There is a new breed of climbers in this generation who were born in the gym and spend their climbing time indoors on artificial holds. This is where some of the world's best started, but at some point it becomes necessary to take it outdoors.

Rock climbing, as opposed to gym climbing, is by nature an adventure that requires scheduling, travel, hiking, camping and all manner of logistics. And that just gets you to the climb's base! Finding the right route (getting "off route" is scary) and staying on it is simplified with a guidebook and is a navigational skill unto itself. Finally, are the actual technical challenges of using harnesses, hardware and ropes to protect the climb.

Plenty of climbers taught themselves these skills, surviving countless "close calls" along the way. Let me "teach you the ropes" and you will soon be ready to build your own rack and take the sharp end of the climbing rope.