First Canyon-Leading Experience

I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s definitely on my list 📝 This little canyon was a big deal for my canyoneering journey. It was the first time I led a canyon I hadn’t already done 5x or ever. Was brand new to me and gave me an opportunity to plan it from concept to completion, safely. The first of many to come as I grow more and more experienced canyoneering. Side note, fear is a real thing. I’ve been at this sport for 4+ years and have done… dozens of canyons around the southwest (close to 100? Haven’t counted). Many up to 6x. Fear kept me stuck from leading for a long time and even from retaining information because while on the route all I could “hear” internally was “don’t die don’t die don’t die, ahhhh”. Nowadays it’s fun, I can retain every detail, and it’s all about making memories, learning, and even finding new/more than one way to solve for obstacles. I’m now trying to get to a level where I can confidently teach others. That’s expansion. And it’s possible and feels better than any award I ever won for work 😅