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AMGA SPI Assessment

January 9, 2023 by

The Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) Assessment is a two-day exam that is required to become an American Mountain Guides Association Certified Single Pitch Instructor. The SPI Assessment can be taken directly following the SPI Course if the candidate successfully completed the course and meets the assessment prerequisites. However, it is highly recommended that the SPI Course candidate take time practicing and consolidating the skills learned on the course before assessment (6-12 months).You do not need first aid training to take the course or assessment. However, it is your responsibility to hold appropriate medical certification for the location that you are working in.

You meet the SPI Assessment prerequisites if you have completed the following:

  • You are a current member of the AMGA;
  • You have successfully completed an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course;
  • You have led a minimum of 40 traditional routes, most of which should be 5.6 and on a variety of rock types;
  • You are able to comfortably lead 5.6 traditional routes; and
  • You are able to comfortably climb 5.8 on top rope.

Number on Assessment: Maximum of 6:1 client to instructor ratio

Assessment length: Two days

Cost: $425

Please note that you MUST be a member of the AMGA prior to enrolling. Click here to join.

About the Instructor: A native North Carolinian, Wes returns to Fox Mountain Guides after an extensive sojourn in the American West. Guiding and climbing for over 20 years, Wes spent the last five years working full time for the Colorado Mountain School, but the crags and walls of the Southeast have always been Wes’ home.

Having worked extensively in the Rockies on rock, ice, and snow, and teaching AMGA Single Pitch Instructor programs from coast to coast, Wes returns to his core passion in North Carolina. He creates learning environments where everyone can be successful and fulfill their potential in the mountains.

Wes’ clients and student unanimously enjoy his fun-loving personality, they engage his depth of knowledge, and invariably form lifelong friendships and partnerships.

Wes’ peers know him as a true guide’s guide, steady and strong in the mountains. He is a mentor to his colleagues with the same earnestness as his clients and students. Wes helps everyone around him achieve their dreams in climbing.

Wes has the following guiding credentials: AMGA Rock Guide, AMGA Apprentice Alpine Guide, AMGA Ice instructor Course, AMGA SPI provider, LNT Master Educator, AIARE Avalanche Course Provider, Wilderness First Responder.

COURSE

AMGA SPI Course

January 9, 2023 by

The SPI Course is an instructor training course for current, proficient and active rock climbers and for climbing instructors who currently teach rock climbing who wish to gain the Single Pitch Instructor Certification.

SPI Terrain Guidelines

The SPI will be able to proficiently facilitate and instruct the sport of rock climbing in a single pitch setting. Single Pitch Instructors supervise and teach climbing at any single pitch cliff, working at the base or from the top. They can work at sites where the anchors are accessed by non technical terrain and also by leading. For the purpose of the SPI Program a single pitch climb is one which:

  • Is climbed without intermediate belays
  • presents no difficulties on approach or retreat, such as route finding, scrambling or navigating

You meet the pre-requisites for the SPI course if you:

  • Have a genuine interest in rock climbing and instructing novices on single pitch crags.
  • Are at least 18 years old at the time of the course. Have at least 12 months prior climbing experience.
  • Are an active climber with traditional lead climbing experience (leader placing pro).
  • Have trad lead climbed a minimum of 15 graded rock climbing routes (any grade).
  • Are capable of comfortably climbing 5.8 while on a top rope.

The above pre-requisites are absolute minimums If you are unsure of your skill levels we suggest hiring an AMGA/IFMGA certified guide to evaluate and enhance your skills and experience prior to SPI Program enrollment.

To gain the AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Certification you must complete the three day AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course and separate two day Single Pitch Instructor Assessment.

 

Details and Pricing

Number on course: Maximum of 6:1 client to instructor ratio
Course length: Three days
Cost: $625

 

Please note that you MUST be a member of the AMGA prior to enrolling. Click here to join.

 

Click here more information on the AMGA Single Pitch Instructor program.

 

AMGA SPI Course

January 9, 2023 by

The SPI Course is an instructor training course for current, proficient and active rock climbers and for climbing instructors who currently teach rock climbing who wish to gain the Single Pitch Instructor Certification.

