MEET
THE SQUAD
Freja Shannon
Co-founder
Hi! My name is Freja. I’m 25 and I’m a passionate about everything to do with adventure and the outdoors. For the past 6 years I have given everything I have and a little bit more to pursue my passion of climbing in every shape and form. I have pushed myself on pumpy sport routes in Spain, fiddled with gear on trad climbs in Ireland, scratched around on frozen turf in Scotland, seen the most beautiful sunrises in the Alps and existed as a tiny speck on a ledge in Kyrgyzstan or Patagonia. These adventures have merely been tools to explore the world and what it has to offer. When i'm not in the mountains or playing sodoku or painting ballerinas I’m saving every penny I have through working behind a bar, in a care home or powerhosing watertowers. One day (and hopefully soon!) I would like to dive into Gender Studies and work for the UN as a women's rights leader. But that might take a few years!I used to think it was all about challenging myself and exploring my own potential, but with time I have realized it’s about what I can offer others, how I can inspire people, especially women, to expand their own comfort zones and take a leap into the unknown the way I was lucky enough to do from a young age. My passion for encouraging women in the outdoors has grown more and more over the years as I have witnessed the hidden potential behind every single girl I am lucky enough to meet.With this in mind i thought “we must create a space to encourage women to push themselves and each other, to allow them to feel confident and strong, to provide a safe environment to learn and grow and connect with likeminded souls” and this was the birth of the Women’s Rock Festival. It has been hovering for the past three years, and finally, this year, it’s a dream coming true. Not wanting to do anything alone, because let’s face it, no matter how strong and independent a women you can be, we all need a partner in crime. I asked Anastasija if she wanted to become a part of the project, knowing that she too is passionate about bringing out the badass woman in all of us and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner.
Nastia Strizakova
Co-founder
Hello, I'm Nastia! In 2014, I subconsciously began my journey of inner healing and growth through indoor climbing. What initially seemed like a potentially interesting weekend hobby, soon turned into an everyday passion and an essential outlet for pushing my comfort zones, increasing my confidence and self-worth, regaining my independence, redefining my limiting beliefs, managing my social anxiety and reconnecting with myself, people and nature. Over the years, I progressed to outdoor trad & sport, and bouldering, but single pitch sport is still my favourite discipline. I've had the privilege to travel and climb in many beautiful places around the world with some amazing people, gaining invaluable skills and knowledge from all those unforgettable experiences.In 2021 I became a qualified Climbing and Mindset coach and have since worked with a bunch of wonderful humans within the climbing scene. I founded WOMEN ROCK WARRIORS to empower women in their climbing and life journeys. My aim is to encourage women from all backgrounds to explore the unknown, expand comfort zones and live more intentional and meaningful lives. Co-founding the Women’s Rock Festival thus was a no brainer to me – it had to be done, think of the impact!I’m also part of a small Irish renewable energy firm. Although I'm not directly involved in building wind or solar farms, I still feel the value of my 0.0001% contribution towards saving our unique planet.If I'm not climbing, you’ll find me attempting to surf in the Atlantic, strumming some guitar chords or nibbling on chocolate.
Aly Coyle
Life Line
Hi! I'm Aly, I'm an outdoor instructor from Holywood in Northern Ireland. I split my time between the Mourne Mountains as one of three rangers making sure folk are safe and happy in the hills, and North Wales where I lead tourists on underground adventures in the slate mines. I travel around in my van doing bits of rigging and rope access work all over the UK and Ireland. I started climbing as a teenager but fell away from it a bit when I went away to uni. I picked it up again in my twenties and haven't looked back. Having previously worked as a mathematics lecturer I particularly enjoy the problem solving aspect of climbing along with the physical challenges. My favourite part of climbing though is sharing the adventure (big or small!) with friends and eating well deserved pizza at the end of it!I've climbed in many places all over the world including America, Canada, France, Spain, Italy, Malta, Morocco, Borneo, Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan but my favourite place to climb is still Ireland and the UK. From techy crack climbing at Fairhead to balancy Welsh slate we definitely do have some world class climbing on our doorstep.I enjoy all types of climbing although it has taken me a while to really appreciate the nuances of bouldering! Trad has always been my favourite though, I love swinging leads on long multipitch routes in adventurous settings. Over the past few years my climbing partner and I have really gotten to love simul climbing long multipitch routes that are well within our grade but offer a chance to really get into the flow of the route and to be able to move together smoothly and efficiently over some really interesting rock!I first met Freja in Chamonix back in 2016 and remember chatting to her 3 years ago about her plan to organise a women's climbing festival in Ireland, before covid came along and changed everyone's plans for a while. I'm so psyched that it will finally go ahead this year and incredibly excited to work alongside Freja and Anastasija.
