HOW IT ALL BEGAN…

ORIGIN STORY

MY PATH TO NORTHERN VERTICAL

Having grown up playing in the woods and waters of Maine, I became quite fond of nature and knew that I would make a living in the outdoors. Rock climbing in Maine during high school formed my decision to attend Unity College, where I would eventually earn degrees in Adventure Therapy and Adventure Education Leadership. This experience gave me ultimate outdoor access, technical and communication skills building, and of course, I focused that energy into rock climbing and eventually ice climbing in Maine.

Climbing requires good mentorship, and Jerry Cinnamon, a Unity College professor, became my climbing partner. He authored books on climbing, such as The Vertical Dance and The Complete Climber’s Handbook, which Outside Magazine called, “Essential insights from a master of the sport” and “Praised by major climbing magazines”. Suffice to say, I was a very lucky young apprentice.

During those formative years I knew that professional guiding in Maine was my career path, so I signed up for my first rock climbing instructor course with the American Mountain Guides Association in Spring 2007. I never turned back, quickly sharpened my skills as a climber and an educator, receiving a Master’s in Education from Minnesota State University in 2008.

Over the years I worked for Atlantic Climbing School, Mooney Mountain Guides, Synnott Mountain Guides and Acadia Mountain Guides, achieving head guide status of three of the four companies. I continued my training with the AMGA obtaining Rock Instructor and completing the Alpine Guide Course and first ever Ice Instructor Course. I have been a certified Wilderness First Responder since 2001, AIARE, and Maine Recreational Guide’s license.

For over ten years, I trained with a volunteer mountain rescue group who operated on Katahdin, the premiere backcountry climbing venue in the east coast, in Baxter Park. We facilitated multiple high-angle technical rescues with park rangers and game wardens. We also trained Baxter Park rangers and staff in wilderness medicine, avalanche awareness and rescue, technical climbing and high-angle rescue skills. Suffice to say I know my way around Maine’s wild places, including all the familiar faces.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Climbers from away often ask me "Why Camden, Maine and Maine in general"? Of all the climbing destinations in the United States, Maine is lower on the totem pole, despite having the best oceanside rock climbing and best alpine climbing on the east coast. I share the same story to all who will listen - "Maine has a heartbeat. The people, the land, there is an energy here that resonates, and people continue to discover what this means when visiting our beautiful state. Northern Vertical Climbing Guides of Camden, Maine "Where the Mountains Meet the Sea" is the hub of climbing instruction and adventures here and beyond. Everything we do is rooted in community. We launched the Camden Climbing Festival in May, 2023 and tripled our numbers to 100 climbers in 2024. Climbers from Maine and beyond participate in clinics, camping, evening celebrations, guest speakers, videos and delicious local food, right here in the Camden Hills State Park - all of which, is supported by local Maine businesses. In everything we do, we strive to create opportunities for people to connect with others, nature and develop into competent climbers. Northern Vertical is supported by an incredible team of local rock climbers, whom not only love Camden, but they love helping people grow into the sport.

During the 2024 rock climbing season, post CCF, we facilitated "Tour de Camden" every wednesday night to create climbing experiences for new climbers at a price point nobody could say no to. This outdoor climbing gym-like experience made waves throughout Maine and beyond. We will continue this amazing human experience through the winter at Maine climbing gyms until we can go back outside in 2025 rock season. We also started women's climbing adventures in Camden and Acadia National Park, which were well attended and definitely coming back into the fold next season! Speaking of 2025, the NV Team is already planning the third annual Camden Climbing Festival. This year will be huge! Our Friday night kickoff will unveil: "Mountains Meet the Sea" Camden's brand new climbing guidebook, written by Ryan Howes. Our plans for the future look abundant. We envision hundreds of human beings discovering Maine's heartbeat and the amazing people who make climbing in Maine possible. Above all else, Maine has excellent terrain to learn the sports of rock climbing and ice climbing and Northern Vertical Climbing Guides will be your go to company to guide you through the entire process.

EDUCATION:

  • MS in Experiential Education

  • BS in Adventure Therapy & Adventure Education Leadership

CERTIFICATIONS:

  • Institute for Integrative Nutrition Certified Health Coach

  • AIARE Level 1

  • EMT-B Trained

  • WFR, First-Aid & CPR

GUIDE-RELATED EXPERIENCE:

  • Former Head Guide of Synnott Mountain Guides, Atlantic Climbing School & Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School

  • First Ascents in Maine up to WI 5+, 5.13d, M9

  • Former AMGA Instructor

  • Licensed Maine Recreation Guide

  • Katahdin Mountain Rescue

  • 25 Years Climbing in Maine

  • 100+ First Ascents in Maine

  • “Ryan is a deep and soulful person who cares about his clients and their state of wellness. He uses climbing as a vehicle for personal betterment. He's an elite climber but also a good dude who gives you your money's worth!”

    —Russ K

  • Apart from the thrill of accomplishing our objective, strength training to increase good health, two things stood out to me that day: the first is obvious - his expertise. At every step along the way he made sure I understood what we were doing and why. It quickly became apparent not only is he a highly qualified guide but a willing and eager teacher. The other quality I noticed, which stands out to this day, is his ability to get me to step outside my comfort zone.

    -Joel B.