Intro
Meet Ariel-Britany Ward, a climber whose energy, passion, and love for community define everything she does. With a decade of climbing under her belt, Ariel-Britany thrives on the challenge of sport routes, the joy of movement, and the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a supportive crew. Whether she’s climbing, running, or rollerblading, she brings enthusiasm and heart to every pursuit.
Quick Facts
Name: Ariel-Britany Ward
Years Climbing: 10 years
Home Gym: MoCo Bouldering and Fitness (Conroe, TX)
Favorite Hold: Crimps
Favorite Climbing Type: Sport climbing
Ambassador Code: 6741 for half off your MoCo Bouldering day pass
Climbing Beginnings
Q: How did you get into climbing?
A: A friend asked me to check out a gym called Stone Moves on 1960, and I really liked it. The gym was too far from my house, so I kept playing volleyball at Legends and went climbing when I could. After Hurricane Harvey wiped out Legends and a friend told me Inspire Rock had opened closer to home in Spring, I started going and never stopped!
Q: How long have you been climbing?
A: I’ve been climbing for 10 years.
Q: What is your home climbing gym, and where is it located?
A: MoCo Bouldering and Fitness — 2004 N Frazier St, Suite B, Conroe, TX 77301.
The Climb and the Community
Q: What is your favorite type of climbing, and why?
A: Sport climbing. There’s nothing that compares to the flow state you reach when you’re climbing something hard for an extended period of time. The views you get after all that hard work feel like a reward — plus, I prefer falling when attached to a rope!
Q: What does a good climbing community mean to you?
A: To me, a good climbing community is one where people support each other at all levels and share knowledge for safety and preservation of the sport.
Q: Who do you like to climb with normally, and why?
A: My husband Sean, besties Kali and Hari, and my MoCo family — Tatiana, Emmarie, Collin, Matt, Sarah J, Jessica, Amber, Liam, Taylor, Will, Ethan, and Zane! They’re always down for adventure and so incredibly supportive. Whether it’s spotting, belaying, offering snacks, or helping with beta, they make climbing feel safe, welcoming, and full of care.
Q: If you were a rock climbing hold, which one would you be, and why?
A: I’d be a crimp. They’re my favorite holds! They seem intimidating at first, but once you understand them, they’re actually pretty chill — kind of like me once you get to know me.
Mind Over Mountain
Q: How do you think climbing affects people’s mental health?
A: Climbing can impact mental health in so many positive ways. It reduces stress and anxiety, builds confidence, and gives people a sense of belonging. It also helps with focus, emotional regulation, and connects people with nature, which is powerful for mental well-being.
Q: Do you have any climbing projects right now?
A: I have projects in a few states that I visit once a year, but I’m relatively private about them since I share so much on social media. I love more vertical climbs with technical movement and crimps, though lately, I’ve been branching into more overhung routes to be a well-rounded climber.
Life Beyond the Wall
Q: What activities do you enjoy outside of climbing?
A: I like weightlifting, running, paddle boarding, biking, rollerblading, building Legos, and making art. Staying active helps me stay strong enough to take care of my animals, and to help my mom and grandma when they need me.
Q: What is your go-to music for climbing?
A: I don’t have a specific genre. It depends on my mood for that session — anything from classical to heavy metal! I usually match the music to my climbing tempo; it helps me stay focused and in rhythm.
Q: If you could climb with any celebrity, dead or alive, who would it be?
A: Emily Harrington. She’s always been an inspiration to me. Climbing can feel like a boys’ club, and she’s shown that women have a powerful place in the sport.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Australia! I’d love to climb there and finally see the Great Barrier Reef.
Q: If you could describe yourself as a movie title, what would it be?
A: Everything Everywhere All at Once. I’m always up to something, and there’s always a little chaos and adventure involved.
Q: If you could eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: Flavor-blasted Goldfish! I know they’re not the healthiest, but they’ve been my favorite snack forever — that salty, cheesy goodness is unbeatable.
Q: What’s a fact about you that would surprise people?
A: I have a hidden talent for special effects make up and love helping people bring their costume/cosplay ideas to life!
Connect with Ariel-Britany
Instagram: @ab_climbs
MoCo Ambassador Code: 6741 — show this at MoCo Bouldering and Fitness for half off your day pass!
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