Climber Story: Jeneka Embrey

To start, tell us a little bit about yourself

Hi, I'm Jeneka! I live in South Lake Tahoe and am a chiropractor in Carson City, Nevada. I feel that my purpose on earth is to contribute by inspiring and helping people to live healthy lives through movement, nutrition, lifestyle and a present positive mindset. As a chiropractor, I get the opportunity to do just that.

How did you start climbing?

While trying to make new friends in a new city, I met my friend Kassia who introduced me to climbing, a sport that set my soul on fire. I then met my partner Raines, who opened up my world when he taught me how to trad climb. I instantly became hooked and every weekend since has been spent climbing and exploring the mountains checking off the classics and finding those hidden gems that even the locals hadn't been to.

This past fall, I decided to start bouldering to train for alpine climbing. There's something so inspiring about it — a new type of challenge that I can't get enough of. The mental and physical challenges that all types of climbing presents you with is something I've never experienced before and it continues to inspire me.

What impact has climbing had on your life?

Climbing has helped transformed me into a version of myself I never knew existed — a version I've waited my whole life to be. It has this magical ability to force you to be ever so present; your mind only focusing on the rock and how you're going to get to the top of the climb without whipping. It also shows you how to assess situations and keep you and your partner safe like topping out that boulder after you've fully committed.

It has taught me how to rationalize fear and recognize that we'll never know what we are capable of doing unless you push past these fears and step into the unknown. It has taught me how to believe in myself. It has given me the confidence I've always lacked and didn't think I could have. 

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

I love to cook and have an obsession with nutrition and biohacking haha. I also love exploring and hiking with my soul pup Benji. We literally try to include him in as many of our adventures and climbs as we can! Every time we go bouldering we make sure he gets to send a new boulder problem too! 

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

"Your soul dropped into your body knowing what to do, where to go, how to be." Stop questioning yourself & follow your intuition and live the life you're meant to live. Stop living small and let yourself dream big.  

Favorite thing about Dynamite Starfish?

I LOVE how you share people's stories. You share the real side of climbing. You create such an amazing community & it's always so positive. And your artwork is beautiful! It adds brightness to my day :)

You can find Jeneka on Instagram at @drjeneka.

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!