BUILDING STRENGTH AND CONFIDENCE: HOW CLIMBING EMPOWERS WOMEN
Climbing isn't just a sport—it's a movement, and women are at the forefront of its evolution. When we look at the statistics surrounding women in the climbing world, it's clear that their presence is not only growing but thriving. From increased participation in indoor and outdoor climbing to rising representation in competitions and leadership roles, women are making their mark on the climbing community like never before!
women’s impact
For International Women’s Day this year, we’re reflecting on women’s impact in the following areas:
Participation
The number of women participating in climbing has been steadily increasing in recent years, with women comprising a significant portion of climbers at indoor climbing gyms and outdoor climbing areas.
Representation
Women are increasingly represented in climbing competitions, both at the amateur and professional levels. Organizations like the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) have seen a rise in the number of female competitors in events such as the World Cup series. At the American Bouldering Series Open National Championships in 2006, 35 percent of competitors were women; in 2014, it was 43 percent.
Leadership
While historically male-dominated, the climbing industry has seen a growing number of women taking on leadership roles as route setters, coaches, gym owners, and outdoor guides. This trend reflects the broader shift towards gender equality in outdoor sports.
Media Coverage
There has been an increase in media coverage featuring female climbers, including articles, films, and social media content showcasing their achievements and contributions to the sport.
Gear and Apparel
The climbing industry has responded to the growing number of female climbers by offering a wider range of gear and apparel designed specifically for women, including harnesses, shoes, and clothing tailored to women's body shapes and preferences.
Community Engagement
Women's climbing communities and initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and support for female climbers have gained momentum. These communities provide a space for women to connect, share experiences, and inspire one another in their climbing journeys.
our chat with julia ember
Julia Ember
We’re lucky to have some kickass female climbers on staff at Coeur Climbing. We chatted with Julia Ember about her personal experience and perspective. Julia is a climbing, fitness and health enthusiast. A certified personal trainer, she teaches Intro to Climbing classes and works at the front desk at Coeur.
Tell us about your climbing journey and how you were able to find community.
I really got into climbing after a difficult breakup. Stepping into the climbing gym and staying there for hours surrounded by an incredible community of people helped me get my mind off the pain. I moved to a different state and continued to climb, and to meet people who not only loved to climb but also had a vibrancy for life! I realized the climbing community was more than just people getting together who love to climb. It was a community striving to live life to the fullest, to test their mental and physical limits, to be the healthiest and best they can be. And, to surround themselves with lasting friendships.
How have you overcome challenges in climbing?
Climbing is no joke. Sometimes it’s tougher than the effort I feel like putting in. On the days I don’t have that extra “umf!” (which seems to be often) I just tell myself that I don’t have to climb anything too crazy or scary… I’ve found that when I try to push myself on “off” days I just get more discouraged. So I lay low and praise myself for the small accomplishments, which is not easy, as I am a competitive person with high self-expectations. But I know that any amount of climbing is better than none on those days. On days I feel more ambitious, I try grades that I feel are too difficult for me and sometimes I’m pleasantly surprised at how far I get! And sometimes I feel silly for not getting as far as I would on an easier grade. I have realized that some styles are easier than I thought or just way trickier for me no matter what the grade is… go figure! That’s why I try boulder problems that I think are WAY too challenging for me because sometimes I surprise myself! I see improvement, and that inspires me to keep trying.
How has overcoming climbing challenges translated into other areas of your life?
“Stress and anxiety are created by how we perceive our experience of life. CHANGE your PERSPECTIVE, and you will change your life.”
~ the Motivation app
Climbing has taught me MANY things I can apply to my life! One thing I’ve discovered is that sometimes stepping back and changing my perspective on something can make all the difference. Even the smallest change, such as moving one foot to a different foothold or position, has an impact. Each new hold I reach in a V8-10 shows improvement! I’ve learned that my brain and body are RESILIENT! My muscles hold memory. Changing my mindsets and ways of doing things CREATE SOLUTIONS!
Just like in climbing, I’ve discovered in my life that if I step back, change my perspective and try something new (BECAUSE CLEARLY what I was previously doing was NOT WORKING!)… I will make progress. It may not be much progress, but it is progress!
Give us an example of a climber who has inspired you.
One climber that has really inspired me is Janja Garnbret. In a documentary called “Climb for Gold” she described how her mind can destroy her, and how thoughts of self-doubt affect her performance. This lady is an extremely strong climber, yet struggles with mindset just like the rest of us. I admire her transparency and I feel good to know that even one of the strongest climbers in the world struggles and has bad climbing days.
“Sometimes you don't know how much grit you possess until you light that fire in your soul and don't give up or let go no matter what!”
~Julia Ember
You can find Julia helping guests check in, guiding a guest to the right shoe, or teaching an intro class. When she's not working the front desk, she's likely working a problem somewhere on the prow.
