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July 2019 by Scott
My son and I completed the two day beginner rock climbing course this last weekend. Mark Bowling was our instructor. It completely exceeded our expectations. Mark had us doing things early on that went way beyond what we thought the weekend would entail. We were thrilled. It was informative, challenging, fun and motivating. Mark is an excellent instructor not only in technical knowledge of the sport but in his ability to communicate techniques and pearls to beginners. We caught the fever and will definitely be back for more advanced instruction. Mark is the go-to guy!
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July 2019 by WR
Just finished the 2 day Basic rock climbing course and am super impressed with Mark Bowling our instructor and the class as a whole. I went from never climbing before to doing things I didn't think I would be able to do without many months of training. Mark's many years of experience really made the class enjoyable and very informative. I really appreciate the the time he spent with us not just going over basic technique but all the little nuances that really help you climb better and more safe. He would answer any and all questions and really helped walk you through the climb, positioning, tricks and technique. I will be signing up for more lessons soon.
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July 2018 by mary ellen comolli
Steve was our guide for our first rock climbing experience. He was awesome!! He was super knowledgeable and experienced. He made us feel at ease and supported and encouraged us at just the right time. We talked about the experience for days after. Joshua Tree was beautiful!!!!!
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July 2017 by Rachel Howard
We normally would use a book and climb an area ourselves but since we travelled without gear, we got a guide. What a great decision! Steve has such a great personality and was such a pleasure to climb with. He found some great routes for us to start on and although the day was cut short by pouring rain, it was totally worth it. Hoping to come back for more next year!
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July 2017 by matthew over
Our guide Dave was first class! So happy we hired the Joshua tree climbing school and made the experience in Joshua tree amazing. My girlfriend and I were very happy with everything.
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July 2016 by Sinchai Tsao (Sinch)
Awesome experience with Mark. He found us routes that were perfect for ability, gave clear instruction on how to climb, body positioning and routes. He was patient and attentive. Even though we only booked for a half day, we felt like we got a full day of climbing since he had routes set up by the time we arrived. I would highly recommend going with Mark.
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July 2016 by michael wolfskill
Steve is the man. Super humble, chill guy. World class seasoned climber whose climbing repertoire is quite astonishing. Understood our skill levels and matched routes accordingly. Patient, gave clear instruction on how to climb certain routes and emphasized technique. Would highly recommend Steve and I plan on being back for the intermediate class.
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July 2015 by Janet
I took the 2 day beginner class with Steve Gerberding (The King of El Capitan) in the weekend of March 7-8, 2015. I loved Steve, we all did! He is a very humble yet super knowledgeable guide. He went thru all of the topics as described in the website for the beginners’ class. For a beginner’s class I thought that it was excellent and very extensive. I left feeling like I was a pro. He guided all of the climbing routes, believed in us, was very patient, funny and gave us good tips of fundamental climbing techniques while at the same time allowing us to grow independently and ‘figure’ the route on our own with the fundamentals (chimney techniques, stemming, palming, smearing, etc). He also briefly discussed anchors to prepare us for the next step of rock climbing fundamentals. Steve Gerberding is awesome and I would definitely come back to get more goodies from this school and the instructor.
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July 2015 by K Huffman
Thank you Dave for such an amazing adventure. It had been a while since the last time I had been rock climbing and Dave taught me more than all of my past rock climbing adventures combined. Dave is very patient and knows exactly how to boost your confidence. Great day! I will definitely be back! Thanks Dave!
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July 2015 by Robert Werth
Excellent in every way. I took the two day basic climbing course. The instructor David did a fantastic job and had every aspect of the course covered.
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July 2015 by sacha skarbek
Had an absolutely fantastic day climbing in Joshua Tree. Steve, my guide, was amazing, encouraging and informative . Thoroughly recommend!
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July 2015 by Pat McCarter
My brother and I took a private 2 day beginner course. Our instructor, Dave, was awesome! We learned a ton over the two days, and were given lots of input on how we spent our time and what we focused on. We got to do bouldering, rope assisted climbing, and belaying. The boulders and routes we climbed were all super fun and the right difficulty. We were able to push our limits while feeling safe the entire time. The weather was great and Joshua Tree National Park has an outstanding landscape. Overall it was just a great experience! We will definitely be back to do an intermediate and advanced course!
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July 2015 by James Burg
Mark was incredible. I came down to Joshua Tree from Canada as a complete beginner to rock climbing, and I loved learning from this guy! He teaches with the patience and knowledge of a true master, and I think he has memorized every single route in the park and could climb them blindfolded! When he teaches Mark delves deeply into all the different aspects of rock climbing, from footwork to visualization, body positioning and flexibility to the theory of knots and history of rock climbing throughout the decades. After I took a course here, I grew steadily better over time, and even a year later (when I came back to Joshua Tree to take another course from Mark) I still remembered and frequently used skills and specific little tricks that he taught me. Do me a favor and chose Joshua Tree Rock Climbing school........these guys do not disappoint!
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July 2015 by Matt Carlson
I just want to say that my Family and I had a great time with Steve at Indian Cove this past week. Steve got all of us climbing including my 4 year old. He balanced the whole morning with easy and medium difficulty climbs perfect for our family, along with that, he gave us great instruction and guidance on next steps, as our 6 year old was climbing up spots that shocked us all (except maybe Steve), I know that we’ll be hunting for spots outside the climbing gym here in the bay area for him.Joshua Tree is a great experience in itself but it’s even better when you get to climb as a family on some of its special rocks with a great guide.Thanks again!
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July 2015 by Emanuela Tura
Mark is just an incredible teacher. I started climbing many years ago, but I felt I knew nothing up until I met Mark. He is extremely safe, careful and knowledgeable. He had many tips on footwork and equipment. As I was climbing up, he would tell me exactly where to put my hands and feet and suggested different options. From the ground, at any point, he knew exactly what there was at my shoulders, hands, hips or feet level in terms of the wall characteristics. He is calm, clear, professional and very pleasant. I loved all his climbing stories all around the world! He has reasonable rates and he is generous with his time and teaching. I took two classes with him a year apart, and I am looking forward to my next one... hopefully sooner!!
