Elaina Arenz
Elaina, a former Chicks owner, grew up as an Army brat and still has a wanderlust for life. She holds a BS in Advertising (the irony is not lost on her) from the University of Texas at Austin. She began climbing on the local limestone crags during college and has pursued climbing as a career for over 22 years. She has been featured in many publications and magazines over the years, but most notably in Chris Noble’s book Women Who Dare: North America’s Most Inspiring Women Climbers
She is the owner of New River Mountain Guides, but these days she’s based in Las Vegas, NV where she works as a full time guide in Red Rock. She’s climbed all over the United States and Europe, and was instrumental in establishing El Potrero Chico, Mexico. She loves to discover new climbing areas, establish first ascents, and go on adventures.
Elaina is an AMGA Rock Guide, Apprentice Alpine Guide, and is one of the few female providers for the AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Trainer. She is also a Warrior’s Way Trainer, which is mental training for climbing and has taught the method to others since 2004.
Elaina is an advocate of climbing and serves on the Board of Directors of the American Mountain Guide Association. She has also served as an Access Fund Athlete Ambassador, a core of professional climbers who publicly reinforce their mission of keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment.
In 2001 she was awarded the Sharp End Award by for her outstanding contribution to climbers’ advocacy. Over the years she has organized many climber events, most currently she manages the athlete clinics for the American Alpine Club’s Craggin’ Classic at the New River Gorge.
