EP 64 Patty Lankhorst
Advocate Yourself

01:15:18

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 next generation 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 underrepresented climbers.
 
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.

Show Notes:

Patty’s Links:

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!

Quotes:

  • “I discovered rock climbing and fell in love and decided I wanted to do nothing else… I spent the rest of my life around figuring out how I could do this for a living.”
  • “There are a lot of beautiful places in the world… but something about the Gunks spoke to me as far as being a home base for me… it felt way more inclusive and welcoming.”
  • “It was really difficult the first few years… I was nursing. I had no support… there was very few women guiding in the gunks at the time and none of them were mothers.”
  • “New guides who struggle with confidence [should] focus on a few core strengths as fuel to present themself confidently… this comes from a belief in one’s capability and the value of their perspective.”
  • “Newer female guides [must] be their own best advocate by stating professional, realistic boundaries and advocating for personal needs like taking breaks for food, water, or restroom use during guiding or assessments.”
  • “[I] maintain a high energy level, which [I] believe is contagious, encouraging clients by telling them they will have an amazing day and achieve things they never thought possible.”