American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA)
Single Pitch Instruction (SPI) Course
This course is designed for folks that either work and climb in a single pitch setting. It is the only nationally and internationally recognized single pitch climbing instructor certification program. In 2009 the AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Program was recognized for meeting the "training standards" of the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA) and was granted the prestigious title of "Approved Association." This program is recognized by many land managers, insurance companies, other associations and of course the general public. The AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Program has been created to fit in the AMGA Rock Discipline training program.
SPI COURSE OVERVIEW:
SPI Course Overview Day 1:
- Session 1: SPI and AMGA Program Overview
- Session 2: Professionalism
- Session 3: Equipment
- Session 4: Knots and Hitches
- Session 5: Belaying
- Session 6: Protection and Anchoring
- Session 7: Teaching
SPI Course Overview Day 2:
- Session 8: The Climbing Site
- Session 9: Site Organization and Group Management
- Session 10: Base Managed Sites
- Session 11: Assistance Skills - Base Managed Sites
- Session 12: Programming and Risk Management
- End of Day Debriefs
SPI Course Overview Day 3:
- Session 13: Instructor Demo Lead Climb
- Session 14: Top Managed Sites
- Session 15: Lowering
- Session 16: Assistance Skills - Top Managed Sites
- Session 17: Rappelling
- Session 18: Climbing Movement
- Session 19: Review Sessions
- Final Individual and Group Debriefs
Price Includes:
- Three days of instruction
- One year membership in the AMGA
Price Does Not Include:
- Travel to Durango, CO from your location
- Personal Climbing equipment and gear
- Items of personal nature
- Individual travel costs, delays, etc.
- Excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic drinks and personal snacks
- Hotels before and after trip
- Recommended Travel/trip cancelation insurance
- Guide/ Staff gratuity
Prerequisites:
- Have a genuine interest in rock climbing and instructing novices on single pitch crags.
- Are at least 18 years old at the time of the course.
- Have at least 12 months prior climbing experience.
- Are an active climber with traditional lead climbing experience (leader placing pro).
- Have trad lead climbed a minimum of 15 graded rock climbing routes (any grade).
- Are capable of comfortably climbing 5.8 while on a top rope.
The above pre-requisites are absolute minimums and most candidates have way in excess of the above. Without having at least this amount experience you are unlikely to play a constructive part on the course or be able to make best use of the training. If you are unsure of your skill levels we suggest hiring an AMGA/IFMGA certified guide to evaluate and enhance your skills and experience prior to SPI Program enrollment.
Registration:
- To secure your spot on this trip you will need to fill out our domestic registration packets. Full payment is due upon registration for this program.
*Kling Mountain Guides operates under special use permits in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park , Moab BLM, Indian Creek BLM, Manti-La Sal National Forest, Cedar Mesa Grand Gulch BLM, Mt. Rainier National Park, Uncompahgre National Forest, Dalla Mountain Park areas. Kling Mountain Guides operates under the Durango Mountain Resort operating plan in the San Juan National Forest. Kling Mountain Guides LLC provides services and employment regardless of ethnic or cultural heritage, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or physical handicap. Josh Kling operates as an employee of Mountain Trip, San Juan College, Fort Lewis College, and the Silverton Avalanche School.. Mountain Trip, San Juan College, Fort Lewis College, and the Silverton Avalanche School all operate under special use permits from the United States Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management in their respective operating districts.**
Rock ’N Raft Prices (H3)
- Adult: $75 (includes 2-hour raft trip and 4-hours of rock climbing)
- Children (8-18 years old): $65 (includes 2-hour raft trip and 4-hours of rock climbing)
