We are extremely proud of our Guides.  Along with impressive climbing resumes and years of experience, they are proven professionals with impeccable safety records.  All have been formally trained through training/certification organizations including AMGA, NOLS, or the military. 

Smith Rock Climbing Guides, Inc. is insured and permitted through the state of Oregon.  Our commitment is to provide a safe, professional, and rewarding experience.

Rest assured you are in the best of hands!     

Featured Guides 

  

  Home: Redmond, OR
  Years Climbing: 19
  Years Guiding: 8

Certifications and training:

          • American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) Certifed Rock Instructor
          • Bachelors of Science, Geology, 2002
          • Certified Wilderness First Responder, WMI, NOLS
          • Combat Lifesaver first responder training (US Army)

David is originally from Washington state, where he started out climbing the northwest volcanoes with his family.  By age 13 he had discovered rock climbing, and was soon helping to establish new climbs on the basalt crags of central Washington.  A well rounded climber, David has onsighted 5.12d sport climbs, redpointed 5.12d crack climbs, and aided A4.  He has numerous first ascents on rock and ice in the western US, and experience in several countries.  He has guided in Washington, Oregon, and California, and has trip led on successful ascents of over 20 grade V and VI big walls, including numerous ascents of El Capitan and Half Dome in Yosemite.  In addition to vertical pursuits, David has guided class 5 whitewater, completed an Eco-Challenge (Borneo 2000), and even rode broncs as a rodeo cowboy.  A Staff Sergeant in the Army National Guard, he spent a year in Iraq with the 1st Infantry Division.  David is a patient and knowledgeable instructor, and we are happy to have him safely back at Smith.  

David speaks “working” Spanish and English.

  Mike Stoger

  Home: Redmond, OR                                            
  Years Climbing: 29
  Years Guiding: 8
                                                                                       

Certifications and training:

         • Certified Mountaineering Instructor (Austrian Army)  
         • Degree in Industrial Technology, Germany, 1988
         • Emergency Response medical training

Mike was born in Germany, and grew up in the central Austrian Alps, where he began mountaineering and rock climbing at a young age.  Although modest by nature, he is one of the world's elite climbers, having redpointed up to 5.14c.  Mike has climbed all over Europe and the United States, and is known for extreme big wall free climbs.  In 1986 he stunned American climbers with a 4 ½ hour free ascent of the West Face of El Capitan in Yosemite.  In 2000 he made the second ascent of the most difficult route on the infamous Eiger North Face in Switzerland, a route that had gone unrepeated for 13 years.  He has free climbed dozens of 1500-2500 foot big walls in the 5.12-5.13 range in less than 12 hours, many of which were first ascents.  Mike served as an Instructor with the Austrian Mountaineering Division, a post that has produced some of the world’s most legendary climbers.  He also specializes in personal coaching.  One of his recent pupils, Matt Fultz, won the US Nationals climbing championship, and redpointed 5.14a as a 13 year old, gaining world-wide attention.  Mike and his wife live in Redmond with their two kids, aspiring climbers as well.  He is truly a world class talent, and we are happy he has chosen to guide with us.

Mike speaks fluent German and English.

  Thomas Emde

•   Home: Terrebonne, OR
•   Years Climbing: 37
•   Years Guiding: 17

Certifications and Training:

• Rock Instructor training, German Alpine Club (1983)
• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Germany (1981)

Thomas is a true veteran of our sport.  Born in Germany, by the age of nine he had already climbed 14,000 ft. peaks in Switzerland. Known primarily for his alpine ascents, he has climbed up to 5.13c sport routes as well. His resume in the European Alps includes famous ascents such as the Walker Spur of the Grand Jorasses and the Freney Pillar on Mt. Blanc. He has also taken on challenging alpine climbs in South America, Alaska, and Norway.  In 1985, Thomas became one of the first Germans to visit Smith Rock, helping to establish Smith’s reputation on the world scene; he has established numerous climbs in the park since then. Thomas first started guiding at Smith Rock in 1993. His impressive guiding resume also includes work in the European Alps, Norway, and Mexico, as well as American Locales such as Joshua Tree, Yosemite, and the Shawangunks.  Thomas and his wife live in Terrebonne.

Thomas speaks fluent German and English.

  Kristin Anderson 

  Home: Redmond, OR
  Years Climbing: 9
  Years Guiding: 5

Certifications and training:

          • AMGA Certified Top-Rope Site Manager (2005-2008)
          • Bachelors of Science, Recreation Management (2004)
          • Certified Wilderness First Responder, WMI, SOLO
         
Kristin is a dedicated professional, and a great asset to our team.  Originally from Virginia, she began working toward a career in outdoor education soon after her first climbing experiences.  Along the way she has developed an impressive resume that makes her a much sought after Guide.  Kristin first worked as a climbing/outdoor instructor at Appalachian State University in North Carolina, where she graduated with a degree in Recreation Management, specializing in experiential outdoor education.  Since then she has served as Adventure Program Manager for a kids camp in Pennsylvania, run women's climbing programs in Maryland, and worked as Lead Instructor for Outward Bound rock climbing courses in Oregon and California.  An AMGA certified Top-Rope Site Manager, she has proven technical knowledge to go along with the ability to onsight 5.11.  Above all, it is her dedication to providing a positive and enriching experience that makes her a client favorite.

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