RIFLE
I remember my first day climbing; wandering aimlessly in the gym trying to make sense of the numbers and colors that covered the walls. I spent the better part of an hour learning the different types of holds and left with more flappers on my hands than I care to admit. Fast forward 6 years and I am now a sponsored athlete, certified climbing guide, work for the largest climbing non-profit in America, and have a short film produced about a new affinity climbing organization I created.
I did not do this all alone.
I’ve had many great mentors in my life. Those that have helped me for just a day and those that have stayed with me my entire journey; but there is one that particularly stands out to me that I’d like to highlight - Nina Williams. Like many others, I heard about Nina fairly soon after I started climbing. At the end of 2021, Nina shared an opportunity to train with her and a cohort for the winter season. Thankfully I applied and got accepted. Sure, for the next 3 months, she was my climbing coach, but she also helped me with so much more; my confidence, my communication styles, my climbing mentality. A coach quickly felt like a mentor.
A good mentor makes time for you. We spent a weekend climbing together in Rifle recently; it was my 1st time in the canyon and her 50+ time I’m sure. As I stared at the beautiful streaking limestone cliffs in the morning light I couldn’t help but feel intimidated. Thankfully a good mentor is patient & kind and Nina broke away from her Rifle routine to show me around. She introduced me to her friends and what a psyched & supportive community it can be. I can tell why she’s been back so much. A good mentor also challenges you. At the end of the first day, Nina convinced me to try my 6th & hardest climb. I got spanked & couldn’t even finish it. But the next day we woke up and did it all again. It was an intense weekend of climbing in the best way possible. And I’m glad I got to experience it with a mentor who has also become a good friend.
- Xavier Bravo
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The mentor/mentee relationship is a delicate balance of egoless acceptance, and grounded self confidence.
A necessary collaboration that, when successful and honored, yields mentally healthy athletes and stewards to the craft and community, yet always balancing on the razor's edge of potential failure.
It truly was as much a clinic in how to enthusiastically teach with trust and appropriate pressure, as it was a blueprint in how to accept those lessons to cultivate an even stronger belief in oneself.
To witness this experience and connection between Nina and Xavier was an honor and a reminder of the opportunity we all possess to positively influence those around us.
