Introduction
For over a decade, Kaitlyn Guay has devoted herself to the world of rock climbing—pushing personal limits, building a powerful athletic resume, and helping others ascend to their full potential. From national titles to founding her own coaching business, Project S.E.N.D., Kaitlyn brings passion, precision, and a deep love for movement into everything she does.
In this interview, she shares how she got started, what drives her as both an athlete and a coach, and the unique methods she uses to help climbers break through plateaus and reach new heights.
Quick Facts
Name: Kaitlyn Guay
Sport: Rock Climbing
Years Climbing: 11
Occupation: Climber, Coach, Founder of Project S.E.N.D.
Current Gym: The Boulders Climbing Gym (training speed)
Favorite Style: Speed Climbing
Hometown Gym: EVO Rock & Fitness – Portland, Maine
Getting Started
Q: How long have you been rock climbing for?
A: 11 years now!
Q: How did you get into rock climbing?
A: I first went to a birthday party when I was about 10–11, and I just loved it. I’ve been climbing ever since.
Accomplishments
Climbing:
- On the National Team
- 2025 Collegiate National Champion
- NACS 2nd place – Edmonton 2025
- Represented Team USA at Collegiate Worlds in Slovenia – 2024
- 2nd place at 2024 Collegiate Nationals
Coaching:
- Started my own business called Project S.E.N.D.
- Coached multiple athletes to V9+
- Helped many climbers work through plateaus
- Coached an athlete who became a 2x Youth National Finalist & Top 8 in speed
- Built an incredible roster of committed, hard-working climbers
Training & Coaching
Q: What and where is your primary climbing gym?
A: Growing up, it was EVO Rock & Fitness in Portland, Maine. The people there are like family to me! In university, I climbed at the Central Rock Gyms, mainly CRG Watertown. Now I’m visiting BC and training speed at The Boulders Climbing Gym.
Q: How long have you been a coach?
A: 3 years! About 2.5 years coaching youth and collegiate teams, and 6 months coaching online through Project S.E.N.D.
Q: How did you get into coaching?
A: I started taking on in-person clients through the gym just to try it, and I ended up loving it. It combined psychology, kinesiology, and climbing—everything I enjoy. After coaching youth, speed, and collegiate teams while finishing university, I knew I wanted to start my own business. So I did!
Climbing Philosophy
Q: What’s the best advice for newer climbers trying to improve?
A: Footwork, footwork, footwork! You don’t have to do drills, but at least pay attention to your feet. Take videos of yourself so you can analyze what went right or wrong.
Q: What is the S.E.N.D. Method you use for coaching?
A: It’s a framework to help climbers push through plateaus.
S.E.N.D. stands for:
- Structure – building a clear plan
- Empowerment – improving mindset and confidence
- Nuance – refining technique with small but meaningful adjustments
- Drive – creating momentum to keep progress consistent
It’s all about making climbing advancement feel steady and achievable.
Fun Questions
Q: What climbing hold would best describe you? And why?
A: A crimp. I’m particular about what I like and how I do things, and crimps require that same precision. I also try as hard as I can at everything I pursue—just like you have to pull hard on bad crimps to reach the next move.
Q: What’s your go-to snack after coaching?
A: A “healthy” Coke soda—brand doesn’t matter! It’s my guilty pleasure.
Q: If you could climb with anyone dead or alive, who would it be? And where?
A: Right now, I’d say Millie Bobby Brown, in honor of the new Stranger Things season! I think we’d hit it off and it’d be so fun to have a super famous friend.
Q: What do you like to do outside of climbing and coaching?
A: I love going to coffee shops, hanging out with friends, traveling, and meeting new people.
Q: What is your favorite type of climbing and why?
A: Speed climbing! I fell in love with it immediately. I still enjoy bouldering and competitions, but speed brings me the most joy.
Q: If you could compete on any competition show, which would it be?
A: American Ninja Warrior—it just seems so fun!
Q: What’s a fact about you people would be surprised to learn?
A: I have three lizards—and I love them all so much.
Social Media & Coaching
Q: What are your social media handles and where can people sign up for coaching?
A: You can follow me on Instagram at @kaitlynguay21. On my profile, there’s a link to submit a coaching application—or just DM me directly!
-Coach Max
thedihedral.com 