SPI Terrain Guidelines

The SPI will be able to proficiently facilitate and instruct the sport of rock climbing in a single pitch setting. Single Pitch Instructors supervise and teach climbing at any single pitch cliff, working at the base or from the top. They can work at sites where the anchors are accessed by non technical terrain and also by leading. For the purpose of the SPI Program a single pitch climb is one which:

  • Is climbed without intermediate belays
  • presents no difficulties on approach or retreat, such as route finding, scrambling or navigating

You meet the pre-requisites for the SPI course if you:

  • Have a genuine interest in rock climbing and instructing novices on single pitch crags.
  • Are at least 18 years old at the time of the course. Have at least 12 months prior climbing experience.
  • Are an active climber with traditional lead climbing experience (leader placing pro).
  • Have trad lead climbed a minimum of 15 graded rock climbing routes (any grade).
  • Are capable of comfortably climbing 5.8 while on a top rope.

The above pre-requisites are absolute minimums If you are unsure of your skill levels we suggest hiring an AMGA/IFMGA certified guide to evaluate and enhance your skills and experience prior to SPI Program enrollment.

To gain the AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Certification you must complete the three day AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course and separate two day Single Pitch Instructor Assessment.

 

Details and Pricing

Number on course: Maximum of 6:1 client to instructor ratio
Course length: Three days
Cost: $625

 

Please note that you MUST be a member of the AMGA prior to enrolling. Click here to join.

 

Click here more information on the AMGA Single Pitch Instructor program.

 

AMGA SPI Course

December 10, 2022 by

The SPI Course is an instructor training course for current, proficient and active rock climbers and for climbing instructors who currently teach rock climbing who wish to gain the Single Pitch Instructor Certification.

SPI Terrain Guidelines

The SPI will be able to proficiently facilitate and instruct the sport of rock climbing in a single pitch setting. Single Pitch Instructors supervise and teach climbing at any single pitch cliff, working at the base or from the top. They can work at sites where the anchors are accessed by non technical terrain and also by leading. For the purpose of the SPI Program a single pitch climb is one which:

  • Is climbed without intermediate belays
  • presents no difficulties on approach or retreat, such as route finding, scrambling or navigating

You meet the pre-requisites for the SPI course if you:

  • Have a genuine interest in rock climbing and instructing novices on single pitch crags.
  • Are at least 18 years old at the time of the course. Have at least 12 months prior climbing experience.
  • Are an active climber with traditional lead climbing experience (leader placing pro).
  • Have trad lead climbed a minimum of 15 graded rock climbing routes (any grade).
  • Are capable of comfortably climbing 5.8 while on a top rope.

The above pre-requisites are absolute minimums If you are unsure of your skill levels we suggest hiring an AMGA/IFMGA certified guide to evaluate and enhance your skills and experience prior to SPI Program enrollment.

To gain the AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Certification you must complete the three day AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course and separate two day Single Pitch Instructor Assessment.

 

Details and Pricing

Number on course: Maximum of 6:1 client to instructor ratio
Course length: Three days
Cost: $625

 

Please note that you MUST be a member of the AMGA prior to enrolling. Click here to join.

 

Click here more information on the AMGA Single Pitch Instructor program.

 

Rock Climbing 402 – Rock Climbing Self Rescue

December 10, 2022 by

The Rock Climbing Self Rescue Course teaches skills every climber who ties into a rope should know: basic competency in risk management, problem avoidance, and self rescue skills. This course emphasizes reducing the risks in the first place to reduce the chance of ever having to use the rescue skills you will learn in the course.

We will teach you the most efficient systems and won’t flood you with over-complicated, useless systems. All these skills are useful in everyday climbing, and it’s amazing how much speed and efficiency is gained from having these skills “dialed.” Self rescue is a topic that all climbers should be skilled in for themselves and the people they climb with.

