AMGA Rock Guide Exam

Climbing Outer Space 5.10c for a preparation day.

Becoming a certified rock guide is a challenging and rewarding journey, and I recently completed a pivotal step in this process - my six-day rock guide exam. These six intense days were filled with exhilarating climbs, valuable lessons, and self-reflection. We tackled routes like "Alice in Bucketland," "Outer Space," and "Blind Faith," each presenting its unique challenges. I learned the importance of efficient belaying and protecting clients while ensuring they had a safe and enjoyable climb. The breathtaking walls of Eldorado Canyon State Park were our playground. At the bottom of this post I have all of my notes from the exam that would likely be quite helpful if you have an exam coming up.

Following a candidate on Alice in Bucketlands 5.8+ during the exam.

My strengths lay in technical climbing, but I acknowledged my areas for improvement, especially in descents and short roping. The journey doesn't end here, and I have plans to further develop my skills and pursue advanced courses. The six-day rock guide exam was an eye-opening experience, providing both challenges and triumphs. It emphasized the importance of decision-making, client safety, efficient belaying, and mastering various climbing techniques.

My journey to becoming a certified mountain guide is far from over, but these six days were a significant step forward. I hope my journey inspires you to embark on your own adventures, whether in rock climbing or any other pursuit. The path to mastery is rarely easy, but the lessons learned and the growth experienced are invaluable.

Below I have linked my Google Docs notes which I used for prep each day of my exam.

A candidate belaying an examiner up to P2 of Green Spur 5.9

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