Patrick Weaver brings a unique set of skills to the guiding community. The combination of training and personal experience brings interesting perspective to climbing and instruction. He loves sharing outdoor adventure with others as a climbing guide for both rock climbing and ice climbing, and is an excellent teacher. His understanding of different learning styles and variety of teaching techniques is a huge asset to your experience.

Patrick began climbing in the Midwest 20 years ago at a small crag in central Michigan. From there he has traveled to over 23 destinations throughout North America. Besides locally climbing North Carolina, he has climbed in the Red River Gorge (Kentucky), Tennessee, and West Virginia. Trips to the North East have led him to climb the Prow on the Cathedral, Whitney-Gilman on Cannon Cliff, and ice climbing on Mount Adams. He has made ascents of the Leaning Tower and the South Face of Washington’s Column in Yosemite. In addition to rock climbing, he has been ice climbing in the Southern Appalachian and New England areas. His most recent ice climbing adventure was to the Adirondacks.

Education

Patrick has a BS from Indiana University at South Bend in Secondary Science Education. This degree led to 10 years of high school science instruction, teaching physical science and environmental science. While teaching, he also was the head track coach for 6 years and had the privilege of coaching over 240 athletes. He has a special interest in coaching athletic movement. During this time, Patrick combined secondary education with wilderness experiences to help start a program called Leadership Through Adventure.

Patrick continued his education with his MA from Prescott College in Risk Management in Adventure Education. His thesis was on judgment development and risk management for Adventure Education. This was an in depth look at accidents caused by human error and how to avoid them. He presents seminars on judgment and risk management. He has presented at Prescott College, and most recently at the PEAK Conference at Camp Greenville. Additionally, Patrick presented at the AEE Southeast Regional Conference 2008 on judgment and institutional anchors for climbing and is a member of the AEE.

Professional Training

Patrick began guiding professionally full time as a climbing instructor in 2003 after completing the AMGA TRSM program. From there he has continued his professional training by becoming an American Mountain Guides Association Certified Rock Instructor. Patrick is also an AMGA SPI Director and can provide these courses and exams.  Patrick also holds the medical certification Wilderness First Responder.

• AMGA Rock Instructor Certified
• AMGA SPI Director
• Certified Member of the American Mountain Guides Association
• Association of Experiential Education Member
• AEE Accreditation Reviewer
• Wilderness First Responder

Interests

Patrick lives in Brevard, NC with his wife, Christine, and two children, Ada and Benjamin. Ben, age 3, loves climbing on dad, playing at the playground, and has started to do some short rock climbs. Ada, age 5, has been following dad up climbing routes for a couple years now and enjoys being outdoors with dad. In addition to climbing, Patrick enjoys white water kayaking, fly fishing, mountain biking and camping throughout WNC with his family.

Client Testimonial

“My day at Cedar Rock with Patrick was exactly what I was hoping for. As requested, I received excellent instruction on rescue techniques and improving my climbing movement and had a great time. Patrick is the most thorough guide I have ever climbed with and I will definitely be back for more instruction as well as guided climbs.”

Elizabeth Gainer, Florida

Our “first time” rock climbing family consisting of my wife and I along with our two 16 year old sons and 7 year old daughter had a blast! Our guide was outstanding and gave us the confidence to safely push ourselves to new heights. He guided us through the steps to successfully climb to the top of what I thought would be an impossible rock surface to ascend. Mom, Dad and all three kids made it to the top throughout the day. We’ll definitely return for another trip.

David Adler, New Freedom PA

Patrick knows his stuff and is an excellent teacher. Although I am an experienced multi-pitch trad climber, I still learned tons on my outing with him. I highly recommend AMI.

Dan Stipe