Frequently Asked Questions
What if I'm afraid of heights?
When I (Noah Kleiner) Started climbing I was also afraid of heights. It’s scared me shitless to climb up and trust another human being to hold the rope. I totally get it. That compassion sets us apart of other guide services. We explain every part of the system from strengths to how the system works. This gives you piece of mind wile your on the wall. We also start slow, with climbing up just a bit and giving you a chance to try out the experience. Then just a little higher the next time. before you know it you’ll be at the top!
What if I fall?
The system is there to hold you. the rope will always be above the climber so if you fall it will hold you. The system is rated to 6000 pounds and gives every climber the ability to trust. it really is an activity in letting go, knowing that our professional trained guides have got you covered.
How strong do I need to be?
Not strong at all. most of climbing is about your legs and pushing up the wall. We coach you on small easier climbs and build the confidence. providing Tecneaks and coaching on different movement skills to help with the strength part. Mantling is a great way to get around the “pull up” fear. it provides an alternative to doing a pull up. In Camden we are graced with lots of Slab. Slab allows the climber to always be able to mantle if need be providing more accessablitly to the laments climber.
Do I need to buy special equipment?
Climbing shoes, climbing helmet and a climbing harness are all provided during your experience. This allows you to focus on yourself in the here and now and be completely present with what is going on for you!
What if I join a course and then find out that it's too hard for me or I'm not having fun?
One of the reasons Equinox Guiding Service is so well known in the field of climbing education is the local knowledge and resourcefulness of our instructors and guides. We are very good at finding locations that offer a range of challenges. In this way, we can almost always accommodate the needs of all our climbers. If you're deeply uncertain about whether you'll enjoy climbing, the best course of action is to choose a short program or one with built-in flexibility, such as a privately guided climb. All our instructional programs can be run as private trips, by special arrangement. Occasionally, someone gets in over their head. We try and accommodate this person as much as we can through rappelling or other engaging activities.
What if the course is too easy?
We are climbers our selves and know how to accommodate the advanced climber. We can put people on just about any rout that will challenge them mentally and fiscally. More often, experienced climbers who sign up for our more intensive introductory courses find that they are learning more up-to-date systems and practices and filling in gaps in their earlier training. We can always ingenue in rope Tecneaks and how to go about rope, transitions, up to date Tecneaks and learning more about the sport that you love.
I've never backpacked or camped before. Can I still participate?
Yes! climbing and back packing are completely different. we use hiking to get to the climbing itself but from then on its hanging out at the bottom of the cliff or climbing to the top! Our Katadin trips are more backpacking intensive so it it is helpful to have a bit more experience with that. But even then we can provide the learning opportunities and meet you where you're at in whatever step in joining the outdoor community that you're at!
