Episode Intro:

Hello listeners, and welcome back to the Female Guides Requested Podcast.

This is your host, Ting Ting, coming to you from Las Vegas. I apologize that it took me a little while to publish this episode; I broke my tib/fib in a climbing accident six weeks ago. However, when I relistened to my interview with today’s guest, Patty Lankhorst—a woman who has faced multiple setbacks and always bounced back stronger through sheer grit—I gained the courage and faith to do the same.

The incredibly resilient Patty Lankhorst was, at the time of this interview, wrapping up her 23rd season guiding rock climbing in the iconic Gunks of New York.

Patty shares her powerful journey of entering the guiding profession in 2003 as a young, nursing mother, breaking boundaries in a space that severely lacked female representation. She opens up about overcoming an early “bro mentality” in the industry, navigating client minimization, and battling back from six major knee surgeries to climb harder than ever.

Now a passionate mentor and Head Guide, Patty discusses her dedication to creating safe, supportive, and empowering spaces for women and non-binary climbers, while advocating for diversity and boundary-setting in the outdoors. Get ready for a masterclass in confidence, commanding presence, and a lifelong dedication to the mountains with Patty Lankhorst!

Patty's Bio:

Patty Lankhorst is a lifelong climber who discovered the sport in New Hampshire in the early 1990s. Though she has climbed nationwide, the Shawangunks will always be her home crag.

She began guiding in 2003 to share the empowerment she found in climbing. An AMGA Rock Instructor and newly certified SPI Provider, Patty now trains and mentors the nextgeneration of guides. Having been one of the only female guides in her region for years, championing diversity is her driving force. She actively leads women’s programs to create welcoming, inclusive spaces for underrepresentedclimbers.

Today, Patty serves as the Head Guide for Gunks Guides Climbing School, where she is known for her calm leadership, warm teaching style, and singing custom climbing songs at the cliff. Off the rock, she is an accomplished endurance athlete who continues to race and push her limits even after six knee surgeries.

Links:

• Gunks Guides webpage http://www.gunksguides.com
• Custom Day with Patty Lankhorst
• AMGA information page http://www.gunksguides.com/guide-training
• Instagram http://www.instagram.com/patty_piton/

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