Gunks Rock Climbing Instruction:

Learn from the Experts:

Learning to climb by trial and error is not the best option. Reading a book and setting out on your own is not likely to prepare you for the realities of rock climbing. Our guides will show you what to do and what NOT to do. Our approach is a comprehensive method that will prepare you for whatever challenge you may face in the vertical environment.

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Intro to Rock Climbing:

For aspiring climbers with little or no experience, we will show you the ropes (literally!) and much more. Your first day on the rocks will include belaying, rappelling, and basic climbing techniques. We will ensure that you understand the fundamentals of climbing, then we will focus on movement and having fun. We will provide you with all the equipment you will need and put you on as many routes as time permits.

Top Rope Anchor Building Course:

Knowing how to set up a top rope is one of the first steps towards becoming a self-sufficent climber. We will introduce you to the fundamentals of setting efficient and secure top ropes. The course includes selecting anchors, choosing routes, accessing the tops of climbs, protecting edges and vegetation. Setting up a directional and rappelling with friction hitch back ups will also be covered in this comprehensive course. This course is a great place for an aspiring leader to begin.

Learning to Lead Climb Course:

If you've been on the rock for a while; top roping and following, sport climbing or coming out of a gym, we'll introduce you to the art of traditional leading. You will learn to use stoppers, cams, slings and carabiners correctly and efficiently. We'll start your day by introducing you to each piece of equipment, it's functions and limitations. Next we'll teach you how to place each piece of gear properly and build solid two point and three point anchors. You will also learn how to belay in a multi-pitch setting off the anchor with a Gri-Gri, Guide ATC or Reverso 3.  Finally, you'll hone your skills on the sharp end by doing mock leads; you'll be protected by a top rope while you lead. You and your instructor will then simultaneously rappel your route and critique each gear placement. This comprehensive approach to traditional climbing can be taught in a block of simultaneous days, or stretched out over several days throughout the season.

Multi-Pitch Anchor Transitions Course:

Now that you can lead climb your next step to becoming more fluid is learning multi-pitch anchor transitions.  Belaying off the anchor with a Guide ATC or Reverso 3 type device, efficiently passing gear to your partner, rope stacking or rope coiling, pancake flipping, visually coaching the second while on belay, appropriate anchor tie ins and rappel extensions with hands free back-ups. This course coupled with the Learn to Lead Course will help you become a quicker and more well rounded climber.

Self Rescue Course:

Have you ever wondered how to escape the belay from the ground or from a multi-pitch anchor?  How about passing a knot while rappelling or lowering an injured partner down the cliff from anchor to anchor?  Maybe you need to set up an improvised hauling system without mechanical devices or pick off a stuck climber on the cliff while on belay. Maybe you are just a climbing information geek seeking more knowledge.  In this two day course you will learn the concepts of using non mechanical devices and a normal belay plate to get out of situations that can arise while climbing.

Kids Rock Climbing Programs:

Our climbing programs are for kids of all ages. We love taking kids out to our favorite climbing spots in the Gunks for a fun-filled day of rock climbing. These days are structured around climbing movement, tying in with the figure eight knot, proper cliff etiquette, learning correct belay commands and rappelling techniques. During the summer months we also have Gunks Kids Rock Climbing Camps for children looking for something a little different out of a camp.  Our guides also like to instill the Leave No Trace principals into the day to teach kids the importance of preserving our precious natural areas. Parents are more than welcome to come along and climb for the day.

Group Rock Climbing Programs:

Many schools, camps, Boy Scout / Girl Scout groups, and corporations know that Mountain Skills Climbing Guides is the one to call when they want a fun, exciting, memorable and synergetic day. Our experience with groups ranging in size from 8 to 80 has prepared us for anything you might have in mind. Our sensitivity to your group's particular needs, combined with our access to unique locations, creates an atmosphere that will lift everyone to higher ground. The sky is the limit with our group programs.  At Mountain Skills Climbing Guides we custom tailor each climbing experience to meet our client's needs and desires. Please call us so we can discuss your objectives and create the perfect outing for you.

AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor Certification Program:

Doug Ferguson and Chuck Boyd are both AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor Providers that are licensed to teach the AMGA Climbing Wall Instructors Course. 

The course is two and one half days in length, a minimum of 20 hours of instruction, skills demonstration, and evaluation.

The course addresses the basic technical skills necessary to manage an instructional program at a climbing facility, and will address the following general topic areas:

Client orientation and instruction

Teaching general climbing skills including movement

Teaching top-rope and lead belaying techniques

Equipment and facility use

Rescue and emergency procedures

At a minimum, training for candidates shall occur in each of the following technical competency areas. Candidates shall possess sufficient knowledge, demonstrate skills, and/or demonstrate teaching ability in each competency area (if appropriate to the topic) in order to successfully complete the course.

