Instructor Highlight: Heather Heit
Climbing. Community. Health and Wellness. Education.
These are the 4 pillars that define the Hive, and help us make decisions and it’s what we always return to.
Our education team works so hard to bring the five-star experience by providing you with tools to take your climbing to the next level. As we begin our courses again, we wanted to shine a little light on the instructors that really give our courses something special. Get ready to learn more about your favourite (and future favourite) Hive instructors!
Meet Heather.
Heather has been climbing with the Hive since we first opened our doors at Vancouver and has established herself in our community as a friendly face that we always look forward to seeing! When she joined our crew, it’s accurate to say that all the staff that have had the pleasure of chatting or climbing with Heather (most of our staff at that point were at least familiar with her!), were so excited to see her on the team.
How long have you been climbing?
I started climbing casually when the Hive first opened in 2012 – my little sister got hooked and brought me (thanks Laura!). I was terrible and terrified, but the amazing group of people I met there kept me going, and I am so thankful that I stuck with it.
What do you love most about climbing?
The feeling of something initially feeling impossible and terrifying and working through it on your own. People can support you and give you beta, but ultimately climbing is you and your mind. It’s the most empowering thing I have ever done. That and the social aspect – you can go anywhere in the world and have something in common with people you would never otherwise meet.
What’s your favourite climbing area?
Anywhere in Squamish! I was initially going to say Bishop, but the more I thought about it the more I realized how much I missed the green of the forest when I was in the desert. We are so lucky to live close to an amazing climbing area with sport, trad, and bouldering, that is so accessible and incredibly beautiful. The drive up the Sea-to-Sky highway will never get old.
Where’s the most interesting place you’ve climbed?
La Mojarra in Colombia. It’s absolutely stunning and has the nicest climber hostel about 50m away from the climbing entrance. The views from the yoga room were spectacular.
What’s your favourite activity that is not climbing?
Reading. I’m on a Terry Pratchett kick right now and have almost finished the Discworld series, so if anyone has recommendations hit me up!
What courses are you teaching at the Hive?
Women in Bouldering
You can find Heather teaching Women in Bouldering at the North Shore! Book in through the Courses page on our website.