Topics Covered:

Day One

  • Planning, preparation, equipment, and communication
  • Problem avoidance: reducing the risks in the first place
  • Basic rescue knots, hitches, and tie offs
  • Load transfers, the building blocks for all rope rescue techniques
  • Raising systems 101: a detailed look at the basic physics behind raising systems, mechanical advantage raises, and assisted raises (2:1, 3:1, 3:1 assisted, 5:1, and 6:1)
  • Rescuing and assisting the second: raises, lowers and counterbalanced lowers
  • Ascending a fixed and counterbalanced rope
  • Correct techniques for using plaquette devices in climbing and self rescue applications (ATC Guide/Reverso)

Day Two

  • Rescuing the injured leader in the single and multi-pitch environment
  • Weighted transitions (rappelling multiple pitches with an unconscious climber)
  • Counterbalanced and tandem rappels
  • Effective knot passes on rappels and lowers

Course Prerequisites:

Applicants must have taken one of our Foundation Level courses or

  • Can top rope 5.6 climbs comfortably
  • Have experience rappelling
  • Can tie basic knots such as Figure Eight, Clove Hitch, Münter Hitch, and various friction hitches
  • Have experience placing artificial gear and building anchors for top roping

Climbers who have already taken our self rescue training or mastered the basics elsewhere can also join day two of this program as ongoing education for just $150 (when space available). Climbers who elect to take just day two of the program for ongoing education must be able to effectively perform all of the course pre-requisites above and can perform the following:

  • Lock off an aperture type belay device
  • Complete a basic load transfer
  • Ascend a fixed line without the use of mechanical devices
  • Create a basic 3:1 raise using an assisted braking device (GriGri/Cinch) or plaquette device (ATC Guide/Reverso)
  • Release a loaded plaquette device (ATC Guide/Reverso)

For more details, see the complete course listing here.

Rock Climbing 201-Rock Climbing Anchors and Gear Placement

December 10, 2022 by

This two-day group course is ideal for climbers wanting to learn about rock climbing anchors and gear placement. Students will learn to build a variety of anchors from simple two bolt setups to more complex anchors using natural and artificial components. A significant part of the course will be devoted to learning to place and clean gear like cams, nuts, and tricams.

The course will be based from our headquarters in Brevard, NC (unless otherwise arranged) and is taught by professional, credentialed instructors who hold AMGA Certification. These instructors have worked as a team to create and continually improve our course curriculum to ensure you will be gaining the most up to date information out there. Our goal is to empower you with the skills and knowledge to become an independent climber.

“I started doing courses and private guiding with you guys one year ago. I had never climbed anything outside in my life. Now, I lead multipitch rock and ice, and I take my friends climbing too” – John Wallis

Topics Covered:

  • Building anchors using natural and artificial components
  • Following trad lead pitches, gear removal, racking, communication
  • Climbing equipment showing you what you need, what you don’t need as well as looking at storage and proper use
  • Climbing history and ethics, Leave No Trace wilderness skills
  • Debunking common myths in climbing and climbing equipment
  • Lots of climbing!

 

For more information and pricing see the full course description here.

Rock Climbing 201-Rock Climbing Anchors and Gear Placement

December 10, 2022 by

This two-day group course is ideal for climbers wanting to learn about rock climbing anchors and gear placement. Students will learn to build a variety of anchors from simple two bolt setups to more complex anchors using natural and artificial components. A significant part of the course will be devoted to learning to place and clean gear like cams, nuts, and tricams.

The course will be based from our headquarters in Brevard, NC (unless otherwise arranged) and is taught by professional, credentialed instructors who hold AMGA Certification. These instructors have worked as a team to create and continually improve our course curriculum to ensure you will be gaining the most up to date information out there. Our goal is to empower you with the skills and knowledge to become an independent climber.

“I started doing courses and private guiding with you guys one year ago. I had never climbed anything outside in my life. Now, I lead multipitch rock and ice, and I take my friends climbing too” – John Wallis

Topics Covered:

  • Building anchors using natural and artificial components
  • Following trad lead pitches, gear removal, racking, communication
  • Climbing equipment showing you what you need, what you don’t need as well as looking at storage and proper use
  • Climbing history and ethics, Leave No Trace wilderness skills
  • Debunking common myths in climbing and climbing equipment
  • Lots of climbing!

