Member Highlight: Katie Pikes

Katie is a Radiologic Technologist  here in Vancouver, and climbing has held a very important role in her life. Today, we get to know her and learn some of the ways climbing has elevated her passion for the outdoors.. Some of you may remember her husband, OG Source crew member Kyle! The two of them got married last year at Smith Rock State Park. Read on to hear some sound advice on climbing... 

How did you get into climbing/how long have you been climbing?

“I have been climbing for 8 years now. I was introduced to climbing through a friend who took me to the Source! It started out as just something new and fun to try out, nothing serious. Then I met Kyle, my now husband, and we ended up climbing together a lot…the rest is history haha.”

What is your favorite crag, route or climbing memory?

“ [My] favorite crag has to be Smith Rock (so far). My first outdoor climbing experience was there. We had the best guide (shout out to Derrick Peppers!) who took us around the park for 12 hours that day. That was the day that determined climbing was going to play a bigger role in my life than just a passing hobby.” 

What does climbing mean to you?

“My relationship with climbing since that first outdoor trip to Smith Rock has grown and evolved tremendously. Climbing has brought me so much personal growth. Climbing gave me confidence in myself to try new things and push myself, physically and mentally. Climbing has also brought me closer to nature and my relationship with the outdoors has become much deeper because of it. I also gained all my current closest friends through climbing. Overall, I am extremely grateful to have climbing in my life.”

What piece of advice would you give to the younger climbers in our community?

“My advice would be this; climbing is what you make of it. It’s very much a give and take relationship. Whether you are in it to just have fun or you are in it to compete—the more work and patience you put into it, the more you get out of it. The key is to be patient with yourself. Climbing will teach you things about yourself that you will have to work through to be able to get to that next big goal you have set for yourself. Enjoy it. Every step of the way.”

Thank you so much Katie for sharing a bit of your climbing story with us! Check back every Monday for a new Member Highlight.