jeb013 Posted June 8, 2012 Share Posted June 8, 2012 Hello All, I am looking into hiring a guide next month to take my climbing knowledge to the next level. I have been climbing a little under a year now, about 3 times a week, but this has been primarily on top rope and I feel I am ready to get on the sharp end.I am pretty comfortable with movement on rock up to about .10a so I am more focused on setting pro, building anchors, rope management and multipitch techniques. I have selected two guide services that interest me, one is Northwest Mountain School out of Leavenworth and the other is Smith Rock Climbing Guides. I am looking into 1 on 1 instruction that can be customized as the day goes on. I was wondering if anyone could chime in with opinions or experiences with these organizations. Or if you have used both, a comparison of the two. Thank You, Jeb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DPS Posted June 8, 2012 Share Posted June 8, 2012 (edited) You may want to take a look at these guys as well. I know them well, have climbed with them and they are top notch: Chris Simmons: http://climbskirun.blogspot.com/ Kurt Hicks: http://kurthicks.com/ Edited June 8, 2012 by DPS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
montypiton Posted June 8, 2012 Share Posted June 8, 2012 I've worked on some rescue missions and training events with John & Olivia's Northwest Mountain School, and I've occasionally encountered their guides on cragging days. Easy folks to work with, and Leavenworth area seems a much better venue than Smith Rock for learning traditional lead skills... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pcg Posted June 8, 2012 Share Posted June 8, 2012 I hired Rodney Sofich with Smith Rock Climbing Guides to spend a day with me placing pro and building anchors at Broughton Bluffs (Portland). He was likeable, tuned in to learning what my specific needs and wants were and tailored the day accordingly, and I felt he was very rigorous and uncompromising on issues of safety. You are not confined to Smith Rocks with that company. Their guides can meet you at Beacon Rock which is a great place (I am told - can't wait for it to open!) to learn multi-pitch trad clmbing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sol Posted June 8, 2012 Share Posted June 8, 2012 I highly recommend John and Olivia at Northwest Mountain School. Besides being one of the best guide outfits around they are also very tuned-in to getting new leaders ready for their first leads. I have seen a scenario where they had a client mock-leading on top rope while a guide jugged next to them evaluating their placements, gear-placing stances, pros and cons of climbing techniques, etc. Seems like a great approach and you wont find a more friendly and encouraging guide service. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeb013 Posted June 8, 2012 Author Share Posted June 8, 2012 Leavenworth area seems a much better venue than Smith Rock for learning traditional lead skills... I was thinking something similar, that and i plan in going mid July so probably a better chance of not getting cooked on the rock. It does look like most people who use a guide service tend to not be dissapointed, which is encouraging. Thanks for the feedback Jeb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kristenmark Posted March 29, 2018 Share Posted March 29, 2018 Hi there, I know this thread is a bit old but I'm still hoping that someone could read this, I suggest that you take a look at www.joshuatreeuprising.com they offer courses for rock climbing they are also very good tour guides and you don't wanna miss that so try to check them out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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