Rock Climbing Guide 101: 5 Easy Steps to Get You Started
Are you a climbing enthusiast looking to turn your passion into a career? Becoming a rock climbing guide might just be the perfect path for you! In this article, we’ve compiled five easy steps to help you get started.
Step 1: Assess Your Motivation
The first step in any career change is to understand your motivation. Are you passionate about helping people achieve their climbing goals? Do you enjoy sharing your love for climbing with others? These are essential traits for a rock climbing guide. To determine if guiding is for you, try taking friends out on climbs and see how it feels. If you enjoy it, then it may be time to pursue a career in rock climbing guiding.
Step 2: Learn the Skills
To become a rock climbing guide, you must have a good grasp of the essential climbing skills. Route climbing is the primary focus of most guide services, so you must be familiar with both sport and trad climbing techniques. If you are not familiar with these skills, consider taking a course or hiring a guide for a day. Once you have mastered the skills, you can begin building your resume and certifications.
Step 3: Understand the AMGA
The American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) is the governing body for certifying guides in the US. You will need to work through the AMGA to attain your certifications, which are critical for building your credibility and expertise as a guide. The three major milestones on the guide track are the Single Pitch Instructor (SPI), Multi-Pitch Instructor, and Rock Guide certifications.
Step 4: Plan for the Money
Becoming a rock climbing guide is not always the most lucrative career choice, especially when starting. It’s essential to have a transition plan in place for your current job or lifestyle that can support you financially as you build your clientele base and resume. Consider building up other sources of income, such as starting your own business, to supplement your guiding income.
Step 5: Make the Time Commitment
As with any career, becoming a rock climbing guide requires a significant time commitment. Initially, you will need to focus on climbing and building your skills. However, as you gain experience and build your certifications, you will need to focus more on guiding and helping others achieve their climbing goals.
Becoming a rock climbing guide can be a rewarding and exciting career choice for climbing enthusiasts. By following these easy steps, you can get started on the path to becoming a guide and sharing your love for climbing with others. Happy climbing!
