My First Climb at PCCG

The first time I went to Phnom Climb, it was ladies’ night. There were women everywhere, lacing up their climbing shoes, dusting their hands with chalk, and eyeing the bouldering wall with a critical eye. Most of them looked like they already knew what they were doing, which made me even more nervous as I walked up to the front desk with my friend. 

It seemed like the ideal night to go – it was at a discounted price, and I wouldn’t have to go alone. I quickly found a place to sit and put on my rental climbing shoes, preparing to approach the boulder wall with a bit of trepidation. I was excited, and I enjoy trying new things, but for some reason the idea of climbing a wall in front of strangers felt intimidating. 

I think part of me thought climbing would be more difficult for me, especially with a lack of upper body strength. I had seen a few climbers around town, and most of them were men. It almost made me think climbing was more of a male sport. That mentality? It was bullshit. Too many times, I let those fears hold me back. But seeing all the other women at the gym climbing, I quickly realized this wasn’t just a sport for men. 

I watched my friend attempt the route first, while I worked up the courage to get on the wall. But I quickly realized that the small groups of people clustered around the wall weren’t there to judge me. They were polite, helpful, and patiently waited while I started and finished my first climb.

It was one hand over another, a lot of trial and error, and clinging to the wall while I worked up the energy (and courage) to reach the final hold. And you know, I didn’t get it the first time. Or the second time. But that third time, when I finally conquered my first beginner route, it was an amazing feeling. 

When I got back on the ground, my hands and arms were shaking. I sat down, with slightly shaky legs due to excitement and adrenaline, and watched the others start and finish more difficult routes. There were some new climbers, some who really seemed to know what they were doing, but everyone looked to have the best time hanging from the wall. 

It made me want to be a part of this community. This community that enjoyed trying new things, challenging themselves and others to be better, and encouraging those who were afraid to take a chance. 

It is easy to make climbing comparisons to other aspects of life, including the current state many of us find ourselves in at the moment with the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of us feel like we’re blindly grasping for the next ledge to hang on to, or clinging to the wall with all we have just to stay above ground. It’s a long, slow and difficult process, and many of us are afraid. 

I know this feeling, I’ve felt it many times over the last year, and in many ways, it’s what I felt that first day on the bouldering wall. But the thing that made it easier that day, is the same thing that is getting me through life right now. Community. Encouragement. Perseverance. ​

That is what Phnom Climb did for me that first day, and what I see it has continued to do for the community in Phnom Penh. If you would like to hear more or see how you can get involved when they open up again, please contact them at [email protected]. 
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I still remember how I felt going home that evening after I turned in my climbing shoes: tired, grateful, and exhausted. Taking a chance, climbing, and walking into the unknown can be intimidating. But if you lean into your fears, you may just find yourself at the top of a wall beaming down at those who helped get you to the top. 

Written by: Kaitlyn Speer ​