My kayaking friend Jess was eager to try outdoor climbing but was concerned she was felt afraid of heights and worried she might find it too tough.¬ So we set off up the easiest route on the crag. Me happy to be out in the sun on rock, Jess seconding her first ever route outside.¯ When she arrived at the belay, she was glowing with smiles and when we topped out at the top of the second pitch, I asked her whether she fancied another slightly harder one or slightly easier. Her reply: “harder obviously”. I knew we’d chosen the right first route. When you’re introducing people to new things, sometimes it can be worth starting at the beginning and making sure every step forward feels successful. It’s easy to get this wrong and I have my share of mistakes that I’ve learnt from.
But when someone tries something for the first time, enjoys it and feels just the right amount of challenged – that’s when they’ll come back and give the next step up a go.
So Jess happily flew up the other harder pitches we climbed, beating the fears and climbing it anyway. ª
A Good Day.
Originally posted on this post on Instagram
