Rangatahi pass on passion for bouldering

The opportunity to share a love of bouldering with other young women has bolstered the passion and confidence of two young climbers. 

Sienna, 17, and Kiki, 16, are leaders for ‘She Climbs’, an Auckland-based programme run by Northern Rocks that encourages young women to become active and connect through bouldering – a form of indoor rock climbing. 

After seeing the programme advertised at school early last year, Sienna gave it a go and is now hooked. She says climbing has built her strength and given her a real sense of belonging. 

“Physically I’m lots stronger. I’m much more aware of my body movements on and off the wall. I can confidently hold my own bodyweight and do pull-ups in succession. 

“Climbing at Northern Rocks has also introduced me to new people and given me great friends, relationships and a sense of community.” 

As part of the recent Youth Week celebrations, they were among a keen group of 12 rangatahi who planned and delivered a youth-focused event. 

With support from head coach Olivia, the group brainstormed ideas before landing on a community bouldering day aimed at young women aged 13-17. 

The event proved hugely successful. It completely booked out with more than 40 taking part, many of them trying climbing for the very first time.

Climbers giving it a go

“All of the beginners were so brave to try new things. That really reminded me of my beginning in bouldering,” says Kiki. 

Kiki began bouldering a year ago after a 2-week trial. She says she loves that it challenges your limits. 

“At the community day I enjoyed being helpful, interacting with the participants and helping them to also realise that they have more potential than they imagine.” 

Over the 4-hour event, she and Kiki stepped into coaching roles – welcoming new climbers, teaching key skills and climbing alongside them to build confidence and share their enthusiasm. 

Like Kiki, Sienna found it rewarding to see more than 40 young women having fun, building new skills and growing their confidence. 

“Everyone there was hyping each other up and trying new climbs. It was a really inviting space for girls who were a little nervous to try bouldering.” 

“It makes me really happy to think about how someone could have been introduced to climbing and then started going regularly because of the event we hosted,” says Sienna. 

For head coach Olivia, the community bouldering day was a full circle moment. 

“I started climbing when I was around their age, so the experience felt very full circle for me. I went from being a beginner myself, to becoming a coach and mentor, and now I am seeing them confidently pass on their own knowledge and encouragement to others.”