Mentor? Or no mentor??

Mark,

When I moved to Boulder from MN, I was a strong climber but I had limited outdoor climbing experience. I simply posted for partners, with a description something like this:

I said that I can climb and follow up to XX grade, I have gear, a rope, and a reliable car. I will show up on time, I'll drive, and I will follow you on what ever climbs you want to lead. I'll take you out for a beer after a day of climbing.

I found a ton of people to climb with and I gathered a lot of information along the way. Some people became more regular partners. Once they knew me and my climbing abilities, they would often turn over pitches to me and say, "Lead this, it protects well", etc.

I never hired a guide or had a single mentor. I also never got in way over my head or did anything too stupid. Just be patient, get outside as much as possible, and focus on learning rather than working the grades right now and you should be fine.

It may be useful for you to fill out your profile information here on Mountain Project. If you got skills, then let potential partners know what they are!