Learn, Grow, Evolve

As you can tell by my lack of posts, life has been wonderfully hectic for me. I may be completely exhausted and run down, but I am loving every single second of what Im doing. On the Rocks has become a full-time job, something that I didn't think would happy so quickly! It is a huge learning process and my brain has a hard time shutting off, but how cool is it to be so passionate about something?

 

I keep being told that I have some big decisions to make in the near future. Where do I want to go with this? Do I want On the Rocks to grow? Do I want to be a full-time rock climbing guide? In all honesty, I havent even had a moment to consider these things but I couldn't picture myself doing anything else (other than climbing ofcourse). It seems that past experiences have all pointed me in this direction and I am so happy to be here.

 

In one summer I have met so many kick ass people, worked with some cool businesses and organizations and taught many memorable courses. Im loving the variety of work I have been getting most of all. Check out On the Rocks on facebook to see what I've been up to http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/On-the-Rocks/213991088624283

 

Dream BIG!!!

 

Gym to Rock Course



Lead Courses!

Private guiding and coaching!

Outdoor Climbing Adventures for Youth Competitive climbers!



Coaching young prodigies!

Trad Courses!




It is so amazing to see people lead their first gear route.

 

This summer has definitely been a trial run of sorts, but I finish off a huge season with a deeper appreciation for guiding and a need to continue learning and improving my personal skills too. That is why I jumped on the opportunity to assistant teach a PCGI Top Rope Guide Certification at Devils Lake, Wisconsin.

 

I was recently accepted into the "Mentor Apprentice Program", meaning that I was chosen to be groomed into a PCGI mentor. Going to teach this course with PCGI's Program Coordinator was a little nerve wracking, but man am I glad I went. The amount I learned in 3 days was incredible and I really look forward to a future with PCGI!!!

 

www.climbingguidesinstitute.org

 

A big group of highschool teachers came out to the PCGI Top Rope Guide Course.

Devils Lake was actually a really cool spot too! The rock there is called "Baraboo Quarzite" and it is actually the only place in the world that that type of rock exists. After each day, Zach and I busted out a few nice cracks and sampled some area classics. This is a must stop destination if you are a top-roper, lots of great top roping opportunities. There are also some worthy single pitch cracks in a nice setting. Wisconsin seems like a cool state, lots of beer, cheese and friendly folk.

 

  

 

Practicing the "Grip and Rip" Technique

Now that the guiding season is slowing down a little, I am definitely looking forward to some time on the rocks for myself. It is a blessing that I have been so busy with work though, as this wrist is rediculously slow to heal. Damn ligaments. But Im on the mend and looking forward to testing it out again soon. I am currently in some of the worst climbing shape I have ever been in, so it is going to be a frustrating road but I just wanna rock climb so who cares!!

I did get out a couple times this summer, some evening sessions and a trip to Lions Head. Luckily the rock around here isn't going anywhere so I will crush those unfinished projects another year. I guess thats the scoop. Im now off for a week! Cant wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ground Control to Zuly





Davey Z busts out a nice 5.10d at Old Baldy.





Dave Z tries out a new line at Old Baldy

Trevor Macdonald goes for a burn on White Lightning 5.12c at Metcalfe Rock. This is a new mixed classic put up by On the Rocks guide Chris Pegelo. A new classic for Metcalfe!




Hanging with my friend Cedar. Lovin life.

Peace and lovin' all around, xoxo Les