“I didn’t expect to get to the top, let alone send. I merely wanted to push the limits of what I believed was capable for myself,” writes Shara Zaia. With climbing, Shara found a space to push herself as she strove to climb harder routes and created a community of friends. Yet, even while flourishing, one question continued to arise for Shara– did she belong?


A version of this essay first appeared in The Climbing Zine in Spring 2024.


Support comes from

Kuat Racks 

Duer shopduer.com/Diaries to save 20% off your first order

Diaries+ Members-- Their support is powering the Diaries- thank you! You can join today.

Our book, States of Adventure, 30 stories adapted from The Diaries, is out in the wild. See if it's available on your local shelves or order it here: geni.us/StatesofAdventure

Podden och tillhörande omslagsbild på den här sidan tillhör Duct Tape Then Beer. Innehållet i podden är skapat av Duct Tape Then Beer och inte av, eller tillsammans med, Poddtoppen.