AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI) Course – Maine

Get Certified to Teach Indoor Climbing with Confidence and Credibility

The AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI) Course is designed for climbers who want to professionally instruct in indoor climbing gyms or on artificial climbing walls. Whether you’re a gym employee, camp staff, or aspiring educator, this nationally recognized certification helps you build safer, more effective instruction practices.

Equinox Guiding Service is proud to offer AMGA-accredited CWI courses in Maine, taught by certified AMGA CWI Providers.

What You’ll Get

  • 20 hours of training over 2.5 days covering core instruction techniques, belaying, strong movement fundamentals, and climber progression.

  • Hands-on sessions with experienced guides, focusing on what participants need to lead climbs, both physically and mentally.

  • Risk-management components: understanding gym systems, setting up top-ropes, emergency response, and what “professional climbing instruction” looks like in practice.

Who This Is Best For

  • Gym employees looking to move into instructing or program leadership.

  • Climbers who want to formalize their guiding skills, teach classes, or offer coaching.

  • Anyone 18+, with some climbing experience (top-rope 5.8 or equivalent preferred), comfortable belaying, and ready to learn teaching skills.

Logistics & Pricing

  • Location: EVO Rock + Fitness, Portland, Maine

  • Duration: 2.5 days (20 hours total)

  • Cost: $500(includes all materials, use of gear, certification)

  • Prerequisites: Minimum climbing experience (ability to lead/shape top-rope 5.7–5.8 or equivalent), ability to belay, age 18+, etc.

What to Bring

  • Climbing shoes (if you have), chalk, comfortable athletic clothes

  • Notebook & pen for notes during class

  • Water, snacks for breaks