VOLUNTEERS 2023
This year we welcome 6 new members to the team to help us deliver the vision for WRF2023.
INSTRUCTORS 2023
We have sourced qualified, experienced and enthusiastic instructors from both Ireland and the UK. We have ensured that each instructor has thorough knowledge of life in the outdoors, a love for people and most importantly just as passionate about empowering women as we are.
Our Rock Climbing Instructors (RCI's) are proud members of the Mountain Training Association (MTA). Our Mountaineering and Climbing Instructors (MCI's) are proud members of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI).
Miška Izakovičová
Crackoholics Clinic
Hi, I’m Miška, I am addicted to climbing and mountain adventures and spend most of my time traveling to find lines and projects that inspire me.I discovered climbing quite late in my life, when I was 21 years old. I started climbing outdoors and immediately fell in love with it. I always liked pushing myself and climbing at my limit and thanks to climbing being such a complex sport I've been able to get pretty far with that. Actually, I’ve never followed any specific training plan, because I always used every opportunity to climb outdoors. I just love rock climbing and being in the mountains and for the past few years I’ve given everything I have to be able to climb as much as possible.I like all types of climbing, from limestone sport climbing to big-walls, sandstone boulders to granite walls in the Alps, cracks to tufas, slabs to overhangs, but I get especially inspired by impressive looking lines and big-walls. But it is not just the climbing itself that I love so much, but also adventures and people I share my passion with. Over time I realized that it is not the grade of the route that is important, but the adventures I have together with my climbing partner. Because that's what we'll talk about and what we'll remember forever.I would like to inspire others to go out, pursue their passion, step out of their comfort zone and have as many adventures as they can, because adventures are what fills our souls.
Megan Butler
Crackoholics Clinic
Hi Everyone! I’m Meg, a Rock climbing Instructor, Mountain leader and all-round outdoor lover. Born and bred in Ireland, I grew up near Dublin , always wanting to be on the move. I now live, work and enjoy life in the Cairngorms of Scotland , getting to live out my dream being surrounded by mountains, lochs, rivers and people excited to get stuck into life outside and on rock.As a woman new enough to the world of Trad Climbing in the last few years, I’m driven by being around like minded people, who are looking to have great adventures and get to experience the multitude of ways we can move our bodies, both powerfully and creatively on rock.I live for the supportive learning environments women can create together and seek out experiences where being outside your comfort zone is sought after, and encouraged.Introducing and empowering people, and women especially to this beautiful way of experiencing the outdoors and themselves is one of my favourite things about being an instructor.I can’t think of anything better than being involved with this years Women's Rock Festival , meeting and sharing the psyche for climbing and making long lasting connections! :)
Sara Vodopija
Doolin Boulder Fest
My love for climbing was born when I was still in high school going for an occasional sport climbing day out to local crags in Slovenia. After moving to Ireland in 2010 I started bouldering and discovered I really like pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone. I like to challenge myself to become a better and stronger climber, as there is so much rock to be climbed! Even though I mostly boulder, I do like to get on a sport route occasionally, and I enjoy the thrill of a long trad route. Spending a whole day out in nature is what brings me peace and happiness. When I’m not climbing I watch birds, try to identify plants and mushrooms, and enjoy the wilderness.Two years ago I decided to leave my career as a chef (I still love cooking though) and started working in a bouldering centre so that I could be more involved in climbing. I found that I really enjoyed passing on my knowledge to new climbers and getting them excited to climb on real rock. I am honoured to be part of the Women’s Rock Festival which brings women closer to outdoor climbing and provides a safe space for us to feel strong and confident on rock, where we can learn from each other and get inspired.
