Member Highlight: Tiffany Vo

 

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

 

So, I had been exposed to climbing 11 years ago when my mom started climbing, but wasn't inspired enough to do it... and then about 3 years ago, according to my phone, I changed my mind. My friend Samm really wanted to go rock climbing at Smith Rock for her birthday and asked me to go along, to which I so kindly answered "thanks, but no thanks." I really didn't expect to change my mind. However, when she told me that she couldn't really find anyone to join her for her birthday plans, I decided to swallow my own fears and just go for it. As a woman with spaghetti arms and no work out regimen at the time, I decided I needed to train before climbing outside. So, long story long, sometimes you do things for your friends and those things end up benefiting you in unexpected and wonderful ways.

-How did you find the Source?

 

“I heard about the Source through a friend.”

- What's your favorite crag, route or climbing memory

 

Currently, my favorite route is 'Artificially Inseminated' located at Lava Point. 

 

-What does climbing mean to you?

"Climbing started off as a favor for a friend, and now it means so much more. I don't mean to be one of those cheesy people, but I AM one of those people. Climbing is a way of life for me. It has brought me a sense of calm and is something that forces me to stay in the moment. It has given me the ability to problem solve and see the result of it, which I don't often get at work. Climbing has given me a sense of community and a family away from home. It has shown me to look at things differently and continuously shows me that there is not just one right way to do things. Being constantly shown by the media of the "ideal" body shape and size, climbing has shown me that there is not just one body type that equals success, and as long as you are willing, focused, and creative, you are capable of achieving more than you had ever thought. It has helped me to strengthen my back muscles, and thus, reduces my chronic back pain I have had since throwing my back out as a nurse. I could go on and on, but I think I'll stop there. "

 

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

"Listen to your body, if something hurts, maybe take a rest day."