Ashton Woll: Flying Past Fear
“Try New Things;
Go New Places.”
For a person with a healthy fear of dark water, water sports are not exactly at the top of the To-Do List. Unable to see the bottom of murky or moving water, convinced that the danger you need to avoid the most is right at your feet, is defined as thalassophobia. And Ashton Woll is a self-proclaimed phobic. Well, she was. In an effort to beat her fears and not let them hold her back from living, Ashton has taken to fly fishing, kayaking, and learning more about frozen or dark water so that her goals, not her fear, can define her.
Ashton grew up in St. Louis, near the ever-changing and intimidating Mississippi River. The mild temperatures there never truly allow for frozen ice and the volatile surface is enough to make even the bravest sportswomen cautious. When she moved to Wisconsin, she found clearer water and solid ice. This helped her realize she could continue taking water safety lessons, just as she had been in her youth, but now have the confidence to put the lessons into practice. She also found encouragement through her “just do it”-minded husband who dragged her out the door to try something new. He knew she over-analyzed her choices, but that she also set a New Year’s Resolution every year to “Try New Things; Go New Places.” And Ashton found that her focus moved on to the person she was with rather than the fear that tried to keep her back. “My fear has lessened over time,” she says of when she has someone alongside with more knowledge to support and teach.
This New Year’s Resolution of Ashton’s has helped her to be intentional about getting over hurdles and challenges. She keeps this at the front of her mind and plans each month, focusing on what new thing she did or will do. She says, “It gives my brain permission to let go of my fears and see the resolution as a thing I need to get done.” This commitment also helps her to put hurdles into perspective. Sometimes they are all about the equipment, and sometimes they are about the mental battle over her safety. Ashton recalls her first life jacket being so bulky that it made kayaking attempts awkward and not fun. But rather than letting that be the thing that kept her home, she chose to invest in a better kayaking jacket with a safety whistle. Her body was more comfortable in the kayak, and her brain was at ease for her safety. Now she could see her resolution through.
Ashton’s resolution is often met by external challenges like perceptions and accessibility. She recognizes that the hobby of fly fishing is male-dominated. A woman going into a gear shop is often overlooked as a legit hobbyist. She reminds us that women have that intuition for a reason, and that we are strong enough to walk out if we aren’t getting the kind of attention or support we need. She is grateful for her own husband’s services as a fly fishing guide. His business is supportive of sportswomen and is known as a strong LGTBQ+-friendly fly fishing guide in Milwaukee, where all humans are seen as legitimate hobbyists and given the professional support that is needed.
We at Strong Girls Travel love not only Ashton’s determination to overcome her fear with the very thing that is fearful, but also the inspiration she is in being your own best advocate for your goals. All too often, women let society’s perceptions drive what they should or shouldn’t do. A woman in a fly fishing gear shop isn’t always a doting girlfriend - sometimes she is the one in search of an empowering and enriching hobby and is looking for support in getting started.
Are you one of those humans looking to start a new hobby but not sure where to begin? Ashton encourages us to look online first! YouTube is a vast resource for both fly fishing training but also women-powered tips. Here you can screen videos for teaching styles and instructor vibes. When you’re ready to look for gear and classes, first look for a brick & mortar store near you and then check out their online presence. Most businesses will post what they stand for and how they can support you. Ashton reminds us, “Find a reputable place where you are seen and heard.” Ask the questions you need, but be aware of your boundaries and your intuition!
When you are ready to head out, don’t be afraid to bring someone with you. Having someone near who has done this before can take out so much of the stress and fear. Looking to kayak? Check out kayak rentals or guided tours before running out to buy your own boat. Try both sit-on and sit-in styles. See what you like first. Fly fishing can be an expensive hobby to get into, so having someone with you who’s done it before gives you the opportunity to try gear without first investing. Ashton also suggests looking into tenkara fly fishing. This Japanese-inspired method and equipment is a simple, casual way to learn the hobby.
What is next on Ashton’s “Try New Things; Go New Places” list? Other than supporting her husband and his Guide services, she has her sights set on steelhead season. She has hooked one of these strong, fighting fish before, but would love to catch another this year. She is also looking to continue adding to her gear inventory. One step at a time - the best way to reach our brave, intimidating goals.
