Monica Hansen
It’s really hard to forget the sound of a bone breaking — those of you who have had it happen know what I mean. Finding ways to move past that moment can be challenging.
When I broke my wrist in the canyon, I thought that would be the end of my canyoning journey. But what happened this season reminded me of the power of community, compassion, and courage.
Supported Every Step of the Way
This summer, while canyoning through Raychor for the Basic Canyoning course, I broke my wrist during the final skills assessment for graduation. Immediately after the incident, one of the instructors told me I’d be “a princess for the day.” At the time, I didn’t fully understand what that meant — but I quickly learned it involved being supported and encouraged every step of the way.
In my moment of injury, my teammates surrounded me with calm confidence and care, helping me out of the canyon in a way that made me feel seen, heard, and supported. One teammate gently asked me to share what I was feeling, creating a safe space for me to release some difficult emotions. That moment allowed me to process my fears, let go, and move forward.
What could have been a frightening experience instead became one filled with trust. My teammates told me I’d one day be back in the canyon and love it again. I wasn’t sure I believed it then — but their confidence in me never wavered.
Returning to the Canyon
After spending the summer resting my wrist and recovering, I headed back out in October to re-attempt my final skills assessment. I tried to keep a clear head, even as memories of the injury resurfaced.
Throughout the day, my team took the time to help me rebuild my confidence and practice my skills until I passed my assessments. Their steady encouragement made all the difference. It felt incredible to be back in the canyon and recognize intermediate canyoneering moves I didn’t think I’d get to experience again so soon. I was able to make new memories — ones that replaced fear with joy.
Why It Means So Much
I’ve experienced my share of challenges. I’m a colon cancer survivor. Years ago, I also had to relearn how to walk after a meniscus repair and recurring staph infections. Those experiences taught me to live in the moment, take nothing for granted, and keep pushing through hardship — even when it’s uncomfortable.
Still, coming back to the canyon after this injury took more than determination. It took trust, patience, and the support of people who believed in me more than I believed in myself.
That’s what made this graduation so meaningful. Not only did I complete the course, but I also healed from my injury and doubts, reconnected with my community and my love for canyoning, and rediscovered joy in a place where I once felt broken.
In graduating from canyoning this year, I didn’t just complete a course — I reclaimed a part of myself.
To everyone who helped me along the way: thank you. You reminded me that courage isn’t about doing things alone; it’s about showing up, leaning on others, and believing that even after a fall, there’s always a way back in.
