Who We Are: Professional Climbing Guides in Midcoast Maine
Our experienced Equinox guides are certified experts dedicated to safety, skill-building, and unforgettable climbing adventures. Based in Camden experts in Maine Climbing!
Growing up on the coast of Maine meant easy access to stunning climbing spots. We started Equinox Guiding Service with a clear goal: to help more people enjoy the outdoors through climbing, our greatest passion. Camden and Acadia are not just climbing areas; they hold special meaning for us, and we love sharing their beauty with everyone.
Our commitment is to provide amazing climbing experiences in Maine. Our guides are skilled and dedicated to making your adventure fun, and rewarding. We believe climbing can change lives, and we are eager to help you explore this incredible sport.
We do this because we love climbing, and we’re sure that once you try it, you’ll love it too.
See you on the rock!
Equinox Guiding Service Guides
NOAH KLEINER
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Noah Kleiner is a climbing guide, educator, and founder of Equinox Guiding Service, the only AMGA-accredited guide service in Camden, Maine. With more than 20 years of experience in the climbing industry, Noah specializes in rock, ice, and alpine climbing and is one of the few AMGA-certified Multi-Pitch Instructors in Maine. He is also the only AMGA Certified Ice Instructor based in Maine.
Noah is a Certified Maine Guide and holds New York State Tier 1 certifications in both Rock Climbing and Ice Climbing Guiding. He is also a Wilderness First Responder, meeting the medical and safety standards required by the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA).
Beyond guiding clients, Noah is deeply committed to developing the next generation of climbing professionals. He teaches and administers AMGA Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) and Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI) programs, helping aspiring guides build the technical skills, judgment, and professionalism required in the field.
His commitment to safety and rescue preparedness includes advanced technical training with Rigging for Rescue, an internationally respected leader in technical rescue and rope rigging education.
Noah is also a founding member of the Coastal Mountain Search and Rescue Team, reflecting his dedication to safety, preparedness, and service within the outdoor community.
As a business owner, he leads Equinox Guiding Service with a focus on high standards, integrity, and clear communication, creating meaningful climbing experiences for clients while supporting the growth of Maine’s climbing community.
Noah lives in Hope, Maine, with his wife Jen and their daughter Lyra. His work and lifestyle are grounded in a deep connection to the Maine landscape and a belief that climbing can foster confidence, resilience, and lasting relationships with the natural world.
Certifications & Training:
AMGA Ice Instructor • AMGA Multi-Pitch Instructor • Certified Maine Guide • NY State Tier 1 Rock & Ice Guide • Wilderness First Responder • Rigging for Rescue Training
Austen Bernier
Austen is a NH native who grew up in the shadow of Mount Washington and Cathedral Ledge. After learning to climb after high school, he honed his experience across the United States, South America, and Europe. Then he returned to New England to share what he'd learned with others. For Austen, the mountains are just a medium for teaching us much larger lessons about ourselves. The vertical spaces of rock and ice are rife with metaphor that - if we look closely - will teach us a lot about life. He aims to send clients home not just as stronger, more competent climbers, but as stronger people.
Austen places great value on moving through the mountains (and the world), first and foremost, with grace. Spending time with Austen in the mountains, you should expect to learn to move as such. He is also a fluent speaker of Spanish and would be delighted to climb with you in Spanish, or tutor Spanish learners throughout the day. Austen es hispanohablante fluido y le encantaría escalar con ustedes en español.
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Conner Lydick
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Conner Lydick grew up in the Greater Portland area and found his passion for climbing in 2017 when he first stepped through the doors of EVO Rock + Fitness. What began as a personal challenge quickly became a lifelong pursuit. Since then, Conner has immersed himself in the climbing world—learning technical skills, exploring the culture, and gaining experience in the industry with the goal of one day owning his climbing gym.
What truly sets Conner apart is his dedication to creating a welcoming and inclusive community. Inspired by how at home he felt when he first discovered climbing, Conner now strives to offer that same feeling to others—whether they’re tying in for the first time or chasing their next project. He’s always up for a conversation, whether it’s about beta, outdoor adventures, or even your favorite video game (just don’t be surprised if he asks your name again—he’s working on it!).
Conner brings energy, warmth, and a genuine love of climbing to every interaction, and he’s excited to share that passion with you on and off the wall.
Elias Libby
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Elias began climbing during an outdoor leadership class in his junior year of high school, and his passion for the sport has only grown since then. During his freshman year of college, he earned his Climbing Wall Instructor certification and completed his Single Pitch Instructor course, ultimately achieving SPI certification. Recently has taken the Rock Guide course giving archiving a Apprentice Rock Guide status. What began as a recreational activity has become a central part of his life and a potential career path.
Sharing the sport of climbing is a core value for Elias, as he believes that teaching others is the best way to expand the climbing community and encourage people to experience the outdoors. Having spent his entire life immersed in nature, incorporating rock climbing was the final piece to complete his outdoor lifestyle. Looking ahead, Elias is excited to share his experiences and knowledge with others while enjoying the natural beauty of Maine.
Evan Constantine
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Evan Constantine began his journey with Equinox Guiding Service as a dedicated intern and quickly stood out for his strong work ethic and passion for climbing. Since then, he has taken on an increasingly active role with the team and recently passed his AMGA Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) Exam, becoming a certified guide.
A graduate of the Outdoor Leadership Program at the Mid-Coast School of Technology, Evan earned his Advanced Wilderness First Aid certification and gained valuable field experience. He’s heading to Vermont State University this fall to pursue a degree in Adventure Education, deepening his commitment to a career in the outdoors.
Evan brings enthusiasm, professionalism, and a collaborative spirit to every trip. He’s thrilled to be guiding again this summer and looks forward to helping clients experience the joy of climbing in Maine’s beautiful terrain.
Alden Howard
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Alden Howard began his climbing journey at 16 through the Outdoor Leadership Program at Mid-Coast School of Technology. Since then, he has dedicated his time to honing his skills both on indoor walls and outdoor crags throughout Maine. Alden is a certified AMGA Single Pitch Instructor and holds certifications in Advanced Wilderness First Aid and as a Leave No Trace Instructor.
Through hands-on training and mentorship, Alden has developed a deep passion for guiding and teaching others. He brings patience, technical expertise, and a genuine enthusiasm for helping clients discover the joys of rock climbing. Whether you’re new to the sport or looking to sharpen your skills, Alden is excited to share the beauty of Maine’s Midcoast climbing with you.
Interns
Looking for a way to share your love of outdoor adventure? In this position you will have the opportunity to ignite a lifelong appreciation of the outdoors through Rock Climbing! As a part of our Rock Climbing Team you will be working with a diverse group of guests providing education and leadership on outdoor rock climbing.