Ella Orcutt

Electrician, Climber, Snowboarder, Mom 
Bold By Nature

From Duncan, Vancouver Island, BC

I started climbing at 16 years old, almost 24 years ago, thanks to my awesome aunt who bought me my first harness and shoes. I was lucky enough to have an older brother that took me climbing with him for the first few years.

Climbing is my happy place.
I love being outside, where I don't feel pressure to be better than anyone but myself, and I can push myself as hard I need.

🌟I have met some of the best people because of climbing. It has connected me with an amazing community.🌟

I started in electrical at the age of 19, eventually deciding to take my apprenticeship. I now specialize in high-end houses and lighting.

Working as a female in the trades has been enlightening and sometimes challenging. When I started my career there were only one or two females. Now, 20 years later, there are over a dozen in the area where I live.

Last summer, my 69 year old mother and I did her first backpacking trip in years. She took me on my first when I was 10 years
old and I was thrilled to get to be the one to take the majority of the weight this time!

And my daughter and I hiked Cape Scott trail when she was 9.

I am lucky enough to have amazing women in my life, like my mom, sister, daughter and friends.

Being a mom of two and working full time can be exhausting but very rewarding, as a family we ski and snowboard, camp, hike and fish. We live for adventure!

Never stop trying. Failure is growth.
Don't compare yourself to anyone. We all have a different journey.

🏔️🏔️🏔️

Rad Grrrl rapid-fire

🔥 What’s been your most badass moment so far?

My most badass moment was climbing an 11c multipitch in Thailand called The Heart of Darkness — an overhanging 100 meter route where the descent was almost harder then the climb! 

🔥 Do you have a favorite SmashGrrrl design?

I love the Peak Pursuit! Overhang climbs are my jam! 

🔥 Anything else you want to share? A quote, a mantra, a piece of wisdom?

Never stop trying new things and surround yourself with people who support you in your adventures.