Nature as a Mentor: Overcoming Fear

Instructor: Cristina Bourassa (she/her)

Bio: Cristina Founder of Chicks With Grit, Community Director for the Bay Area Climbers Coalition; Former youth climbing coach; C4HP Level 1; trauma-informed Surf-
Safety Facilitator, WFA; AMGA SPI (pending)

Clinic Description: “Overcoming Fear of Falling” blends mindfulness, nature’s wisdom, and experiential learning to approach fear and pressure with curiosity and self-compassion, guided by examples from the natural world. This clinic expands climbers’ toolkit beyond repetition and exposure to falling by developing awareness and perspective. Through a mix of reflective dialogue, intentional partner work, and on-the-wall integration, participants will:

• Identify and apply one nature-based strategy to reframe fear or failure
• Practice regulated breathing and positive self-talk in climbing contexts
• Participate in structured falling drills to build confidence
• Improve partner communication and develop community support
• Redefine success through small, measurable progress

Chicks With Grit programs are rooted in universal femininity to redefine success through individual healing and collective empowerment. This session centers women, queer, femme identities, creating an environment where folks can learn in a supportive, confidence-building space and deepen their connection to the climbing community.

Prerequisites: 

• Touchstone Lead or Top Rope Belay Card
• Climbers who can climb 5.9 comfortably
• Must be 16 years or older

Participants: 6 maximum

When: 10:30am to 2:30pm on July 18th at Berkeley Ironworks

Price:
$120 Members
$155 Non-Members

Woman Up donates all proceeds to a non-profit that increases diversity in the climbing and outdoor recreation world. This year, we're thrilled to announce WalkGood LA as the 2026 beneficiary. WalkGood LA is a nonprofit wellness organization dedicated to creating spaces for healing through community-based movement and mindfulness.

Our Access to Climbing (ATC) Program offers 25% off on clinics and competitions. Contact info@touchstoneclimbing.com to receive your unique discount code before booking, which can be applied during registration to receive a 25% discount.