Allie Oaks

ABOUT ME: 

I come from midwestern roots; born in Indianapolis then moved to Wisconsin for high school. I moved to Arizona for nursing school and that's when my identity started to shift from eclectic hobbyist to climber. My college roommates used to make fun of me for the random array of things I would become involved in (women's rugby, volunteering locally and abroad, sorority life, campus tour guide, etc) so when I brought home a harness and shoes after my first time rock climbing they pointed out it'd be fleeting like everything else. But, as it turns out, climbing stuck! Climbing grounds me and grows me in a way I haven't found reproducible through anything else. The pristine beauty of the places I find myself, feelings of accomplishment when pushing past physical limitations, and the deep connections built through climbing partnerships keep me coming back. La Sportiva has been a consistent go-to brand for my footwear needs as I've progressed as a climber - I'm super psyched to be here! :) 

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Aug 2019 | All Along the Watchtower, N. Howser Tower, Bugaboos (V, 5.11, C2-, 36p)
Apr 2022/23 | Mt Huntington attempts via the Harvard Route, Colton-Leach, and West Face Couloir (varying up to VI, M6, A2, 70-degree ice)
Dec 2022 | Solos of High on Boulder, Mean Green, and Schoolhouse drainages in the South Fork, Cody WY (WI4+)
Dec 2023 | Winter Dance, Hyalite Canyon, MT WI 5/6, M8
Dec 2023 | First Ascent "Nothing is as it Seams" M6+ WI5, South Fork, Cody WY

Q+A: 

Who is your favorite climbing/running/skiing partner and why?

I think climbing partnerships ebb and flow and I've found myself in so many amazing ones! But I would be doing a disservice if I didn't give Dane Steadman a shout out! He's been a huge mentor throughout my growth as a climber. It's funny to think when I first met him, I was the more experienced trad climber and was trying to teach him a thing or two! Then the tables quickly turned! But now that I've started to own my identity more and more as a climber, I've really branched out and have come to appreciate the change in dynamics that new partnerships bring. Kelsey Rex is now my go to gal for learning on big mountain objectives. She is the epitome of of psych and so willing to go all in!

What is your go-to hype song?

One of the many ... Breathe - Télépopmusik 

What was the first La Sportiva product you tried?

TC Pros

Which charity/advocacy organizations do you support or belong to?

American Alpine Club, Access Fund, and although not climbing related I support and volunteer for Mercy Ships

What are your 3 favorite LaSpo Products?

TX3s, Miura lace ups, and G2 Evos

APE INDEX:

Ape Index is -2... not doing me any favors

Banner photo: © Jason Thompson
Bio photo: © Joshua Schuler