Climbing festival 3.25 - 3.27.2022 | Bishop, CA* - presented by - *These are the ancestral lands of the Nuumu + Newe people - Flash Foxy
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presented by climbing festival 3.25 - 3.27.2022 | Bishop, CA* *These are the ancestral lands of the Nuumu + Newe people
Flash Foxy originated to empower women climbers and offer a virtual
space to connect over climbing, being outside together and building
community. The inaugural Women’s Climbing Festival in 2016 helped us
establish an alternate climbing space in real life that did not center
cisgender men. The climbing community is not static and Flash Foxy
has adapted over the years to meet the needs of its membership as
they grow, change and continue to self-actualize.
Presently, Flash Foxy stands with the women and genderqueer
community - including but not limited to gender non-conforming folks -
who need a space to pursue their love of the sport without having to
deal with historic barriers to access.
Our goal is to create and maintain a safe and diverse space where
consent and respect are our first priorities. Harassment of any kind
(unwanted contact, verbal or physical abuse, racism, homophobia,
transphobia, body-shaming, etc.) will NOT be tolerated and will lead to
being asked to leave.
Learn more at flashfoxy.com
01
TABLE OF
CONTENTS 03
Welcome + Goals
05
Schedule of Events
11
Festival Locations, Maps + Directions
13
Sponsors + Partners
16
Photographer Mentors + Mentees
17
Clinics + Workshops
21
Panel
23
Meet our Athletes, Facilitators
+ Festival Friends
31
Raffle Fundraiser
02
Dear Festival Attendees
Welcome to the 5th annual Flash Foxy Climbing Festival! After a two-
year hiatus we're stoked to be back with an updated mission statement
and a new core-team to build a community of badasses IRL!
While the Flash Foxy Climbing Festival began as a space to celebrate
women climbing with women, our community has grown over the years
to include a range of gender expressions amongst our membership and
leadership teams. We spent a lot of time reflecting during our break +
working with a gender consultant to create a new mission statement
that more accurately represents the space we are trying to create.
Presently, Flash Foxy stands with the women and genderqueer
community who need a space to pursue their love of climbing without
having to deal with historic barriers to access. We use “genderqueer” as
an umbrella term for all folks of non-dominant genders - including but
not limited to non-binary, transgender, agender and gender non-
conforming climbers. We recognize that language is imperfect +
appreciate your patience as we learn, grow and work with our
community to find the words that most resonate with them.
A HUGE thank you to all our awesome sponsors, community partners +
affinity partners for their support, all the local businesses and
organizations for their help and services and all our amazing volunteers
without whom this festival would not be possible.
Enjoy the festival and sweet rock here in Bishop!
team
Shelma Jun (she/her)
Lou Bank (they/he)
Marian Perez (she/they)
03
OUR GOALS
CREATING COMMUNITY WOMEN & GENDERQUEER
We’ve reached more than 2,500
CLIMBERS TEACHING EACH
climbers since the start of the
festival. Climbers have traveled OTHER
from 30 states and territories and Each year we have over a dozen
2 countries. They’ve ranged in age outdoor clinics at the festival, all are
from 9 to 55. Our past two festivals led by women and genderqueer
have sold out within a minute and athletes and guides. In addition, we
have had over 500 climbers on the host multiple workshops, yoga
waitlist. sessions and panels, all led by
women and genderqueer facilitators,
instructors, and panelists.
CONTRIBUTING TO SUPPORTING THE TOWN
INCREASE ACCESS AND OF BISHOP
We partner closely with 20 local small
MINIMIZE IMPACT
businesses and organizations as well
With generous raffle donations
as the Bishop Chamber of Commerce.
from our sponsors, we raise money
Excluding the payment given to
for the Access Fund and local
athletes, facilitators, panelists,
stewardship nonprofit, Friends of
photographers and other
the Inyo, who will receive the
professionals involved with the
money equally. This money is
festival, we are also able to spend
earmarked specifically for projects
~80% of our budget locally, giving
in Bishop in partnership with the
back into the local economy.
Inyo Forest Service and the Bureau
of Land Management. We also co-
host a stewardship day with
Friends of Inyo and Access Fund on
Sunday morning as part of the
festival each year. At our last
festival in 2019 we were able to
raise $2,900 for these rad
organizations!
04
FRIDAY, MARCH 25
SCHEDULE OF
EVENTS
9:00AM – 10:00AM | Climber Coffee
*presented by Organic Climbing
11:00AM – 4:00PM | Climb with Affinity Groups
5:30PM – 9:00PM | Registration
6:30PM – 10:00PM | Opening Party
*presented by Patagonia
7:00PM – 7:30PM | Welcome + Land Acknowledgment
7:30PM - 7:40PM | Climber Ethics Presentation
7:45PM - 8:30PM | Cultural Hoop Dance Performance
by Akmya Group
8:30PM - 10:00PM | Dancing with DJs from Chulita
Vinyl Club
900AM – 10:00AM | Climber Coffee
* presented by Organic Climbing
UNOFFICIAL START OF THE FESTIVAL: Come for the
coffee, stay for the beta! We will have
representatives from the Bishop Area Climbers
Coalition, Bishop Climbing Rangers, ASL Climbing
Network, Indigenous Womxn Climb, Queer Crush,
Eastern Sierra Climbers of Color and Brown Girls
Climb there to welcome you, give beta and talk
about their work making climbing more inclusive +
accessible. This is a great opportunity to meet new
climbing partners for the weekend! It will end with
breaking into groups to go out and climb!
