Climber Story: Amanda Ferguson

To start, tell us a little bit about yourself 

Hey! My name is Amanda, I am 35 years old, I am an RN that works in the field of mental health. I have a 16 year old son and 2 dogs Indie and Sierra. All 3 are my world.. and I LOVE CLIMBING!

How did you start climbing?

About 8 years ago, my roommate was going to a climbing gym and I decided to join. At the time, I was coaching CrossFit and was super into fitness.

I instantly fell in love with climbing. I was super into hiking, back packing and free diving, so the fact that this was a sport I could do outdoors really peaked my interest.

I was primarily a sport climber until 2020 when no one wanted to climb together. So I borrowed a pad and started bouldering. Haven’t looked back!

What impact has climbing had on your life?

Climbing has saved me in so many ways. I broke my back in a horrible accident and CrossFit was constantly reinjuring me. Climbing was a way for me to full fill my athletic craving without putting extra weight on my back.

Also, every emotional hurdle I have had has been made to feel less daunting by climbing. It clears my head, it makes me feel strong and gives me purpose.. the community of climbing has given me so many friends I never would have had.. climbing is truly my passion.

What are some other things you do that you find most fulfilling?

Photography.. I stared photographing people climbing. I love the shapes and the aesthetics. About 5 years ago, I started my IG account @climber_trash to post photos of climbers I knew and didn’t know.

I loved how no matter your background we were all just in the dirt, eating food with chalky hands, looking straight dirtbag. I have met doctors and lawyers who were leaving blood on the rock. Hence the name climber trash. Just dirty raw images of people getting sic with it haha.

From there I started to explore all different types of photography.. but photographing people climbing is my favorite.

I also work as a nurse in mental health and I am very passionate about breaking the stigma of mental health and substance abuse.

If you could tell the world one thing, what would it be?

Be kind, stop judging, think before you speak, climbing is for everyone, be respectful, talk to others they way you want to be talked to, be positive toward yourself.. you are beautiful, unique and special.

Favorite thing about Dynamite Starfish?

THE STICKERS. I love them. The art is amazing. I have them everywhere. I also love how inclusive it is.

Is there something you're working on that you'd like to tell our community about? We love a good story.

Working on sending Gypsies day out in black. This is my 3rd season and I’m one move away. I’m working on conquering my fear of heights again so I can get back into sport climbing.

And I am working on going back to school for my NP! I want to work in the emergency department and as an emergency nurse practitioner.

You can find Amanda on Instagram at @fergee77.

Want to get to know more of the climbers in the amazing Dynamite Starfish community? Check out our archive of Climber Stories here.

We hope you have enjoyed these sneak peeks into climbers' lives. We're on a mission to share diverse stories about rock climbing. Let's push the boundaries of who we know as climbers. Let's use our energy and passion for the outdoors to love our environment and inspire one another.

Have someone you think we should feature? Send us a message and let us know!