Climbing My Way Back to Life
On October 13, 2017, I walked into a climbing gym for the first time, completely unaware of how much that moment would change my life. At the time, I was a single dad, struggling with low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. My evenings often involved alcohol as a coping mechanism, and I felt stuck in a cycle of self-doubt. But the first time I put my hands on a climbing wall, something shifted.
By the end of that day, I was hooked. That weekend, I rushed to MEC in Calgary and splurged on all the gear I needed to dive in. Suddenly, my post-work routine transformed—I wasn’t reaching for a drink; I was rushing to the climbing gym. The gym became my sanctuary, a place where I could challenge myself and feel just a little stronger, both physically and mentally, with every climb.
A Taste of the Outdoors
In May 2018, I had my first taste of outdoor climbing. A young and passionate guide named Andrew Abel led a group of us to Abraham Slabs. Standing at the base of that wall, surrounded by the rugged beauty of David Thompson Country, I fell head over heels for outdoor climbing. It wasn’t just the climbing itself—it was the fresh air, the towering walls, and the sense of adventure that made my heart race. That day lit a spark in me that hasn’t gone out since.
From there, I dove in headfirst. I took formal training in sport climbing and spent my weekends out in the David Thompson Corridor, chasing the thrill of the rock. By 2019, I had learned the ropes of multi-pitch climbing, and the feeling of being high up on the side of a mountain was intoxicating. It wasn’t just about the height or the exposure; it was about the bond you share with your climbing partner—the unspoken trust, the teamwork, and the sheer joy of sharing those views.
Intro to Trad
In September 2019, Andrew Abel introduced me to trad climbing on Grillmair Chimney at Mount Yamnuska. It was a whole new world of climbing—placing protection, reading the route, assessing risks. It was nerve-wracking and thrilling all at once. That climb lit another fire in me.
The next year, I decided to lead my first trad climb on Gooseberry at Tunnel Mountain with Nathaniel Johnson. Walking up to the base of the climb, I was brimming with overconfidence, thinking, 5.8? No problem. I was very quickly humbled. Twenty feet off the ground, panic set in. I begged Nathaniel to take over the lead, but he refused, insisting I wouldn’t learn unless I finished what I started. When I finally topped out, I collapsed in tears, overwhelmed by fear, relief, and pride. Later, as we walked down the mountain, adrenaline kicked in, and I felt like a rock star. That night, strolling through Canmore with ice cream in hand, I felt a confidence I hadn’t known in years.
Climbing transformed me—not just physically, but emotionally. It gave me courage and taught me resilience. It reshaped how I saw myself and how I connected with others.
May 2021
Then, on May 30, 2021, tragedy struck. My friends Andrew Abel and Nathaniel Johnson were caught in an avalanche on Mount Andromeda and didn’t make it home. Losing them was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. Up until that moment, I thought I was equipped to handle life’s challenges, but grief hit me like a freight train.
It took years—years of therapy, joining a yoga community, and leaning on my family and the climbing community—to begin to heal. Slowly, I found my way back to climbing, and with it, my joy.
The bonds you create along the way.
Wild and Beautiful Places
Climbing has brought me to wild, beautiful places I never imagined I’d see. It’s introduced me to people who have become more than just partners—they’re family. When you climb with someone, you rely on them completely. You see their best and worst moments, and they see yours. It creates bonds that are as solid as the rock itself.
Looking back, I can’t imagine my life without climbing. It pulled me out of one of the darkest chapters of my life and gave me a new sense of purpose, confidence, and connection. It’s not just a sport; it’s a way of life, and I’m endlessly grateful for everything it’s given me.
If you’re looking for an adventure that challenges your body, mind, and spirit, give climbing a try. It just might change your life, too.
