Kaelyn Mahony, known better on Instagram as @boulder.and.wiser, is a climber from Minnesota, USA, who has lived in Germany since 2012. She began bouldering in her late 20s when she first got a job at a bouldering gym running kid’s groups. Since then, climbing has become more than a hobby for Kaelyn: it’s her passion, her outlet, her career, and the hub of her social life.

She has two children who both love climbing and, as well as being a full-time mom, Kaelyn trains a youth competition team, runs workshops, and coaches individuals at her gym, where her partner is also a routesetter.

Outdoor climbing is more of a treat for the Mahony family—they take an annual vacation to Fontainebleau for bouldering in the forest.

Kaelyn began her Instagram, @boulder.and.wiser, when she was returning to climbing after the birth of her youngest child.

“I had just discovered reels and thought it would be a funny way to share my experiences as an amateur boulderer, woman in the gym, climber mom, coach, and gym employee. The intention is to make climbing more accessible and inclusive to everyone, especially people who have been discouraged from joining or excluded from the community because of gender, race, economic status, body type, skill level, or anything else.

Sharing my own climbing journey is complete with fails and frustrations, calling out problematic behavior, and discussing social issues relevant to the community, as well as sharing technique tips that help make intimidating moves seem more approachable.

Of course, I want to make people laugh, but mostly I want to make them feel seen, supported, and welcome.”

As a coach, Kaelyn endeavors to help climbers of all levels and backgrounds, empowering them to feel like they belong in the bouldering community as much as anyone. She passes this philosophy on to her team kids too, teaching them to be mindful community members (and that it’s not cool to campus someone’s project in front of them).