune with my body and where size, strength and age holds no dominance. I would love nothing more than to help other women achieve this feeling. My message is that climbing is not about conforming to predefined Moulds but about cherishing the love for the ascent. I stand as a testament that the joy of climbing Transcends the societal pressures that often seep into the climbing culture. Whether scaling a rock face or mountain, the focus is not conforming to a specific physique but in the excitement of defying gravity. Climbing is for everyone and climbing knows no limits!
How do people get in touch and come onboard ?
If there are any Wāhine out there that would like to join, we would love to have them. Absolutely all levels and abilities are welcome. To join our Wāhine Only climbing day simply just email us at Info@raglanrock.com
