Trying to figure out how to get started with climbing, I love backpacking, scrambling, want to start climbing as a lead in to mountaineering. I'm a 33 year old guy with kids in Carlsbad (North San Diego), so I don't have unlimited time but I can do weekends and have every other Friday off. JTree, Idyllwild, local stuff, obviously starting small.

Anyone in a similar boat or experienced climbers who don't mind partnering up with a beginner or helping me out? I'm reliable, don't mind driving anywhere in SoCal, Sierra, and buying the beer!

Any suggestions helpful, I'm guessing taking a class would be good but still would need to figure out the partner thing and was hoping for something other than driving to JTree and standing around waiting for someone to partner up with a completely raw beginner. Thanks!

Hey, I am in North County as well, and am always looking for partners for local climbs. I also have kids and not a ton of free time.
I have been climbing for over a year and have some experience and would like to help you get started. When I began looking into climbing I took classes through REI and found it very helpful. As far as partners go, meetup.com was a good place to look.
I am actually wanting to go to Dixon Lake in Escondido Sunday morning if you want to join. Message me for details.

Besides the sources mentioned by Mike, there's a cool bouldering gym in Carlsbad called Vital. It's a good place to meet local climbers. There is a good variety of people into different types of climbing so I'm sure you will find a partner.

I just moved to North Co San Diego and I'm looking for partners. Been climbing since 2005; leading for a few years; have gear, guidebooks, car.
I don't want to chase numbers or talk about climbing...I just want to climb!
PM me if you want to climb.
Chad

I have an 8 year old daughter and we both love climbing. We have lots of gear and would enjoy going out with other families for some fun climbing days. Send me an email if you are interested.

Jym, JBlock,
Or anyone else interested, there is a group of us that climb at Lake Dixon in the afternoons on Thursdays once it stays lighter longer, usually during the spring and summer months. Great group to climb with family or for beginners. Everyone is very helpful and welcoming at what ever level you may climb. If your interested in this once the days get longer email me and I will let you know when we will be going. If anyone is trying to find a partner anytime, feel free top call as well. If I can get out I will (619-871-8259)