Malu Duran
Doolin Boulder Fest
Hello community, I’m Malu (: My journey in the outdoors sports/discipline has been one of the most amazing paths I have ever taken in this life. I truly believe that there’s no coincidences in life and everything comes to you for a reason in/at the right moment. Rock Climbing arrived in my life just when I needed the most to save me, educate me and teach me what no other discipline has done. It has also brought me to places where I couldn’t never imagine- how cool is that!For me Climbing is a school of life. Every time I practice this sport there’s something to learn, discover and achieve. I find in climbing my safe space where I can be myself in a whole, where I can fail and nothing happens but keep trying or where I can succeed and nothing else happens but keep projecting ;)I’m a person who loves to learn from others and most importantly to CONNECT and one of the coolest part of climbing is the COMMUNITY. Meeting people from different, age, gender, background, culture, beliefs and skills excites me because climbing is not only a sport or practice to be shared - It’s also friendship and connection.I love to share with people the little knowledge I have of climbing by helping them to improve their climbing skills and cheer them up when climbing up their projects. :D Being part of WRF 2023 is an honour to me and I can’t wait to share it with all of you
Niamh O'Dowd
Doolin Boulder Fest
Dia Dhiabh! My name is Niamh, I'm a Rock Climbing Instructor, trainee ML and a Steiner, Forest school teacher. I started climbing in college as a way to adventure, play, and meet new people. I quickly became obsessed and have since spent as much time as possible in the climbing gym or around the Burren crags and boulders.I have gained experience in many areas around Europe, climbing and mountaineering in Ireland, Scotland, Spain, Italy, the French Alps. I most value the physical and mental strength climbing has given me as well as the friendships and memories. I am particularly interested in the mental aspect of climbing, particularly the links between climbing, self esteem and emotion regulation.I started working in Suas Climbing Center about five years ago and there I gained invaluable experience coaching, teaching and setting. Most recently I have been working with a great all female team organizing and running ladies night at Suas, focusing on promoting the progression and development of local female climbers. I have been working independently as an RCI from the Burren for the past few years. This will be my second year working at this fantastic festival and I cannot wait to meet you all!
Jackie Moore
Conquer Your Mind
Hello there! My name is Jackie and I'm based in Ballycastle, Northern Ireland, although I originally hail from the United States.My journey with climbing began when I was 18 years old, at an indoor gym in New York in 2000. Like many in the community, I became immediately passionate about it, and it has since become central to both my personal and professional life. My academic studies covered flow theory and rock climbing, and upon graduation, I packed up my belongings and drove out west to climb on as much rock as possible.In the two decades since then, I've been fortunate enough to climb in many places around the USA and Europe. Some of my favorite spots include Yosemite and Bishop, CA, Squamish, Canada, Stanage, England, Dolomites, Italy, Fontainebleau, France, and Siurana, Spain.I've also worked for several different climbing gyms, including the largest climbing gym company in the US at their San Francisco location. During my years in this industry, I was able to coach and mentor both the staff on my team and other climbers at our facility. These experiences inspired me to learn more about the mind and mental coaching, leading me to complete foundational coursework in psychology in the US as well as an ICF-accredited coaching diploma in the UK.Now, as a mental coach, I work with organizations like Strong Mind Climbing and Vertical Ascents, covering a range of topics such as fear of falling, performance stress, communication for climbing partnerships, and lifestyle management for climbing.I am thrilled to be joining the Women's Rock Festival 2023 and look forward to meeting and connecting with everyone at this special event. Thank you and see you all soon!
Oonagh Kelly
Out Wild
Hello! My name is Oonagh and my journey into the world of Rock Climbing began in 2018 when I spent two years training full-time as an Outdoor Instructor in Cappanalea Outdoor Education & Training Centre - now Kerry College. With the guidance of experienced and respected outdoor educators I learnt the vital skills required to become a competent leader in the outdoors. In 2021 I qualified as a Rock Climbing instructor and since then I have worked freelance with individuals and groups to encourage increased participation in Rock Climbing and the outdoors. I currently work full-time, and I am also training for my Mountain Leader award.For me, Rock Climbing is my mindfulness teacher and it has taught me to trust myself more and be patient with my progress. Every route challenges me to find a way out of uncomfortable situations that even with the advice of others, only I can act on. I have found this is where the most valuable growth is cultivated.Practically I feel it can often be difficult for people to know where to begin and get started with Rock Climbing. I firmly believe there is room for everyone in the climbing world, whether it is just to stand by and watch, taking your time to assess if this is for you or by throwing yourself head first into it (figuratively of course!) I do believe everyone should have the opportunity to participate. With this, my passion lies in transferring my knowledge and skills to others in a safe, chilled out environment where pressure is left behind and participants go at their own pace. Climbing is to be enjoyed and I look forward to working with people who are super excited, maybe super nervous but who know deep down this is the right move for them in their journey.
