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Climber Story : Brittany Goris
To start, tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Brittany, I am 28 years old, I live in my (t)rusty Econooline van and am on the road full time to pursue climbing. I'm a professional climber, though I also work remotely as a graphic designer to support my lifestyle. I mostly climb trad, though I have spent significant chapters of my climbing career bouldering, competition climbing, and sport climbing as well. When I'm not climbing I enjoy writing, creating art, collecting bones, dumpster diving, and beating you at Settlers of Catan.
How did you start climbing?
I visited a climbing gym for the first time when I was in 5th grade, and just instantly felt this calling. I begged my mom to sign me up for classes, and even after I took every single one the gym offered I wanted to take them all again just to be able to keep climbing. Soon after I joined a weekly youth club, which I attended until I aged out and began volunteering with instead. Since the day I started I don't think I've ever taken more than a few weeks off.
What impact has climbing had on your life?
Climbing has defined my identity for almost twenty years. I live my life to pursue my passion for climbing. I live in a van so that I can seek out climbing experiences that keep me inspired, follow the best weather for climbing, meet the most psyched fellow climbers, etc. I work remotely to allow for climbing. Climbing is how I met all my friends, my boyfriend, basically everyone in my life outside of family that is important to me. Climbing connects me to a community that gives me a sense of belonging. Climbing gives me purpose by connecting me to its history and allowing me to write my own chapters in it. Climbing inspires the stories I write and the art I create. Climbing motivates me to stay healthy physically, challenge myself mentally, and constantly step outside my comfort zone and strive to be the best version of myself. Climbing makes me feel alive.
What are some other things you do that you find most fulfilling?
Anything that connects me to other people, really, whether they be old friends or total strangers. Drinking together around a campfire, playing games, collaborating on creative projects, or just sitting around talking, watching TV, or doing nothing at all. Making connections is what makes me feel the most fulfilled outside of climbing.
You can find Brittany on Instagram at @gorisb
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!
Until next time!
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