11:00AM – 4:00PM | Climb with Affinity Groups
@ The Happy Boulders
Head up the main trail from the parking lot and
look out for signs along the trail directing you to
where the meetup leaders are climbing! We will
have a BIPOC Meetup and a Queer Meetup. These
are not instructional sessions.
All non-climbing events on 3.25 will take place at
Mountain Rambler Brewery
05
FRIDAY, MARCH 25
5:30PM – 9:00PM | Registration
Our lovely volunteers will be here to greet you and check you in for
the OFFICIAL START OF THE FESTIVAL!!! Remember, you must check-
in at registration before you head into the Opening Party. Make sure
to fill out all THREE waivers before you get here so that you can
spend more time partying and less time waiting in lines! *The three
waivers are: Liability Waiver, Covid Vaccination Status and Code of
Ethics + Conduct.
6:30PM – 10:00PM | Opening Party * presented by Patagonia
After you check-in come join us for snacks, drinks, and
entertainment! We'll have friends from Mountain Rambler Brewery
and June Lakes Brewing pouring drinks. Local vendors Rolling Chef
and Cloudripper will be selling food. Meet our title sponsor,
Patagonia! Hang out with our community partners + affinity group
partners! Chulita Vinyl Club will be spinning the soundtrack to our
night.
7:00PM – 7:45PM | Welcome + Land Acknowledgement
Our evening programming begins with a welcome with our founder
Shelma Jun followed by a land acknowledgement by Jolie Varela
from the Bishop Paiute Tribe and Indigenous Women Hike.
7:45PM - 8:00PM | Climber Ethics Presentation
Bishop Climbing Ranger, Savanna Deger, will give a brief
presentation on local climbing ethics. We appreciate your help
making this festival as low-impact as possible by following LNT
principles and Savana's guidance. Don't know what "LNT" stands
for? Take the "Know Before You Go + Help Preserve our Crags
Workshop" with Bishop Climbing Rangers + Native Outdoors on
Saturday!
7:45PM - 8:30PM | Cultural Hoop Dance Performance by Akmya
Group
8:30PM - 10:00PM | Dancing with DJs from Chulita Vinyl Club
06
SCHEDULE OF
EVENTS
SATURDAY, MARCH 26
7:00AM – 8:00AM | Early Morning Yoga
8:00AM – 10:00AM | Breakfast
7:00AM – 12:00PM | Registration
8:00AM – 11:00AM | Climbing Demo Checkout
8:00AM – 2:00PM | Open Air Market
9:00AM – 10:30AM | Panel
*presented by Arc'teryx
11:00AM – 2:00PM | Workshops
11:00AM – 5:30PM | Athlete Clinics
5:00PM – 7:00PM | Climbing Demo Check in
6:00PM – 7:00PM | Dinner *presented by REI
7:00PM – 7:30PM | Happy Hour
7:30PM - 9:30PM | Film Screening
*presented by Patagonia
9:30PM - 9:45PM | Athlete Q+A
7:30PM – 10:00PM | Raffle Fundraiser
7:00AM – 8:00AM | Early Morning Yoga
Pre-breakfast yoga with Bishop local Jean Redle will
get your blood flowing and wake you up for an epic day
of climbing. *BYO yoga mat or towel
8:00AM – 10:00AM | Breakfast
MENU: Coffee from Black Sheep Coffee Roasters, baked
goods from Great Basin Bakery, fruit, yogurt, tea, juice
and oatmeal
7:00AM – 12:00PM | Registration
Our lovely volunteers will be here to greet you and sign
you in for the festival! Remember, you must check-in at
registration before attending any official festival
events. Make sure to fill out all THREE waivers before
you get here so that you can spend more time climbing
and less time waiting in lines! *The three waivers are:
Liability Waiver, Covid Vaccination Status and Code of
Ethics + Conduct
All non-climbing events on 3.26 will take place at
Tri-County Fairgrounds
07
SATURDAY, MARCH 26
8:00AM – 11:00AM | Demo Checkout
8:00AM – 2:00PM | Open Air Market
9:00AM - 10:30AM | Panel * presented by Arc'teryx
Beyond Allyship: Working in Coalition for Co-liberation. The
conversation that while identity politics is powerful, we need to work
in coalition that creates power behind each movement.
10:30AM | Group Photo
DON'T GO ANYWHERE! It's offical fest photo time! It'll be quick and
painless, it's year 5 and Vikki Glinski is a PRO at this now.
11:00AM – 5:30PM | Workshops + Clinics
Clinics + Workshops have limited spots and are for registered
participants only. We'll make announcements about where to meet
your group.