 

For more information and pricing see the full course description here.

Rock Climbing 201-Rock Climbing Anchors and Gear Placement

December 10, 2022 by

This two-day group course is ideal for climbers wanting to learn about rock climbing anchors and gear placement. Students will learn to build a variety of anchors from simple two bolt setups to more complex anchors using natural and artificial components. A significant part of the course will be devoted to learning to place and clean gear like cams, nuts, and tricams.

The course will be based from our headquarters in Brevard, NC (unless otherwise arranged) and is taught by professional, credentialed instructors who hold AMGA Certification. These instructors have worked as a team to create and continually improve our course curriculum to ensure you will be gaining the most up to date information out there. Our goal is to empower you with the skills and knowledge to become an independent climber.

“I started doing courses and private guiding with you guys one year ago. I had never climbed anything outside in my life. Now, I lead multipitch rock and ice, and I take my friends climbing too” – John Wallis

Topics Covered:

  • Building anchors using natural and artificial components
  • Following trad lead pitches, gear removal, racking, communication
  • Climbing equipment showing you what you need, what you don’t need as well as looking at storage and proper use
  • Climbing history and ethics, Leave No Trace wilderness skills
  • Debunking common myths in climbing and climbing equipment
  • Lots of climbing!

 

For more information and pricing see the full course description here.

Rock Climbing 101-Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing

December 10, 2022 by

 

Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing is hands down our most popular course! This two-day group course is designed for people wanting to learn the foundational skills necessary to begin climbing outdoors by themselves. It is the ideal course for those looking to go from “gym to crag.”

We cover everything from outdoor climbing movement and correct belay techniques to top rope set ups and anchors to climbing equipment selection, use, and storage. This course is also a great foundation for participants who wish to move onto our more in-depth Rock Climbing 201.

The course will be based at our headquarters in Brevard, NC (unless otherwise arranged). Our courses are taught by professional, credentialed instructors who hold AMGA certification. These instructors have worked as a team to create and continually improve our course curriculum to ensure you will be gaining the most up-to-date information out there. Our goal is to empower you with the skills and knowledge to become an independent climber.

Topics Covered:

  • Knots and rope work skills
  • Belaying, both top rope and lead
  • Communication and terminology
  • Climbing equipment. Showing you what you need, what you don’t need as well as storage and correct use
  • Anchor anatomy (no gear placements, see Rock Climbing 201 Course for advanced anchors with cams, stoppers, etc.)
  • Understanding guide books, climbing ‘topos’ and deciphering climbing grades
  • Climbing history, ethics and, Leave No Trace wilderness skills
  • Debunking common climbing myths
  • Lots of climbing!

For additional details and prices, see the full course listing here.

Rock Climbing 101-Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing

December 10, 2022 by

 

Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing is hands down our most popular course! This two-day group course is designed for people wanting to learn the foundational skills necessary to begin climbing outdoors by themselves. It is the ideal course for those looking to go from “gym to crag.”

We cover everything from outdoor climbing movement and correct belay techniques to top rope set ups and anchors to climbing equipment selection, use, and storage. This course is also a great foundation for participants who wish to move onto our more in-depth Rock Climbing 201.

The course will be based at our headquarters in Brevard, NC (unless otherwise arranged). Our courses are taught by professional, credentialed instructors who hold AMGA certification. These instructors have worked as a team to create and continually improve our course curriculum to ensure you will be gaining the most up-to-date information out there. Our goal is to empower you with the skills and knowledge to become an independent climber.

Topics Covered:

  • Knots and rope work skills
  • Belaying, both top rope and lead
  • Communication and terminology
  • Climbing equipment. Showing you what you need, what you don’t need as well as storage and correct use
  • Anchor anatomy (no gear placements, see Rock Climbing 201 Course for advanced anchors with cams, stoppers, etc.)
  • Understanding guide books, climbing ‘topos’ and deciphering climbing grades
  • Climbing history, ethics and, Leave No Trace wilderness skills
  • Debunking common climbing myths
  • Lots of climbing!

For additional details and prices, see the full course listing here.