55 year old experienced trad climber happy to take beginner climbers to local San Diego crags (or gym)

Are you a gym climber in San Diego that wants to try out some routes at local crags?

I have been climbing (trad, sport, gym, waterfall ice, and high altitude alpine routes in Japan, Korea, and the Everest region of Nepal) for 25-years. While I can't climb at the level I used to before I moved to Nepal (now I am back), I am excited to get back to the local crags. How I miss Santee boulders and Mission Gorge.

Before I moved to Nepal, I used to take out youth groups and get them on easy routes at Mission Gorge (and even Tahquitz/Suicide rocks in Idyllwild) and found the experience so rewarding. I even accumulated a huge stuff sack of used rock shoes sized for 5 to 35-years olds, not to mention many more harnesses and helmets than I need for me and my 2 young kids. I found it very rewarding.

If anyone (of any age), wants to get out there (even if that means a gym) and jump on a toprope (or anything else), I am happy to facilitate. Even if you know what you are doing and just need a partner to build your skills.

Solid belay skills are a must, but that can be learned at the gym. I'm happy to teach and you can just go take the test.

Just reply to this post.

Mike

Good on you for giving back brother. Stay strong and safe climbing.

This is a great post. Thanks for providing what looks like top-shelf mentorship born out of extensive experience.

If I had former students in California to send your way, I would exhort them to learn your favorite beverage and bring it in ample supply. ;-)

Thank you for this generous offer to mentor, Mike! Seeing this post was so as I’ve mostly been a gym climber for the past 15 years bouldering and leading indoors, but I have been intentionally seeking out guidance over this past year to learn how to confidently plan trips for myself and a small group of friends I climb frequently with. My long term dream is to be able to build up to high altitude alpine routes (aiming for Kilimanjaro next year, then Aconcagua, and if I can manage to successfully prepare, I would eventually like to make an attempt Nepal). 

I am currently between San Diego and Los Angeles (due to the fires, mostly in San Diego and am usually in North County on weekends) and am seeking to build my skills outdoors. My most recent trips have consisted of top roping and sport at New Jack and Red Rock.

I greatly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and time with this community and hope this offer still stands! 

Thank you for this generous offer to mentor, Mike! Seeing this post was so as I’ve mostly been a gym climber for the past 15 years bouldering and leading indoors, but I have been intentionally seeking out guidance over this past year to learn how to confidently plan trips for myself and a small group of friends I climb frequently with. My long term dream is to be able to build up to high altitude alpine routes (aiming for Kilimanjaro next year, then Aconcagua, and if I can manage to successfully prepare, I would eventually like to make an attempt Nepal). 

I am currently between San Diego and Los Angeles (due to the fires, mostly in San Diego and am usually in North County on weekends) and am seeking to build my skills outdoors. My most recent trips have consisted of top roping and sport at New Jack and Red Rock.

I greatly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and time with this community and hope this offer still stands! 

Thx Christina, 

I'm not doing any mountaineering, snow or ice anymore, but I appreciate your enthusiasm and emailed you my contact info. 

- Mike

Hi Mike! Ellie here! (I don't know how to change my name on mountain project, this is my first forum post). You seem like such a rad dude and super amazing for having climbed all over. It's so generous of you to offer to mentor. I'm a beginner boulderer indoor and outdoor but I've been looking for an excuse to buy rope gear! I also peakbag but only in a hiking/scrambling way. Sometimes I look down at the cliff face below the peak I just hiked up and sigh, thinking how cool it would be to climb up the face of the mountain rather than hiking up the backside. What a coincidence you mentioned Tahquitz and Idyllwild! I just hiked up to San Jacinto Peak yesterday and was awestruck at Lily Rock. I was telling my friends how cool it would be to climb up it. While doing Lily Rock would be out of my skill level, I would love to be introduced to rope climbing outdoors! I have done it only once.

Edit: forgot to mention I'm WWOOFING near Fallbrook. I live in my car and I'm able to commute wherever. The gear I have is a crash pad, shoes, helmet, chalk bag.