5:00PM - 7:00PM | Climbing Demo Check-In
6:00PM - 7:00PM | Dinner * presented by REI
MENU: Beef and Cheese Enchiladas with Vegan and Gluten Free
Enchilada options (Salsa and Sour Cream Condiments), Seasoned
Pinto Beans (Vegan and Gluten Free), Southwest Salad (Vegan and
Gluten Free)
7:00PM - 7:30PM | Happy Hour
7:30PM - 9:30PM | Film screening of They/Them: One Climber’s Story
*presented by Patagonia
9:30PM - 9:45PM | Q+A with Lor Sabourin (they/them) and Nikki
Smith (she/her)
9:30PM - 9:45PM | Raffle Fundraiser
08
SCHEDULE OF
EVENTS
SUNDAY, MARCH 27
7:00 AM – 7:30AM | Morning Mindfulness Outdoors
7:30 AM – 8:30AM | Breakfast
*presented by Adidas
8:30AM - 9:00AM | Land Acknowledgement
9:00 AM – 12:00PM | Stewardship Project
12:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Athlete Clinics
1:00PM – 5:00PM | Go Climb!!!
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Film Screening + Community
Slide Show Presentation with Sonya Wilson
7:00AM – 7:30AM | Morning Mindfulness Outdoors
Start the morning off with a morning mindfulness
practice with a mountain view led by Marian Perez
*BYO chair, yoga mat + warm comfy clothes
8:00AM – 10:00AM | Breakfast * presented by Adidas
MENU: Fresh Baked Biscuits and Gravy with Sausage
including Gluten Free and Vegan Biscuit, Gravy, and
Sausage Options, Assorted Fresh Fruit, Fresh Brewed
Local Coffee and Fresh Orange Juice
7:00AM – 9:30AM | Demo Checkout
7:00AM – 9:30PM | Open Air Market
8:30AM - 9:00AM | Land Acknowledgment
Morning events on 3.27 will take place at Afternoon events on 3.27 will take place at
Tri-County Fairgrounds Mountain Rambler Brewery
09SUNDAY, MARCH 27
9:00AM – 12:00PM | Stewardship Project
Join us for one of our fav parts of the weekend our MASSIVE
Stewardship Project! We think it's necessary and important to give
back and take care of the lands on which we recreate. We hope that
you will join us in blowing away our community partners with how
many of our attendees care about our climbing areas! Big thanks to
our community partners who help us make sure that our projects run
smoothly: Friends of Inyo, Eastern Sierra Conservation Corps, Access
Fund, Bishop Area Climbers Coalition, Bishop Climbing Rangers, BLM
and USFS. Look out for sign up sheets at the Friends of Inyo table on
Friday + Saturday! This event is open to allies + the public.
If you are taking a SUNDAY CLINIC: Make sure you sign up for a
stewardship project near your clinic location!!!
12:30PM - 6:30PM | Clinics
Clinics have limited spots and are for registered participants only.
You are responsible for getting to your clinic meet up location. Make
sure you sign up for a stewardship project near your clinic location!!!
5:00PM - 7:00PM | Climbing Demo Check-in
5:00PM - 9:00PM | Raffle Fundraiser
8:00PM - 9:00PM | Community Slide Show Presentation
We'll finish off the weekend with a slide show presentation by Sonya
Wilson, founder of the ASL Climbing Network, and a preview screening
of her upcoming film "Elevated". She'll present about her experiences
as a Deaf climber and how she is working to create community +
inclusive communication in the outdoors.
10FESTIVAL
LOCATIONS
Mountain Rambler Brewery
186 South Main Street, Bishop CA
Tri County Fairgrounds
From Main Street, turn onto Sierra Street. Keep driving until you see the
entrance to the Fairgrounds on your right. Park in the farthest right
possible near a red building with our banner on it!
Volcanic Tablelands (Happys + Sads)
From US 395 in Bishop, take US 6 north out of town towards
Benton/Chalfant/Tonopah. After 1.3 miles, turn left on Five Bridges Road.
Follow this down the straightaway, past the Aggregate Plant to a 4-way
intersection where the pavement turns to dirt. Take a left on Chalk Bluff
Road for the Happy and Sad Boulders. You will see the Sads Parking on
your right with a sign. Continue to next parking area for the Hap- pys.
Owens River Gorge
From Bishop go North on 395 to the Paradise Swall Mead- ows exit and
turn right. At the T intersection turn left (Gorge Rd). There are 3 parking
areas to choose depending on where in the Gorge you wish to climb. The
first (the road) is 3.3 miles, the second (the central gully) is 4.8 miles and
the last (the Upper gorge) is 6.4 miles.
Buttermilks
From downtown Bishop, take W. Line Street/Highway 168 west towards
the Sierras. After eight miles or so, turn right onto Buttermilk Road.
Follow this bumpy, washboard road for approximately 3.5 miles to the
main area on your right. Park in designated areas.
