Climbing Schools

Hi,
I have been climbing in Arizona for about a year and have been climbing at PRG for about two years now. Recently, my brother and girlfriend have been going to PRG with me often and have expressed a lot of interest in going outdoors to climb. I have some experience but not enough to consider that I could teach them everything needed to be safe (i.e. I'm not certified in anything climbing). I was wondering if anyone had an opinion on what are some good climbing schools around Phoenix, Prescott, or Tuscon that would provide them with good instruction (for example: safety, techniques, knots, anchors, etc.)? I would love to get them out so I can go outdoors more but I also want to ensure that I can trust them with my life if I lead something. Any helpful opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you

Jim,

I can't vouch for it now but back in "the day" the Arizona Mountaineering Club aka AMC was THE place for Phoenicians to learn to climb. I know a lot of people that took the basic class to get started. It's pretty much Noob central but isn't that what you're looking for? Lots of instruction, redundancy, planned group outings and networking. Factor in the good-doings of the organization like clean-ups, trail maintenance, etc. it's a pretty nice club. Coincidentally I saw that they had a club meeting at the PRG last Monday in which they climbed for free, had pizza and a gear swap. (I was at the gym that night and only recognized two people in the whole group - on my way out I ran into somebody I hadn't seen in at least 10 years.)

I never took one myself but as I recall they used to have two basic classes a year - once in the Fall & one in the Spring. Follow up anchor & lead classes too.

azmountaineeringclub.org/ma…

The AMC is a good organization for beginners and it certainly wouldn't hurt to go for a meeting and check it out. They have monthly meetings with slide shows and stuff like that. Check them out, it could be just what you're looking for.

azmountaineeringclub.org

~Susan

Thank you for the advice, I will look into the AMC courses. I think that is exactly what they could use.

Another question:
Does anyone have an opinion on the Arizona Climbing and Adventure School (Carefree) classes?

Again, thank you for the helpful advice.

Jim,
My wife and I took a learn to lead Trad class (I don't think it was called that) at Arizona Adventure school and found it to be a great class. The instructor was extremely knowlegdable and spent the time to make sure everybody was understanding and performing the way the should be. I would recommend them to anyone. Ask for Jason to teach and I assure you they will have a great experience and learn a huge amount.

Chad

Thank you for the response. I will definitely look into that. I like that they have more dates available then the AMC, but their prices are much higher. But, I guess my life/safety is worth spending that little extra.