The post provides a comprehensive guide to preparing for the ARG Exam (Rockies). It discusses the multiple facets of training effectively, including role playing, climbing, rescue scenarios, and training with various partners and in different weather conditions. It underscores the importance of enjoyment, learning, adaptability, and overcoming stress as key components of the training process. Additionally, it offers tips for the exam week and insights into the marking process. The author encourages learners to embrace the experience as an opportunity for growth in their climbing/guiding career.
Category: Climbing
Guides Training Rock (GTR Rockies)
The course is after all, A COURSE. So while you’ll be expected to demonstrate some competencies, mostly the morning consist of you watching and learning as the instructors demo skills & techniques
Cochise Stronghold
If you know, you go. Cochise Stronghold isn’t a name I’d come to associate with the All-American classic rock climbing areas. So, in the dreary rain of November in Revelstoke, BC sitting across the table brewing up ideas over a few brews I was surprised when it was suggested to check out Cochise Stronghold. Located…
Mt Tupper – Upper Headwall of the South Rib (5.11-)
Mt Tupper – Upper Headwall of South Rib (5.11-) Personal Rating: ** Rock Quality: 6/10 Length: 7 pitches of 5.6 – 5.11- climbing Timeline: 12 hours (car-to-car) Gear: # Double Rack 0.3 – 3 I looked up at the relatively blank wall, seeing a few minor down sloping holds and poor feet with no obvious…
A June Morning on Mt Tupper’s West Ridge
A 7’ wide runnel had formed down the center line of the slide-path and was a black hole vortex that sucked in every rock, dirt, and debris into it’s beckoning arms.
Mount Macdonald NW Integral D+ 5.8
Personal Rating: ***** Rock Quality: 8/10 Length: 14-18 pitches Timeline (Bivy -> Bivy): 12 hours Gear: Full double rack (0.3-3) + ½ nuts Climbed: July 6, 2020 I yelled down to Tristan, “ROCK!”, and saw the focused look in his eye as he registered what I was saying before I had finished saying it. We…
Labour & Love – An Ascent of Mt. Sir Donald – NW Route (5.4)
I awoke, or more, opened my eyes. The sounds of burners hissing, water boiling, and climbing gear gently clinking together overwhelmed all my senses. Pressing the lowest button on my watch revealed an ultra-bright 4:00am. I took one long, full breath. Soaking in the stillness and trying to enjoy the last remnants of comfort, or…
The Push.
The Push. Two bolts off the ground, body feels good. The climb is right at the grade, an enjoyable right hand jug… perfect for making this next clip. Tons of options for feet. Confidence. Next move is a slight reach, decent. one more move, a smaller crimp, not ideal but fine. You look up and…
Climbing where you’d least expect it – Sudbury, ON
Climbing where you’d least expect it – Sudbury, ON If you search ‘Sudbury’ into google, it’s likely that you’ll find hits pertaining to mining, education, and perhaps the local hockey team, the Sudbury Wolves. What you’ll likely not come across or be looking for is the blossoming rock climbing scene that has slowly been growing…
Unprepared, Unplanned, and Weather Permitting – How When Nothing works, Everything Works Out
Unprepared, Unplanned, and Weather Permitting – How When Nothing Works, Everything Works Out When you’re out and about on the road traveling you’re constantly faced with unknown circumstances, unfamiliar regions, and typically this leads to a great story of being unprepared and learning along the way. However, it’s rare that these occurrences can happen at…
of Backpacks and Beards 