11MAP+
DIRECTIONS
12TITLE
SPONSOR
FEATURED SPONSORS
13CONTRIBUTING
SPONSORS
GEAR + IN-KIND
SPONSORS
14COMMUNITY +
AFFINITY PARTNERS
Akamaya
Group
15PHOTOGRAPHER
MENTORS
Irene Yee Vikki Glinski Jenn Flemming
(she/her) (she/her) (she/her)
@ladylockoff @jennflemm
PHOTOGRAPHER
MENTEES
Terrellyn Faye Cat Runner Cheshire Li
(she/her) (he/him) (they/them)
@pterrellyn @itscatrunner @tongkatt
16AFFINITY
CLINICS
saturday, march 26
2-day GNC Affinity Clinic: Warrior's Way 2-day BIPOC Affinity Clinic: Intro to
Falling + Commitment with Lor Sabourin Trad Climbing with Azissa Singh
Presented by Patagonia
This Intro to Trad Climbing course is for those
This training addresses falling directly to help new to the craft and folks trying to refine the
improve commitment. We do progressive falling skills they already have. We’ll cover the
practice followed by movement, breathing, essentials like learning how to place stoppers
resting, and body/mind awareness exercises. and cams, and we’ll also have candid
Students leave understanding how to take conversations about risk and how to manage it
appropriate risks and how to commit to those when the variables start to add up. Our
risks. instructors will provide low-risk practice
environments for practice, including mock
Climber requirements: Comfortably top-rope leads, and review the skills you need to continue
5.9 indoors. Must know how to lead belay. your practice after the course. Plus tips on how
to go live when you’re ready—whether that’s on
Location: Owens River Gorge course or sometime later.
*This clinic is reserved for participants Climber requirements: Must know how to belay
identifying as gnc, transgender, non-binary, someone climbing on top-rope. Some lead
genderqueer or other genders outside the climbing experience, either indoor or outdoor, is
binary. recommended but not required.
Indigenous Affinity Clinic: Intro to Location: Owens River Gorge
Climbing with Ashleigh Thompson
*This clinic is reserved for our BIPOC community
Join us for an introductory climbing clinic members.
catered to beginner climbers. We will cover the
basics of climbing, including belaying, climbing
techniques, and climbing systems. We are ready
to answer all of your questions! If there is time
and the venue has the space, we are happy to
cover the basics of leading and anchor building.
Climber requirements: Beginners welcome!
Location: Owens River Gorge Meeting location
*This clinic is reserved for Indigenous Tri-County Fairgrounds
community members. All clinics are in partnership
with Sierra Mountain Guides
17ATHLETE Intro to Bouldering with Michaela
Kiersch
Presented by Adidas
CLINICS The Intro to Bouldering clinic is ideal for newer
climbers who would like to learn more about
saturday, march 26 bouldering outside. This course will cover
foundational skills such as building a safe
crashpad landing, how to spot, and general
day 1/2 Intro to Trad Climbing with technique for climbing outside. Climbers will be
Thomas Bukowski able to apply the skills covered in this clinic
while bouldering with Michaela in the Happys.
This Intro to Trad Climbing course is for those
new to the craft and folks trying to refine the Climber requirements: Beginners welcome!
skills they already have. We’ll cover the essentials
like learning how to place stoppers and cams, Location: Happys
and we’ll also have candid conversations about
risk and how to manage it when the variables Send your Project with Vikki Weldon
start to add up. Our instructors will provide low- Presented by Arc’teryx
risk practice environments for practice, including
mock leads, and review the skills you need to Looking to progress your outdoor climbing, but
continue your practice after the course. Plus tips unsure how to approach a boulder that you
on how to go live when you’re ready—whether can't do in a handful of attempts? This clinic is
that’s on course or sometime later. designed to give you the skills and strategies
to approach your projects with confidence.
Climber requirements: Must know how to belay You'll learn mental strategies as well as
someone climbing on top-rope. Some lead essential tips and tricks that will help you top
climbing experience, either indoor or outdoor, is out that dream boulder.
recommended but not required.
Climber requirements: Comfortably projecting
Location: Owens River Gorge V3 + outdoors
Sport Climbing 101 with Bennett Rahn Location: Buttermilks
So you've tried your hand at roped climbing and Bouldering Photography with Nikki
you've pulled on some plastic, but you're itching Smith
to get out and try it on real rocks? This is the Presented by REI
course for you! We'll cover the basics of sport
climbing (the one where you clip bolts!) - from Have you been wanting to improve your
how to get the rope up (lead climbing), to setting photography? Make your friends look like
a top rope at a bolted anchor, and even how to heroes on the rock? With an emphasis on
clean it all up and get down safely. We will set up creativity, this clinic will focus on how to “see” a
low risk practice environments to dial in systems photo before you take it. We will go over
and mock lead (or real lead if you're ready!), and framing/composition, scene considerations,
you should leave this course with all the and more.
knowledge you need for a day of sport cragging. Requirements: All cameras are welcome, from
phone cameras to DSLR’s. Beginners welcome!
Climber requirements: Top rope climbing and This is not a bouldering clinic, it is a
belay experience required. No outdoor or lead photography clinic. Participants may climb for
climbing experience required. modeling purposes, no experience necessary.
Location: Owens River Gorge
18 Location: ButtermilksWORKSHOPS
saturday, march 26
BIPOC Affinity Workshop: Making Space Know Before You Go +
for Vulnerability, Self-advocacy, and Help Preserve our Crags
Empowerment in Climbing Presented in partnership with Bishop Climbing
Presented in partnership with Brown Girls Rangers + Native Outdoors
Climb
Facilitators: Savanna Deger (she/her) +
Facilitators: Christine Antonio (she/her) + Madison Dusseau (she/her)
Kadisha Aburub (she/her)
Learn the local ethics and best practices when
Participants will reflect and engage in climbing in Bishop from an Indigenous and
discussion on how to find space where they can Leave No Trace perspective. Participants will
be vulnerable, advocate for themselves, and receive a Leave No Trace certificate at the end
empower others within rock climbing. of the workshop.
