Support
As part of my project, I'm pursuing a certification called the Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) through the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA). This is the only nationally recognized standard for professional climbing instruction in the U.S. This certification establishes rigorous, nationally recognized benchmarks for risk management, technical rope systems, emergency procedures, and best practices in outdoor climbing environments.
Traditional climbing is a form of rock climbing where the climber has to place protective pieces called cams and nuts into natural rock features like cracks and contrictions. The rope is then clipped into these pieces so that the climber is secured and doesn't fall to the ground. The SPI curriculum requires proficiency in this form a climbing, which is why, the first phase of my project was to purchase the necessary gear and start learning this form of climbing. As of August 2026, I have purchased the necessary gear and I have started learning trad climbing. I have met the requirements to take the course which I will take in October through Great Range Mountain Guides. The final part of the project will require me to trad climb more and take the SPI Examination which I plan to take in the spring of 2027.
The SPI certification will let me lead safer, higher-quality, instruction-focused rock and ice climbing trips at St. Lawrence, expand the Outdoor Program's rock climbing offerings, and bring nationally recognized safety standards to campus programming. Additionally, being the manager at Munro Family Climbing Wall, the certification will also help me ensure the safety at our gym.