Noob-ish old girl in Boulder for the summer (after May 7) and I WANT TO CLIMB

I'm primarily an ice climber--trying to figure this rock thing out! Looking for trad or sport leaders who will be nice to a still-learning second. Looking for mileage and want to improve a grade or two over the summer--if that is possible at my age.

I've been climbing in the Gunks all April with AWESOME partners I found on MP, and hoping I can find the same in the Boulder area.

FULL DISCLOSURE: Middle-aged woman who came to climbing late so not much of a climbing resume. I don't lead (yet). I don't own a trad rack (yet). I'm not looking to send 5.10s (probably ever.) I climb in the gym to get better outside, but I don't love that.

Here's what I DO have:
--personal gear, a couple of ropes, a car, and beer money for the post-game.
--good belaying skills and all-around safe practices
--good experience as a second
--free time, especially during the "work" week.

What you REALLY want to know: I can probably follow 5.7. (Make that 5.4 or 5.5 in the Gunks, but even some 5.3s give me trouble. What is THAT about? Must be all those roofs....)

My ideal partner has better skills and more experience than me, a sense of humor, a little patience, and wants to get out and have fun--
maybe recovering from an injury and wants to dial it back for a while.

If you're looking to send hard, I'm obviously not your girl. And before this sounds too much like a post for Match.com, I'm not looking for *that* kind of partner, either. I got (very) lucky in love 25 years ago.

Interested? Message me or reply here. Maybe we can meet up at a gym for a mutual gut check--you know, rule out general sketchyness.

Fingers crossed!!!

Hi Dara,

I'll be there in a couple weeks if you want to meet up! I've got the gear (need to buy a new rope as mine is getting old but it sounds like you have one), and I'm definitely down for easier stuff. It makes for a relaxing day. I've never been the strongest climber either, but I'm okay with it. There are enough 5.5-5.9 classics in the US to last me more than a few years.

Not looking for "that" kind of partner either. I'm getting married June 8 :)

The only issue you may have is that I'm a pretty big guy (6'4"-6'5", about 220 pounds). I've found a lot of girls are scared to catch me in a leader fall, and anyone with a fear of catching a fall I'm not comfortable climbing with (I won't even let me fiancee belay me except on TR, whenever we go out it's always a 3 person outing). If you're confident then great, if not then it would be good to meet up in a gym somewhere and test the waters.

If we don't manage to link up somewhere I hope you find someone!

Evan Sanders wrote:I've found a lot of girls are scared to catch me in a leader fall, and anyone with a fear of catching a fall I'm not comfortable climbing with (I won't even let me fiancee belay me except on TR, whenever we go out it's always a 3 person outing).

Timothy.Klein wrote: That's what belay anchors and belay gloves are for, Evan. :-)

If this is the same Dara I've met in Bozeman, shes a pretty cool gal :-)

Sounds like you need a run up the Third Flatiron, followed by "Calypso" in Eldo, and then maybe "Wind Ridge", or a trip to Estes for something on the Twin Owls. Hope you find a partner, though I'm sure you will.

Just an FYI for the Boulder crowd-

Dara and I climbed in the Gunks a few weeks ago, meeting for the first time at the cliff.

I find her self-assessment above to be 100% accurate and will add that she is extremely fun, funny and easy to be around, and totally game for whatever.

As far as being a dependable partner, I was confident enough in Dara's skills to attempt a lead at my limit while she belayed.

If you are climbing at or a little above her grade I think you will find her to be a solid partner.

Have fun and be safe out there Dara!

Dara, do you know Alicia and Pawel in Brooklyn? I climbed with them in the Gunks back in September. Great people. Have a really good time here in Colorado.

Being a Gunkie for life, I wish I had been available to meet you there for the last month, cuz you sound like my kind of fun traddie' climber. Best of luck finding someone for Boulder area soon.

Hello Dara,

Something odd has been happening to this thread. I posted on it last night. The post appeared. This morning it's not there. Also some posts that were present disappeared last night and have now reappeared. Also sent you a PM last night,but lately MP has been flaky in acknowledging such things.

Bottom line: I'm a trad old-ish boy and a light-weight and have sent you a repeat of the PM.

Rob.calm