*This clinic is reserved for BIPOC community Training and Rehabilitation for
members. Climbers
Facilitator: Zoe Caliendo, DPT, PT (she/her)
Join Dr. Zoe Caliendo (she/her), physical
therapist and climber to learn about the
foundation of training for climbing, and how to
prevent and/or rehabilitate from overuse
injuries. We will dive deep into the most
common upper-body injuries and the
anatomy involved. It will cover injury
prevention, recovery phases and how to return
to full performance. This will be delivered
through interactive discussion and exercises
to apply to your training. The goal of this
workshop is to provide a better understanding
of how to appropriately load our bodies to
improve muscle strength and maintain
muscle, tendon and joint health.
Meeting location
Tri-County Fairgrounds
19ATHLETE
CLINICS
sunday, march 27
day 2/2 GNC Affinity Clinic: Warrior's Climbing Short with Zoe Brown
Way Falling + Commitment with Lor Presented by Flashed
Sabourin
Presented by Patagonia This clinic will focus on the mental and physical
aspects of ‘climbing short’. We will discuss how
Location: Owens River Gorge to begin to shift your mindset around your
height. Why you shouldn’t be training the way
day 2/2 BIPOC Affinity Clinic: Intro to everyone else does. Strategies for making the
Trad Climbing with Azissa Singh most out of every inch you’ve got. And how to
gain confidence and start to tackle your fear of
Location: Owens River Gorge falling, and fear of being dynamic.
Climber requirements: Comfortably climb V3-
day 2/2 Intro to Trad Climbing with V7 indoors
Thomas Bukowski
Location: Buttermilks
Location: Owens River Gorge
Footwork Basics with Andi Stull
Presented by La Sportiva
Heel-hooks, toe-hooks, and drop-knees… oh,
my! Your feet are possibly your most powerful
tools in climbing. In this clinic, you will learn to
advance your footwork through various
techniques and drills to climb with more ease
and optimize your movement on the wall
Climber requirements: Beginners welcome!
Location: Happys
Meeting location
At Climbing Area
All clinics are in partnership
with Sierra Mountain Guides
20PANEL
BEYOND ALLYSHIP:
WORKING IN COALITION
FOR CO-LIBERATION
RIPLEY MAGNOLIA NOONAN
(THEY/THEM)
panelist
Ripley is a queer climber who was born and
raised on the Gulf Coast. They currently spend
their time split between Moab, UT and living
out of Trash Van, their 2010 Chrysler Town and
Country.
AGNES VIANZON (SHE/THEY)
panelist
Agnes is the founder and Executive Director of
Eastern Sierra Conservation Corps. They are a
first-generation, queer filipinx, who grew up in
the San Fernando and Simi Valleys of
Southern California but currently calls
Mammoth Lakes home, ancestral lands of the
Northern Paiute and Eastern/Western Mono
Monache. After college, AmeriCorps, and 10
years of seasonal work with Mammoth
Mountain and the National Park Service, Agnes
set out to lay the foundations for ESCC. In less
than 2 years, ESCC became a 501c3 nonprofit,
and put boots on the ground with an all-
women crew in 2017. Since then we have
served over 100 alumni and nearly double in
programming each season.
Meeting location
Tri-County Fairgrounds
21LOU BANK (THEY/HE)
moderator
Lou grew up here and there across North
America and after spending six years in
Brooklyn, decided to move into their car to
focus on playing outside and work for Flash
Foxy! Lou is an AMGA certified Single Pitch
Instructor and a mentor for Young Women Who
Crush. He has a Bachelor’s degree in
Photography and a love of bright colors. When
Lou isn’t climbing you can find him eating
snacks, dreaming up snowboarding trips or
doing handstands in the grass.
SHELMA JUN (SHE/HER) ZURI TAU (SHE/HER)
panelist panelist
Shelma was spurred to create Flash Foxy in Zuri Tau lives, loves, and climbs in Atlanta and
2014 when she met a group of amazing women the South and is a mother of children and
climbers in NYC to climb and grow with. A plants, a yogi, and a business owner. Her
current Board Member of the Access Fund, climbing journey started in 2016 and has been
Shelma was named one of 40 women who’ve shaped by her daughters, involvement in urban
made the biggest impact in the outdoor world gyms, Color the Crag, Flash Foxy and queer and
by Outside Magazine in 2017. A leader in our POC climbers. Zuri writes and teaches about
community, she has written, spoken and liberatory practice in leadership and research.
presented on the importance of creating a She is a licensed therapist and a Ph.D.
climbing community that reflects and candidate in Sociology. She is currently
welcomes everyone who identifies as a collaborating with several groups and
climber. Shelma has a MA in Urban Planning formations that are practicing radical
from UCLA and is an AMGA certified Single imagination and Black Feminisms and in 2020,
Pitch Instructor and Apprentice Rock Guide. she founded Liberatory Research, an initiative
Shelma currently splits her time between to elevate BIPOC theory and practice in the
Brooklyn, NY and the Eastern Sierra, CA and social sciences.
