Hi, hello!

My name is Chelsea Rude. I’ve been coaching climbing for over 21 years and climbing for nearly three decades — and honestly, I’m not sure where the time has gone. What I am sure of is how much this sport has shaped me, challenged me, and taught me about resilience, growth, and joy.

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My early climbing days were spent competing around the world  — from national competitions to international stages — and those experiences gave me a deep understanding of both the mental and physical sides of climbing. After over a decade as part of the US Climbing Team, I retired from competitions and transitioned to pursuing outdoor climbing goals. Some of my proudest achievements include but are not limited to: 

 

• Onsighting many 5.13c's including the Madness at the Red River Gorge and Encore in Ceuse. 

• 200+ 5.13 onsights 

• Redpoint up to 5.14b (Waka Flocka, Rifle) 

• Onsights up to V8 and redpoints up to V11

• ~36 hour ascent up The Nose of El Cap 

• <24 hour ascent up the Northwest Face of Half Dome 

• Part of Adidas team who resurrected and climbed the Central Pillar Direct on the Middle Cathedral 

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My current goal is to send 39 new 5.13's or harder within my 39th year of life... ;) 

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My greatest fulfillment, however, has come from coaching others. I’ve worked with climbers of all levels, from beginners learning to trust their feet to elite athletes chasing hard redpoints and podiums, helping each person find what “progress” means to them.

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My favorite climbing partners are the ones who are genuinely stoked, no matter how the day goes. I’m inspired by athletes who stay curious, who find joy in the process, and who show up with an open mind.

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I continue to coach because I believe climbing is one of the most powerful mirrors we have — it reflects our fears, our growth, and our potential. Through Rise + Root, my goal is to help climbers rise to their best selves while staying rooted in the love of the sport.