Amber Allard: Texas Lady Crusher's Member Spotlight

Name: Amber Allard

Current Location: Marion, Texas

Favorite Type of Climbing: Amber loves sport climbing, but recently accepted the importance of bouldering for technique and strength training. Regardless of the style, Amber would much rather climb outdoors.

Favorite Parks: Amber loves Colorado Bend and Devil's Den. Her all-time favorite Texas park is Big Bend because of the solitude and beautiful views that it offers.

Amber first began free soloing as a teenager when she lived in Connecticut. Her first climbs were at Wolf Rock, which is approximately 40 feet tall. This is where she first fell in love with climbing. Amber did not officially learn to climb until 2020, when she met a new friend who "taught her the ropes," quite literally. Amber learned how to belay, top-rope, and continues to further her knowledge through the great community of local climbers she has met.

Amber's favorite climbing spot so far has been Seismic Wall in Austin. Amber likes Seismic because of the difficulty, as she feels it helps new climbers learn and practice different techniques. Amber says that the walls at Seismic are pretty polished, so they offer a different kind of difficulty to new climbers.

Amber remembers topping her first 5.8 at Seismic. She thought she wouldn't be able to do it, but her climbing partner was extremely supportive and knowledgeable and she was able to complete it. As much as she enjoys Seismic, she looks forward to getting out to Reimers.

Amber loves climbing as it has helped her overcome obstacles in her life. Climbing offers her a space to forget about the world for a bit and focus on the climb. She never thought it would be possible to overcome the challenges posed by climbing, but it reminds her that you can take time to solve problems in new ways, and forget about perfection.

Amber's advice to new climbers is to read, watch videos, and find a safe and experienced partner who you trust. She recommends reading and watching videos as you can test out new techniques in a safe and supportive environment while you are at the crag.

In addition to climbing, Amber is a huge lover of the outdoors. She loves being in the water and camping, and you can usually find her at a local swimming hole during the warm months, and camping or backpacking during the cooler seasons.

Amber is a US Army Veteran, and served as a combat medic. She also knows American Sign Language. Amber would love to get more involved in the climbing community and support Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing climbers to share her love of climbing with them.