can often be found plugging widgets into
horizontal cracks at the Gunks or getting
scared on granite highballs in Bishop. 22MEET THE
ATHLETES
LOR SABOURIN (THEY/THEM) NIKKI SMITH (SHE/HER)
patagonia rei
Lor fell in love with climbing at a gym in Nikki is an artist, writer, photographer,
Detroit, Michigan when they were twelve guidebook author, and climber based in Salt
years old. As a young climber, they split their Lake City, Utah. She started climbing in the
time between competitive climbing and early ’90s and has been working in the
exploring sandstone crags in the southeast. outdoor industry and climbing world since
After graduating from Northern Michigan 1998. Nikki’s photography is been featured in
University with a degree in Outdoor many outdoor publications and is a National
Recreation Leadership and Management, Geographic Adventure photo contributor.
they began working in the climbing industry She’s authored five climbing guidebooks to
as a guide, route setter, and coach. They now date and has written many feature articles for
work as the Training Leader for the Warrior’s climbing magazines. She’s done more than
Way, a mental training organization that 150 first ascents throughout the west and has
uses climbing as a foundation for developing traveled the world to climb. Nikki is also an
awareness, engaging challenges with athlete representing REI, Mountain Hardwear,
intention, and building personal power. Lor Scarpa, Grivel, and more. Now, much of her
loves all types of climbing, but especially work is focused on trying to build a more
steep splitter cracks and desert towers. inclusive, diverse, and safe community within
Outside of climbing, Lor is working towards a climbing and the outdoors. She is an advocate
graduate degree in Adventure-based for the LGBTQIA+ community, and a Board
Counseling where they are exploring ways to Member for the Access Fund.
approach adventure sports therapeutically
for populations that have experienced
systemic injustice.
23ASHLEIGH THOMPSON (SHE/HER) AZISSA SINGH (SHE/HER)
Born and raised in South Carolina, Azissa Ashleigh Thompson is a member of the Red
completed a Bachelor’s degree in Health Lake Ojibwe Nation and an Indigenous
Communications and Neuroscience in 2014 archaeologist. She believes being outside is
before pursuing a career in commercial guiding paramount to healing and happiness, which
that has led to positions in university program she promotes through her writing and work as
management, outdoor retail, food service and a sponsored athlete for La Sportiva and Janji.
non-profit organizations. Informed by her roots Find Ashleigh trail running among saguaros
in the Southeast, an appreciation of her with her dog, Benson, or hanging off a rope in
identity as a mixed race woman of color, and Tohono O'odham and Pascua Yaqui lands, AKA
nearly a decade of work in climbing, Azissa Tucson, Arizona.
endeavors to use the transformative power of
the outdoors and climbing to inspire curiosity
and community.
Azissa is an AMGA-certified Climbing Wall and
Single Pitch Instructor, as well as Rock Guide.
She is also a Climbing Wall Instructor Program
Provider and Assistant Provider for the Single
Pitch Instructor Program. Elected in October
2020, Azissa currently serves as a volunteer
director on the American Mountain Guides
Association (AMGA) Board of Directors.
MICHAELA KIERSCH (SHE/HER)
adidas | 5.10
Michaela Kiersch is a 27 year old professional
climber who grew up in Chicago, IL and now
resides in Salt Lake City, UT. She has competed
on an international level, but primarily focuses
her climbing on outdoor projects across the
world. Michaela is also currently pursuing a
doctorate in occupational therapy and plans to
specialize in hand therapy. She hopes to apply
her studies to help members of the climbing
community with injury prevention and
24 rehabilitation in order to perform their best.MEET THE
ATHLETES
VIKKI WELDON (SHE/HER) ZOE BROWN (SHE/HER)
Arc'teryx Flashed
Vikki is a rock climber, ACMG apprentice rock I’m Zoe, and I live in Flagstaff, Arizona. I guess
guide, and registered nurse based out of you could call me an all-around rock
Squamish, BC Canada. She started climbing at enthusiast–I’m a geologist and a climber–so
a young age, and has a strong background in much of my time is spent thinking about rocks
competition climbing, with multiple youth and in one way or another. I’m also a small business
adult championships under her belt. She now owner. One of my biggest goals as a climber is
finds joy outdoors on the rocks in a multitude to be as well-rounded as possible. I spend as
of disciplines, including bouldering, sport much time climbing outdoors as I can, and the
climbing and multi pitch climbing. She loves last few years I’ve been really focused on
projecting just as much as a beautiful day climbing things that intimidate me, whether
moving joyfully on a long route. When not it’s because of the height, the moves, or the
climbing, Vikki can be found snuggled under a lore around a certain climb. I love the feeling of
blanket with a good book or out on the trails accomplishing something I never thought I’d
with her sidekick Tundra. be able to. I’m always down to talk about:
house or van projects, chickens, the NYT mini
crossword, gardening, moon boarding, your
sick adventure rig(!), and being an
entrepreneur.
