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recommendation for local classes in Denver area

Original Post
Richard Blumberg · · Denver, CO · Joined Apr 2013 · Points: 0

I've been climbing indoors for a while now and want to start climbing outdoors. Can anyone recommend professional companies that have classes on learning to setup/inspect all the safety equipment (anchors, lead climbing equipment, etc)? From a quick web search I've seen a number of companies which offer classes and also know REI runs classes. Anyone have experience with any of these?

I know learning from friends would be less expensive, but I want to at least consider companies that offer classes.

Thanks,
Richard

koreo · · Denver, CO · Joined Aug 2009 · Points: 85

Find a climbing partner that knows what they're doing. It'll save you money and you'll probably get a lot more learning how to use the knowledge than you would from a class.

teece303 · · Highlands Ranch, CO · Joined Dec 2012 · Points: 596

I say learn from friends. It's very important stuff, but not really complicated, especially sport climbing. Read some good books (Luebben and Long make great books on climbing).

It would be too expensive to really learn all you need from a guide.

That said, the folks at Front Range Climbing Company seem cool. I met a nice guy named Paul who guided for REI, but I don't know any more. A trip or two with a guide certainly would be nice.

cdec · · SLC, UT · Joined Jan 2007 · Points: 654

Climbing life guides. Eli is IFMGA and one of the best.
Always strikes me as funny how learning from guides, professional climbers, is almost always frowned upon. What other sport that can kill you would people council you to learn from friends. Few learn to scuba or sky dive from friends but climbing, sure no problem.
OP good for you for considering a guide to learn what's what.

fossana · · leeds, ut · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 13,318

Pick up John Long's book on anchor building (older edition is fine).

willeslinger · · Golden, Colorado · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 25
fossana wrote:Pick up John Long's book on anchor building (older edition is fine).
+1 If you read that book front to back, you'll be a much more attractive apprentice prospect.
Dave Bn · · Boise, ID · Joined Jul 2011 · Points: 10

I'll second the Eli Helmuth recommendation. Eli's a really great guy who just seems stoked to be out climbing or skiing. I took a ski clinic with him and learned more in that 8 hours than the previous three seasons of BC skiing so I also agree that guided lessons are a great way to rapidly expand your skill set.

He has several different climbing classes available.

Climbing Life Guides

Matt Pierce · · Poncha Springs, CO · Joined May 2010 · Points: 312
cdec wrote:Climbing life guides. Eli is IFMGA and one of the best. Always strikes me as funny how learning from guides, professional climbers, is almost always frowned upon. What other sport that can kill you would people council you to learn from friends. Few learn to scuba or sky dive from friends but climbing, sure no problem. OP good for you for considering a guide to learn what's what.
+1 - I trained with Eli - highly recommended
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Colorado
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