by Rockbound Adventures Guide James Klaers

Despite having a childhood that was packed with outdoor time—FFO’s (Forced Family Outings), elementary homeschool group nature walks, and playing around the boundary waters in Northern Minnesota—it had never occurred to me that I could center my life around playing outside for the long term.

As a budding rock climber in my teens, I thought strength and minimal technique could get me through anything. Little did I know, climbing was all about technical skills, rope management and judgement.

When I found out I could get college credit for rock climbing, backpacking and ice climbing at Colorado Mountain College (CMC), I almost tipped over—I was so surprised and psyched that this was even an option in the collegiate world. That was the catalyst to an incredible climbing journey for me.

While many climbers, including myself, start their journey on their own or with informal mentorship, I learned that formal education and guided instruction were key to unlocking my true potential. My personal journey, from taking a high school climbing extracurricular at The Watershed School and being a student at CMC in Leadville to becoming an Outdoor Educator with the Colorado Outward Bound School (COBS) and an AMGA Certified Rock Guide and Single Pitch Instructor Provider, is a testament to how professional instruction can elevate both skill and confidence on the rock.

From Student to Instructor: The Role of Formal Education in My Climbing Journey

When I moved to Leadville in 2010 to attend CMC my soul felt at peace and my inner child was ecstatic to be surrounded by mountains and plentiful sky.

During my time there I started pursuing climbing more seriously and I realized just how valuable structured learning could be for me. Working through CMC’s Outdoor Recreation Leadership Program helped me gain invaluable insight into the world of outdoor education, leadership, and guiding. I was able to move through a logical, intentional progression of climbing courses and it laid the groundwork for over a decade’s worth of learning and teaching in this highly technical world of rock climbing. Being taught the “why” behind the “what” influenced the judgement I needed to elevate my own rope skills and risk management.

Now, over a decade after being a student, I am honored to be a current Adjunct Faculty with CMC Leadville and pay the learning forward with their outdoor education students.

Guided Instruction: The Secret to Building Confidence and Mastering Technique

During my time at CMC, working at COBS, as well as when I was going through the AMGA Rock Guide Program, I was fortunate to receive guidance from experienced instructors, whose expertise helped me refine my skills and gain the confidence to take on more challenging climbs. My time spent with those instructors and guides brought out the best in me and elevated my understanding, skill and passion for climbing.

As I advanced in my own climbing journey, I began to see how much value there was in working with a seasoned guide. Their ability to provide insightful feedback, anticipate challenges, and offer encouragement made the difference between just another recreational outing and a truly enjoyable, growth-oriented adventure.

That is the magic of guided instruction: it accelerates your learning, prevents unnecessary mistakes, and helps you push your limits while maintaining risk management efficiently.

The Broader Educational Value: How Climbing Teaches Life Skills

Over the years my love climbing has only grown because it brings out so many transferrable skills. Climbing can teach proactive communication, accurate self-assessment, interpersonal growth, vulnerability and so much more. It can force climbers to push through self-doubt and think critically and creatively to overcome challenges.

Through formal education and structured instruction, I better learned how to navigate these obstacles in a healthy, productive and growth-oriented way.

Why Guided Instruction Matters

The value of guided instruction transcends individual climbers; it strengthens the entire climbing community. I have both been a part of and witnessed the value of guided instruction and watched it elevate the communities around me.

By teaching up-to-date techniques, risk management, and environmental responsibility, guides help ensure that climbers are not only skilled but also responsible. This knowledge fosters a culture of safety and respect in the climbing world.

Conclusion: Climbing to New Heights

Whether you’re new to climbing or a seasoned veteran, the benefits of guided instruction are undeniable. It’s not just about climbing the next amazing route – it’s about learning, growing, and climbing higher, both physically and mentally. If you’re ready to take your climbing journey to the next level, there’s no better way than through expert guidance and structured learning.

James Klaers is an AMGA Certified Rock Guide and outdoor educator with nearly two decades of climbing experience.

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June 27–29 with James Klaers

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