25THOMAS BUKOWSKI (HE/THEY) BENNETT RAHN (SHE/HER)
I grew up in Hong Kong, and discovered rock Bennett is a fat climber and outdoor athlete.
climbing in high school in Norway. Since then, She lives in Seattle, WA on Duwamish land. She
I’ve spent over a decade climbing in Yosemite is a software engineer, a certified SPI climbing
Valley, the Sierra, and the American West, instructor, an advocate for inclusion and
interspersed with a few amazing expeditions access in the outdoors, and a plus size
to Patagonia and the Canadian Arctic. outdoor model and gear consultant. She loves
Alongside climbing as much as I could, I all forms of climbing, but especially easier
worked for many years in software and alpine-style routes, and mostly loves sharing
global health. I spend most of my time living her joy and experience of the sport with new
in a van at the nearest crag, working as a climbers. Bennett strives to be the
guide, looking for queer community in the representation that she lacked when getting
nearest large city, and working to bring those into the sport that climbers come in all shapes
two worlds closer together. and sizes and can be valid and valued even if
they don't push grade or enjoy sending hard
routes. You can find her geeking out about a
perfect #5 placement or singing with fear
when above the bolt.
ANDI STULL (SHE/HER)
La Sportiva
Born and raised in Southern California, I am a
24-year-old rock climber, full-time Kinesiology
student, and a climbing coach for my business,
DNA Climbing. I first stepped into a climbing
gym at the age of 18 and have been hooked
ever since, accomplishing multiple double-
digit boulders! Climbing has introduced me to
so many remarkable people as well as a
multitude of beautiful places I wouldn’t have
otherwise known. Adventure, cultivating a
closer connection to nature, and the
excitement of pushing my physical and mental
barriers is what inspires me most about going
26 to the mountains.MEET THE
FACILITATORS
MADISON DUSSEAU (SHE/HER) SAVANNA DEGER (SHE/HER)
Yá’át’ééh (Hello), my name is Madison. I Savanna grew up in Yosemite National Park,
currently call Mammoth Lakes, CA home and where she learned to place a high value on
spend a lot of my time out on the land here understanding the intertwined relationship
in Payahuunadü. I am a member of the between outdoor recreation and
Navajo tribe and an athlete for Natives environmental stewardship.
Outdoors and have been a lead Volunteer for
the Flash Foxy festival for 5 years. I am She earned a B.S. in Environmental Education
passionate about helping folks understand & Interpretation, where she gained the skills
and strengthen their relationship with the to connect visitors to the places they
land and how to care for it. I believe that a recreate in. As a passionate climber and
reciprocal relationship with the land we naturalist, the Eastern Sierra became the
recreate on is the only way to ensure it’s perfect place to put these skills to use while
health for the future. Ahe'hee' (thank you) for staying close to her roots.
this opportunity to teach and learn in this
space with you. Savanna is currently a Bishop Climbing
Ranger. You'll find her psyched on fun trad,
challenging sport, and long alpine routes.
27CHRISTINE ANTONIO (SHE/HER) KADISHA ABURUB (SHE/HER)
Christine has been climbing for 6 years (sport Kadisha is a climbing/strength coach. She
and bouldering). She started while living in started climbing 5 years ago and is the owner
her home city of Chicago, but now lives in Las and founder of One Breath Movement LLC, a
Vegas. While in Chicago, she was an adult training for climbing company that
bouldering instructor, ran a weekly women- emphasizes the human behind the climber.
oriented climbing group in her local gym, and She works with her athletes on a daily basis in
was a volunteer for Sending In Color (SIC), an ensuring they are coming from a grounded
affinity space for BIPOC climbers. She has space as we work towards
been a BGC leader for Illinois since 2019, performance/climbing goals. It is important
hosting in-person and virtual meetups, and to her to create a safe space for athletes to
most recently facilitated BGC’s December discuss relevant, and often
National Meetup, ‘The Emotional Impact of vulnerable/empowering topics within their
Projecting’ with guest speaker Marina Inoue. training. She has been a local leader for Brown
She is excited to continue developing a Girls Climb since 2021 hosting in-person
community for women of color in climbing in meetups and attending National Virtual BGC
her new home. meet ups and is excited to continue to grow
as a coach, climber, and human.
ZOE CALIENDO (SHE/HER)
My name is Zoe and I am a Doctor of Physical
Therapy. I received my degree from Carroll
University located in Wisconsin. Upon
graduation I immediately moved out west to
be in the mountains. This is where I got into
rock climbing, mountain biking, snowboarding,
surfing and trail running. Getting into all these
hobbies allowed me to apply what I knew as a
Physical Therapist (PT) to train myself to do all
of these different sports. When I started to go
out with new climbing partners I always got a
lot of questions related to PT. I also found that
a lot of my friends didn’t always have the
resources to get help for their injuries or
maybe they received help but not what they
needed to get back to higher level activities in
the sports and hobbies that they loved. Zoe is
the founder of Outdoor Women’s Wellness.