Anna Bakiewicz
Out Wild
Hi, I’m Ania. I am a Mountain Leader, Rock Climbing Instructor and Climbing Coach. I grew up in Western Pomerania in Poland exploring the forests, lakes and the seacoast. I came to Ireland as an archaeologist and, in time, I transitioned to the outdoor adventure industry.For the last 9 years I have been working as an outdoor instructor; kayaking, leading groups up the mountains, and exploring the local crags with school groups and adults. I love all outdoor pursuits including swimming, bike packing and hiking, but it’s the rock climbing that truly gives me a thrill in life.Since 2016, I have been working as a climbing instructor in Dublin Climbing Centre in Tallaght where I run the Women’s Coaching, and it became my mission to spread the love of climbing among women ever since. I am extremely happy and privileged to be part of the Women’s Rock Festival in The Burren this year.
Kara Noble
Rescue Queens
Kara will update her bio soon!... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Claire Hardy
Get Anchored
Born at the foot of the Mourne mountains I have always been in to adventuring in high places. After joining the climbing club at university, rockclimbing became a life passion and I have worked in the outdoors for the last ten years helping others on their own journeys in the outdoors.I worked on the Women's Rock Festival last year and am really looking forward to this year's event. The whole atmosphere of the event was so positive and fun and I know this year will be the same.
Aislinn Sunderland
Get Anchored
Hey! I’m Aislinn I’m currently working as a routesetter and climbing instructor and I’ve just gone back to college to study sustainable agriculture. I started climbing in University and was immediately hooked. In my first year I got to try out a huge range of climbing, from spending all my spare time in our dingy college wall, to sunny sport climbing in Spain, trad around Ireland, Scottish winter, ice and mixed alpine routes…. I don’t know how anyone chooses a favorite and I have loved pursuing all these types of climbing ever since. I generally just love an adventure in the outdoors and the amazing places and people climbing brings you. I’m really excited to work the Women’s Rock Festival this year. The supportive environment created at women’s climbing events has always blown me away. It’s amazing to see the extra confidence and energy that’s created and how much it can help everyone to learn and push themselves. See you all there!
Zoe Wood
Lead The Way
I’m a Climber and route-setter based in Sheffield. Since being introduced to climbing adventures as a child, it has become an integral part of life. The beautiful places it takes you, the people you meet and wonderful feeling climbing movements provides, has me hooked.
Libby Peters
Lead The Way
Trad climbing has been my lifelong passion. Even after thirty years of climbing, it still holds an enduring fascination – the head game, the technical challenge, the thrill of being lost in the moment.It’s also an excuse to be immersed in beautiful rocky landscapes with family and friends, sharing special moments and feeling utterly alive.
Tanja Marinchich
Yoga Flow
I grew up in Chile, with a love for the outdoors, especially for the mountains. This led to me eventually finding rock climbing as one of my favourite ways to spend my time!Even though I started practising yoga many years ago, it was in 2018 after a car accident that I realised how much yoga helped me with my recovery and I wanted to try and help others. I started studying to be an instructor in 2020 and subsequently started teaching online and in person classes. At the end of 2021 I started teaching yoga outdoors in the Women Rock Warriors workshops all over Ireland which are run by Nastia! We both love rock climbing and the outdoors and wanted to create a safe space for women to explore these, to be outside of their comfort zone, and have the time to self reflect and learn both yoga and rock climbing in nature.Yoga has many meanings to me, but the focus of my practice and teaching circles around creating the space and movement that allows mind and body to flow in sync and to connect. I have found that this is when I am the happiest and most joyful. For me yoga is not just a physical practice, but it is also how we treat each other, how we treat ourselves, and how we practise love.The one thing that I recommend in all my classes is to allow yourself to listen to your body and energy. My goal is to help you to let go of any inner judgments through a vinyasa style practice, and allow yourself to be your most authentic self to grow within your yoga practice, and grow to be the person you want to be in and out of your mat.