Sport Climbing Australia Director Naomi Cleary said the sport is becoming more popular with women not only because it’s open to competitors of all levels, but because it’s an exciting sport to watch.

“The opening of many new facilities around the country has also made it easier for people to have access to the sport,” Naomi said.

“People can participate anywhere from once or twice per year right up to those who seriously train for national and international competition, and people of all levels can climb together.”

Naomi said the growth in female participants means equal numbers of men and women in recent events and puts this down to the sports culture.

“Our sport has a very welcoming and inclusive culture for all participants. This is a big part of the appeal of the sport as our culture is unique,” she said.

“Even at the organisational level, most of the states have equal representation on their boards and this translates throughout the sport into the organisation of events and competitions.”

Selection events for the Olympic Games take place in 2019 and Sport Climbing Australia is working on developing coaching programs, route setter development and team development.

“The next big challenge for us is the development of a National High Performance training center which would help the sport at all levels,” Naomi said.

Competitor Anna Davey is working hard for National selection and agrees that there is no other sport she’s aware of that is so welcoming and encouraging to women.

“Climbing culture is second to none, competition climbers who watch their rivals compete will still cheer for them and want them to succeed,” Anna said.

“The sport is growing in general but the start list of women in competitions grows every year which is great!”

Anna began competing after a rich history of sports, fitness and even body building but said she prefers to be judged on performance while climbing rather than aesthetics.

“Pretty such from the moment my feet left the ground, I was hooked. I was there once a week, then twice a week, then 5 days a week,” Anna said.

“Suddenly, I found myself ‘training’ for climbing and trying to find new ways to get strong. There really are no cheat ways to get strong at climbing, you just need time on the wall - something I am still learning.”

Anna spends two to three hours, five days a week training strength and power, projecting, endurance, movement and rehabilitation.

“Generally, each day consists of a 30 min floor warm up followed by 1.5-2 hours of climbing and then a quick cool down and stretch,” Anna said.

“Some sessions aren’t based on the wall but on a campus board or finger board.”

Leading up to competitions, Anna tapers training around three weeks prior to the event.

“The week before I will drop a whole day of training,” she said,

“I try to do lots of movement sessions focusing on competition moves such as dynamic power and coordination.”

Sport Climbing Australia will soon be announcing the official Australia team and, if successful, Anna will start preparing for World Cup and World Championships next year.

“If I am not, then it’s back to the grind. I’ll do the lead season and another boulder season to qualify for worlds in 2020,” she said.

Anna said one of the key drivers behind her training is that the sport is never boring and you never sop learning and progressing.

“Every day climbing is a challenge and a competition against your mind and body,” she said.

“Climbing can make you feel strong, powerful, elated, successful, belonging and goal focused. It will bring you into the happiest of cultures where you will meet life long friends and training partners.

“The problem-solving aspect will take you away from your daily issues. You will likely climb until you die, as it is an addiction.”

For women thinking about climbing Naomi recommends just heading to your local climbing gym and having a go.

“Climbing is accessible for all levels of ability and is a great fun activity as well as a sport,” she said.

“It’s also a great way to socialise with friends as well as an opportunity to enjoy our great outdoors.”