I think I want to become guide certified, this has been something I have been thinking about for a while. It had to be put on hold for a year while I finished nursing school, now that I am just about done with that, I want to pursue the Single pitch instructor cert. Which for me seems the most attainable based on where I am now with my skills and experience level. It's the entry level cert and I figure I can start there. Trust me, I have a lot more work to do, but I have a good friend/guide that does training and testing for this cert at the AMGA level.
So I am curious about anyone who's done this and if it's as hard as I percieve it to be, what to expect and is the climbing community a nurturing environment for people like me. I do realize it's a mostly male domninated field, but that doesn't bother me.
What are your thoughts? I'd like to guide PT for a company somewhere, possibly with my friends guiding co in NC, I think it would be an incredible experience to show people around the awesome places to climb in NC and to share this w/those who's never done this. I know how it was for me the 1st time I went out and I was blown away.
What do you have to say?
climbingtrash says:
Yeah, I say go for it...what have you got to lose?
Anykineclimb says:
The SPI is something new from AMGA, replacing the TRSM. Being AMGA cerified is not a requirement nationwide, but it will help. If anything, it lets you focuse on learning the proper skills necessary for each level. Interestingly enough, in Italy, you can't just throw around the word "guide"; you have to have a variety of qualifications and certifications. Very much akin to being a doctor, lawyer, etc.
Even though you're an RN, I'd recomend taking a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course. In fact, some sort of wilderness medicine course is required for just about any guide service I've seen.
Like CT, said GO FOR IT!
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