Certification Program Goals

To increase the level of professionalism in indoor climbing in the USA

To improve the level of climbing wall instruction in the USA

To develop a more consistent standard of care for climbing instructors in the USA in the following areas:

client orientation and instruction

teaching general climbing skills including movement

teaching proper belaying techniques

teaching proper leading techniques

teaching proper rappel techniques

teaching proper equipment care and use

proper facility use, care, and inspection

rescue and emergency procedures

To evaluate the skills of climbing instructors in the USA

To provide guidance for further professional development

Certification Program Outline

Pre-requisites for Certification

18 years of age (persons 16 to 18 may take the course and will receive a letter of completion of the course, if completed successfully).

At least one year documented personal climbing experience (a minimum of 20 outings climbing indoors and/or outdoors).

Current first aid and CPR (a minimum of American Red Cross Basic – 5.5 to 6.5 hours) and current CPR.

Movement*

Climbing ability: 5.8 top rope and 5.7 lead on artificial structures

Movement demonstrating calm, confidence, good position, balance, solid base of support, no falls, and general body awareness

Ability to demonstrate a controlled fall, both on a rope and bouldering

* The course can be audited by anyone unable to climb because of physical limitations. A letter outlining the areas passed will be issued.

Equipment and Facility Care, Use, and Inspection

Demonstrate the proper care, use and inspection of personal climbing equipment, including but not limited to: shoes, harness, belay devices, carabiners, rope, cordage, and slings

The candidate possesses adequate knowledge of routine facility inspection practices according to the manufacturer’s instructions and employer’s policies and procedures

Assess the physical condition and set up of the climbing facility and take appropriate corrective actions based on this assessment

Belaying Skills

Demonstrate proper use of locking carabiners for climber belay rope attachment

Tie and evaluate a figure eight knot for climber belay rope attachment

Proper set up of belay system using an “auto-locking” or “auto-assist” belay device (e.g. a GriGri or a Cinch) and a tube or plate type belay device

Perform an effective top rope belay using an “auto-locking” or “auto-assist” belay devices, and a tube or plate type belay device, demonstrating proper: technique, position, control, and communication

Perform an effective lead belay using an “auto-locking” or “auto-assist” belay device and a tube or plate type belay device, demonstrating proper technique, position, control, and communication

Criteria for effective belays (all criteria must be met):

proper configuration and use of the belay device according to manufacturer’s instructions

ability to properly feed rope through the device

maintaining the brake hand on the rope at all times

ability to brake at all times

demonstrate an appropriate behavioral reaction to fall (i.e. the belayer must reflexively react to break a fall -- even if stressed, surprised, fearful, etc.)

Perform an effective self-belay

Orientation and Instruction

Ability to conduct a thorough patron orientation covering inherent risks of climbing, personal responsibility for risks and safety, and facility rules

Ability to teach proper use of climbing equipment according to manufacturers instructions: harness, locking carabiner, tube or plate type belay device, “auto- locking” or “auto-assist” type belay device

Ability to teach proper use of an auto belay device (e.g. MSA RedPoint Descender)

Ability to teach basic movement skills

Ability to teach tying a figure eight knot for climber belay rope attachment

Ability to teach basic rope management skills

Ability to teach proper belay skills and technique for top roped climbing

Using an “auto-locking” or “auto-assist” belay device

Using a tube or plate type belay device

Belaying directly from the ground anchor system using an  auto-locking or locking-assist belay device (not appropriate for all facilities)

Ability to teach proper belay skills and technique for lead climbing:

Using an auto-locking or locking-assist belay device

Using a tube or plate type belay device

Bouldering and Spotting

Ability to teach proper falling techniques

Ability to teach proper spotting techniques, both stationary and moving

Ability to select and use appropriate impact attenuating surfaces for bouldering

Rescue and Emergency Procedures

Perform or provide for appropriate technical rescue in a timely manner:

Belay escape from tube or plate type belay device

Attachment and ascent using an “auto-locking” belay device for a pick off rescue

Ability to activate facility emergency procedures if and when necessary

Ability to record and report required factual information pertaining to emergency's

Vertically Related Services:

Media

Hollywood, Broadway, and Madison Avenue all turn to Mountain Skills Climbing Guides when they need help with a production. Our experience with locations, talent, and our keen eye help productions come off in time, on budget, and of course, safely.

Warning: Rock climbing is inherently dangerous. All those who participate in rock climbing with Mountain Skills Climbing Guides do so at their own risk.

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