Folks enjoyed a great day climbing and learning during two recent Appalachian Mountain Institute Rock climbing classes.  Participant had fun learning about climbing during the Rock Intro Class and others learned how to set systems up on the AMI Top Roping Class last weekend at Pilot Mountain State Park.  The courses were taught by Danny McCracken, an certified AMGA SPI and rock climbing instructor for Appalachian Mountain Institute.

Here is what some of the participants of the Pilot Mountain State Park course said,

I had avoided doing outdoor climbing until I could get some “real” training from someone who I’m sure knows what they are doing. Danny McCracken is one of those people. I am much more confident that I know what is safe and what is not on outdoor climbing. I look forward to attending more classes.

John Dagenhart

I am a destination climber and learned most of my systems from friends and word of mouth. Danny through AMI did a wonderful job teaching me everything I needed to know to have piece of mind that my anchor setting knowledge is solid. He pointed out my ‘bad habits’ and also my strengths so we could build from that and he had us rehearse, rehearse, rehearse! I recommend every new climbing wanting to climb more outdoors to take the AMI the anchor class!

Doris Sanchez

I hesitated before taking the time and money to take a class with AMI, but now I’m so glad I did and can’t believe I ever hesitated. The course design was incredibly relevant and useful to the skills I wanted to learn. I can’t wait to go out and apply these new skills, and to look into more classes with AMI.

Tara Steinmetz

This weekend, a small group of friends and I had the opportunity to learn the necessary skills in order to rappel and build anchors correctly and safely from Danny McCracken. This course was phenomenal! Danny took the time share every bit of information he could and to work with us individually at times, in order make sure that each of us knew exactly what we were doing before moving on. From starting the course with no prior experience, to ending it hang 100ft above ground on my own setup feeling extremely confident, shows the true ability that Danny has when it comes to teaching these skills. I am extremely grateful to have had this opportunity, and I look forward to many others. Thanks Danny!!!

Nathan Blakeslee

Danny was a great instructor! He was detail oriented, friendly, and addressed everyone’s questions. I definitely will feel secure setting top rope anchors now, and I’m excited to get out on the rock again!

Lisa Albert