28MEET MORE
FESTIVAL FRIENDS
JOLIE VARELA (SHE/HER) SONYA WILSON (SHE/HER)
land acknowledgment sunday community slideshow
Jolie Varela(she/her) is a citizen of the Tule Sonya is a seasoned teacher, advocate, artist,
River Yokuts and Nüümü(Paiute)Nations. She climber, and is also a member of the Deaf
currently resides in her maternal homelands community. She currently resides in Los
of Payahuunadü also known as the Owens Angeles, Ca. She attended Azusa Pacific
Valley. She grew up on the Bishop Indian University earning a BA and MA degree. Sonya
reservation fishing and swimming the creeks started a Deaf climbing group at RRR in Las
with her cousins. In 2017 she founded Vegas where she also recruited and trained
Indigenous Women Hike. Indigenous Women ASL Outdoor Adventure Interpreters (OAIs) to
Hike aims to regenerate the relationship create a more accessible outdoor space for
between the land and its original people, while Deaf community. She also hosts the annual
consequently decolonizing the history of ASL Climb and Camp weekends in Joshua Tree,
Indigenous territories. Jolie is a land defender CA for the past 4 years. It grows every year
and a water protector. and took on a life of its own!
In 2012, Sonya started a Facebook group
called ASL Climbing Network, for Deaf and
hearing climbers who know American Sign
Language (ASL) and those learning. Sonya’s
vision is to elevate and connect the outdoors,
recreation industry and the Deaf community.
Community Slideshow Location
Mountain Rambler Brewery
29JEAN REDLE (SHE/HER) MARIAN (MAY) PEREZ
yoga instructor (SHE/THEY)
Jean “Tucky” has been a yoga practitioner, Mindfulness Outdoors
rock climber and alpinist for over 20 years. instructor
Based in the Eastern Sierra and Yosemite, she
Born and raised in the tristate area, Marian is
enjoys climbing long traditional routes, big
currently living in New Paltz, NY pursuing their
walls and sport climbing. Jean teaches Yoga
climbing and outdoor passions full time.
for Climbers, blending traditional yoga and
Marian noticed the lack of diversity in the
Vinyasa, with an in-depth focus on shoulders,
outdoor industry and wants to take up space
forearms, wrists, core, hips, lower back,
and help those who have been under
quadriceps, and hamstrings. Her classes
represented. Marian is a mentor with Young
string postures together, using the breath to
Woman Who Crush, a local NY leader for Brown
create space. She also weaves yoga
Girls Climb, cofounder of the organization Rise
philosophy and mindful messages throughout
Outside, and a newly certified Single Pitch
the practice. Jean spends her summer
Instructor with the American Mountain Guide
months as an Interpretive Park Ranger in
Association. Marian loves to dance and is a
Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows, where she
human jukebox. She’s learning to play the
offers free nature-inspired yoga classes twice
guitar and loves to hula hoop.
weekly. You can learn more about her
donation-based Bishop yoga classes on
Instagram @bishopoutdooryoga.
Meeting location
Tri-County Fairgrounds
30$4 = 1 ticket
raffle $10 = 2 tickets
fundraiser
Prizes from:
Patagonia Deuter Scarpa
Black Diamond AAC REI
Devon O Gray DMM
Hardboiled.co Adidas | 5.10
Flashed Black Sheep Coffee
Ridge Merino La Sportiva
Donations will be split between:
31+ +
respecting
cultural
sites
Payahuunadu (the Owens Valley) is the homeland of
the Nuumuu (Paiute) and Newe (Shoshone) people.
Would you have
identified this as
a cultural site?
Please pay attention to these considerations when climbing:
Overhanging boulders are attractive to climbers for their route
potential, but they were attractive to ancient Navtive people as well.
Cliff bases and overhangs are often associated with prehistoric
shelters.
Look for blackened soils or blackened rocks from ancient fires under
overhangs, chert/flint chippings, and evidence of stone or wood
structures.
Please do not move anything! Context is just as important as the
objects themselves.
These sites are of immeasurable importance to the local indigenous
community
Please climb in established areas to prevent further damage to these
important and delicate resources
Visit the Owens Valley Paiute Shoshone Cultural Center to learn
more about whose land you are on.
www.bishoppaiutetribe.com | 2300 W Line St, Bishop, CA 93514
2022 Flash Foxy Climbing Festival | March 25-27 | Bishop, CATRAILFEST
Mammoth Lakes, CA
June 24-26, 2022
www.flashfoxy.com/trailfest
the not a race gathering for
trail runners of all speeds
*Ancestral lands of Numu, Eastern + Western Mono tribesthanks for
joining us!
- shelma, lou + May
teamTIPS FOR RESPONSIBLE
CLIMBING IN BISHOP
Stay on the established foot paths. The vegetation may look
dead, but it is very alive!
Climb in established areas to respect and protect cultural and
archeological resources.
Stay on existing roads and trails, NEVER drive off road or park
on vegetation!
DO NOT camp or park on the rim above the Happy Boulders
(ticket-able offense).
Please carpool whenever possible.
If you pack it in, pack it out. Tape, toilet paper, tampon
applicators, bottle caps...all of it!
There are toilets at the Happy Boulders trailhead and in the
Buttermilks.
Dog waste bag receptacles are available at the trailheads to
the Happy and Sad’s.
Please try to camp at the PV Pit, other established
campgrounds or in town. If dispersed camping, do so in existing
pullouts.
A California campfire permit is required and can be obtained
online http://www.preventwildfireca. org/Campfire-Permit/
PRINTED LOCALLY BY:
ALEX PRINTING | 163 N. MAIN ST. | BISHOP, CA 93514You can also read
