AMGA SPI Course and Assessment in Acadia

Last week I had the great pleasure to conduct an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course and Exam in Acadia National Park. I took one of my original AMGA courses in Acadia and have visited this wonderful place almost every year for the past 12 years. It is a very special place and I was overjoyed to have the opportunity to teach a course I love in a place I love. I also had the great pleasure of working with Eli Simon of Atlantic Climbing School. Eli is going through the process of becoming an SPI Provider, and helped create an opportunity for several of his guides to take a training and assessment before their busy season.

The AMGA SPI Program is a great program for anyone conducting instruction or guiding in a climbing setting that is a within a rope length or less. Otter Cliffs in Acadia National Park is the perfect venue to apply many of these skills since it is primarily a top managed site. The Assessment process for the SPI Program involves an assessment of technical and teaching skills. On Day 2 of the 2-day assessment process, SPI Candidates work with real clients to give them an opportunity to demonstrate their teaching as site management skills.

Eli Simon looking on as a candidate conducts a lesson.

Otter Cliffs provided a wonderful ‘Classroom.’

ACS Guide Zephyr, providing a belay during a student rappel.

ACS Guide Ian, getting a student over the edge.

Acadia was a magical place to work and it was wonderful to work with Eli and ACS. Whenever guide services get an opportunity to collaborate, everyone wins, especially the professional field of guiding. I look forward to my next trip ‘Down East.’

RJ

Mooney Mountain Guides