Hey Everyone,
How do people meet Mentors? Feels like a stupid question, but as I start to get more serious with climbing I am wondering how people find experienced climbers willing to climb with them... I have been looking out for folks to climb with and it seems like everyone is either more experienced and looking for someone at a similar skill level or they are newer like myself and looking for guidance. I think the issue for me comes down to the fact that I know enough to be dangerous but not nearly enough to take charge. I have taken a self rescue course and have had the basics of outdoor top roping / anchor building demonstrated to me by a friend of a friend. I took the belay class and lead climbing class at Boulder's in Madison and often will lead climb there - but these are only short, indoor sport routes. So with only one outdoor sport lead, some top roped Devil's Lake climbs, puns, dad jokes, a box full of used gear, and some education under my belt I feel like i am hardly scratching the surface of climbing and am in no way ready to be the most experienced person in a group.
With my recent job change I now have the ability to flex one day a week plus early morning / early evening flexibility, so I am hoping there is someone around the Madison / Devil's Lake / Governor Dodge area looking to tic off some routes. My long-ish term goals are to start making climbing trips and knocking off some of the really inspiring 5.fun multi pitch routes out west as well as classics like Devil's Tower, Smith Rock, Yosemite, JTree, ect . I just feel like I am never going to get to a level where that is possible unless i finally admit defeat and ask for help finding a mentor. The internet, books, and classes can only get you so far.
Any advice for how to find someone who needs a belay partner and is willing to show a gumbie the ropes would be amazing!
And anyone looking for a soft catch that comes with bribery beers in exchange for your ancient climbing wisdom drop me a PM!