Photo above by Daga Dygas
Facebook Feature: Welcoming New Climbers
Common Climber Readers Share Their Wisdom
As part of our giveaway in January we featured some really cool trad leggings from Permagumby. "Gumby" is one of those words often used to put people down – usually those new to the sport. We invited people to share POSITIVE AND WELCOMING comments to new climbers and help shift "gumby" into the positive. In Zoë Rayor’s words (creator of Permagumby), a “permagumby” is "someone who always comes to climbing with excitement and curiosity" - like a new climber. Here's what you all had to say on Facebook (you can see even more awesome comments on our @Common Climber Instagram post for the giveaway too!)
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Emily Streight :I'm still new. I started climbing this fall after snow fell here in Alaska and have yet got to feel rock under my hands. For a brand new climber, my words to you, dont be hard on yourself. Don't compare yourself to others. And above all have fun. Climbing is changing my life. And if you give it a little time and work at it, you will get better and it might open you up to things that you only ever dreamed of. Also, ALWAYS ALWAYS! check your Knot! Stay safe out there and send it!
Kerry Hirz: I’m a skydiver, and very new to climbing. If I know anything about starting to learn a new sport from the beginning its never be afraid to start. We all start somewhere. 🤘🏻✨ Ive loves every single new experience so far and I can’t wait to keep going!
Katie Getz: I moved to Yosemite TWICE from Indiana because climbing changed my life. It’s ability to teach us, push us, humble us, and connect us is unparalleled. Climbing taught me to trust myself and love my body. It taught me how to calm my mind. And most of all, it taught me how to connect with others in a new way. As a lady crusher especially, it’s been so rewarding climbing with other lady crushers and showing ourselves how badass we really are and how amazing our bodies are. Oh yeah, in addition to all this, it’s an incredible workout! As life changes, so can your climbing. I recently had a daughter and canNOT wait to teach her how to be a lady crusher! Point is, if you haven’t tried it, it’s never too late! I once met a 67 year old man on Cathedral Peak for his second ever climb! If getting stoked makes me a gumby, I’ll wear that title like a badge of honor!
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Noblet Huye: Hey you’re a Gumby, I’mma Gumby, none of us know everything there is to know so embrace it
Morgan Stein: Being bad at something when you first start out is normal, important and cool!
Justin Zagorski: I've realized that when anybody has tried to make me feel as if I dont belong, it is likely for due ti their feel of feeling like they dont belong. It's as if I must be pushed out or kept out, so there is room for them. Maya Angelou describes it better than me. " You are only free when you realize you belong no place - you belong every place - no place at all. The price is high, the reward is great." Honestly I'm still learning this myself, and all Brene Brown's books have helped.... and then, folks are sometimes bold, claiming their space. Like these pages, effort and movement! Claim your space. You belong.
Kendra Miller: The trust, love, support & encouragement you find in this sport is unreal! That right there is enough to get you through the toughest if climbs ❤️
Jamie Busby: While it might feel discouraging to see other climbers that are stronger than you, just know that with time and determination you will get there. In the mean time, enjoy the excitement of a new sport and make as many new climbing friends as you can because this community is seriously something special.
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