What prior climbing experience do I need to join this course?

You should have at least 12 months of prior climbing experience, be comfortable lead climbing trad routes, have climbed at least 15 graded routes, and confidently climb 5.8 on top rope.

Is climbing equipment provided or do I need to bring my own?

Basic equipment like ropes and some gear are usually provided, but personal climbing shoes, helmet, and harness are recommended for fit and comfort.

Are there any age restrictions for the course?

Yes, participants must be 18 years or older to enroll in the AMGA SPI Course.

Can I become a certified instructor after this course?

Completing the SPI course is the first step towards certification; further AMGA courses and assessments are required for full certification.

What is the cancellation policy for the course?

Specific cancellation policies should be confirmed directly with Red River Adventures, as they can vary depending on timing and circumstances.

Is there guidance on tipping the instructors?

While tipping is not mandatory, it is appreciated; a standard is around 15-20% of the course cost, acknowledging the guides' expertise and effort.

Master Climbing Instruction with the AMGA SPI Course in Moab, Utah

Located in the heart of southeastern Utah, Moab stands as a premier destination for climbers worldwide, boasting iconic red rock formations framed by expansive desert vistas. The AMGA Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) Course offered by Red River Adventures in Moab presents an unmatched opportunity for experienced climbers to elevate their passion into professional instruction. Over an intensive three days, spanning 27 hours of focused training, this course is tailored for those ready to progress from proficient recreational climber to certified climbing instructor on the single pitch crags that define Utah’s rugged landscape.

Red River Adventures is a cornerstone of the local climbing community, being Utah’s longest-standing SPI provider since 2008. Their IFMGA- and Rock-certified lead instructors bring decades of guiding and teaching expertise, ensuring a curriculum that blends technical skill development with hands-on teaching strategies essential for leading novice climbers safely and effectively.

Moab's geography offers the perfect classroom. The SPI course centers around single pitch climbs—routes that typically range up to 60 meters and allow full instruction within a day’s outing without complex multi-pitch logistics. The region’s sandstone cliffs provide both stunning visual allure and technical challenge, fostering a rich environment to practice skills like top-rope and lead climbing, anchor systems, risk management, and group communication. This natural setting, combined with Red River’s seasoned staff, creates an immersive training experience that few other climbing locales or programs can match.

Prerequisites ensure participants are ready to dive deep: climbers must be at least 18 years old, have a year of climbing experience, possess solid traditional lead climbing skills, and comfortably climb 5.8 grades on top rope. This baseline assures that trainees can absorb instructional techniques while refining their own climbing ability.

Moab itself is an adventure hub beyond climbing, with Arches and Canyonlands National Parks nearby, adding cultural and historic context to any visit. After training days, outdoor enthusiasts can explore unique desert flora, vibrant wildlife, and the distinctive rust-colored sandstone formations that have attracted generations of climbers.

Choosing Red River Adventures’ AMGA SPI Course in Moab means joining a community deeply connected to the local environment and committed to sustainable, respectful outdoor practices. Their legacy of expert instruction and authentic Utah climbing experiences makes this an essential step for anyone serious about climbing instruction certification in one of the world’s most legendary climbing locations.

About Red River Adventures

Red River Adventures is a Moab, Utah–based outfitter featured on The Adventure Collective that specializes in guided canyoneering, rock climbing, rafting, and instructional courses. The company leads distinct Moab canyoneering trips such as Morning Glory (Ephedra’s Grotto), a roughly 3-mile route with guided rappels of about 90 feet into a sandstone chamber and 120 feet near Morning Glory Arch, and Chamisa Canyon (Entrajo Canyon), a water-carved slot canyon of roughly 2.5 miles with wading, scrambling, optional rappels, and summer swimming.

Guided rock climbing offerings include private one-day guided rock climbing with AMGA-certified instructors, multi-pitch climbing instruction, classic introductory and advanced tours, Crack Camp programs, and iconic climbs such as Castleton Tower and Indian Creek. Instructional and professional development courses listed include AMGA SPI exam and course offerings, AIARE avalanche courses, avalanche rescue, and backcountry mentorship.

Red River Adventures also lists ice climbing programs (half-day to multi-pitch and full-day), backcountry ski and heli-ski options, international trips such as Ski Hokkaido and Ski - Chamonix, and river options including Moab half-day rafting and a full-day Fisher Towers rafting trip. All trip descriptions indicate guided experiences and technical elements appropriate to the route.

Prospective participants should review specific trip summaries for distance, technical difficulty, and equipment requirements. Trip choices cover day trips, full-day guided adventures, multi-day instruction, certification exams, and specialty international offerings. Several canyoneering and climbing routes are described as guided by experts, and trip pages list mileage, rappel heights, technical grades, and water exposure where applicable for accurate trip planning. Online.

Master Climbing Instruction with the AMGA SPI Course in Moab, Utah

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