My first experices with climbing were rappelling. We had a large oak tree in our front yard that was around 18 feet in circumference. My dad put a ladder up and tied a rope around the tree. We would climb up about 15 feet and attach the rope to our harness, then repell down the rope. I can't recall how many times we did that but it was fun as a young boy.
My father Ben and myself got involved with the Carolina Wilderness Institute (later renamed to The Wilderness Center), first by taking classes and then teaching them. This is where I was introducted to real rocking climbing outside. We went to Moore's Wall in Stokes County NC because it was so close. Moores Wall is on the north side of Hanging Rock State Park. There are some large boulders below the wall we would practice and learn on. Numereous trips were made there.
In college is where I began to learn to lead climb at Moores Wall. I didn't really have anyone to teach me so I would read books, buy equipment and then go try it on very easy routes.
The only rock climbing class I took was with "Hills and Trails", and outdoor shop in Winston-Salem. They had a two day rock climbing class taught by Mark Wilford. We climbing one day at Moores Wall and the other day at Stone Mt. State Park. I was amazed on how easy he made it look even for the first time climbing it.
I also taught a beginner rock climbing class with The Wilderness Center in Greensboro. This ususally consisted on one day on boulders learning the basics and another day on multi-pitch route.
Climbing Photos