Virginia, Guided Introductory Level Rock Climbing Course

Join Lester, an AMGA certified guide, on an introductory level rock climbing course in the wilderness of Virginia in the United States.

Private

Appalachians

1 Day

Jun - Aug

High

Beginner

Highlights

Learn basic rock climbing skills on a full day introductory level course.
Enjoy the gorgeous landscape of the Virginian wilderness.
Practice what you learn on the rocks themselves.

Description

It’s a big step transitioning from climbing in a gym, to climbing on the rocks outdoors. Which is why I am happy to offer this full day, introductory level rock climbing course in the beautiful outdoors of Virginia.

During this course, you will learn several important skills that are crucial for safe and successful rock climbing. The skills you will learn during this course will stay with you as long as you continue climbing. They will lay a foundation that you can add to more and more the longer you continue climbing. Thus giving you better abilities, which will subsequently allow you to try more challenging, more thrilling climbs in the future. And because this course takes place in the wilderness of Virginia, you will get to also enjoy some fantastic views throughout the day.

Some of the skills we will focus on during this course include the following.

Rigging top anchors
Belaying skills
Equipment alternatives
Movement coaching
Rappel set-up and protection
Proper gear purchasing

We will provide you with individual attention, and you will practice what you’ve learned on the rocks as much as possible. Furthermore, if you would like to extend the course a second day, just let us know. You can add another day consecutively or later in the season. The additional day will focus on incident management, self-rescue skills and more.

Rock climbing on cliffs and peaks is an amazing experience. But it is important to learn the basics. So if you want to leave the gym and start climbing outdoors, just send me a request. I look forward to teaching you.

I can also take you for a half-day, top roping rock climbing trip at the Hidden Rocks in Virginia as well.

Price includes

Guiding fee

Price details

In addition to the guiding fee, the price also includes harnesses, helmets, climbing ropes and climbing shoes.

Details

More info

Participants should bring the following items with them: hiking shoes, lunch, 2 water bottles (plastic, not glass), backpack, bug repellent, camera, sunblock and medical form and participant agreement.

Meeting point

The meeting place will depend on what climbing location is decided upon prior to the trip.

About the guide

Lester

5.0

(24)

Single Pitch Instructor

I am an avid climber and backpacker who loves taking people outdoors. For more than 30 years, I have been leading wilderness adventures in my backyard here in Virginia and West Virginia.

In addition to being an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, I am also a certified member of the Professional Climbing Instructors' Association and a Wilderness First Responder. I have done cave rescue training with the National Cave Rescue Commission and am a proud member of the National Speleological Society.

I have published two editions of CLIMBING ROCKingham County, a guidebook of local crags around Harrisburg, VA. I also share my thoughts with fellow outdoor lovers and leaders via my quarterly newsletter "GUYdelines".

I very much enjoy working with young people and supporting the next generation of outdoor leaders.

Come and join me for a climb here in the Appalachians anytime. I look forward to showing you all of the best local spots!

Languages

English

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What people are saying about this trip

Daniel

I often fail to write reviews but not this time. Lester was nothing short of an amazing teacher and guide! He picked a great spot to climb in Shenadoah National Park. The views were incredible. He had asked us ahead of time if a dad and daughter could join us and made the trip affordable. Lester started with intros and safety. I could immediately tell he was a guide with strong character, which definitely brings assurance when you are going to be attached to his ropes. Lester did an awesome job breaking down the steps for us to learn gearing up, belaying, and climbing! In our group, we had different comfort levels with this new experience. Lester encouraged, demonstrated, and pushed us a bit to step out of our comfort zone but only what we were up for. For those more comfortable or experienced, he gave us fun challenges. It was an awesome experience and honestly the highlight of my trip.

Katherine

Our family of 5 (ages 5 to 42) booked Lester for a rock climbing session and we had an absolutely fantastic experience. We learned climbing skills (and about local flora!), had an amazingly fun time and felt safe the entire time. We will be back and I would highly recommend!

Julia

What a great day with Lester. All the family loved this activity. The youngest loved the climbing and our teenagers enjoyed the rappel. Lester had the ability to share his passion with all of us. We will remember this day for sure!