Katahdin Clean UP and 50 + ascents
I hope you had a nourishing and adventurous weekend. If not, there’s always next weekend. Looks like this Thursday is the first rain date we’ve had for a while, at least here in Maine. I have personally been spending a lot of time climbing and guiding in the alpine - chiefly Katahdin.
Mountains Meet the Sea: The Rock Climbing Guide to Camden Hills
The idea of developing a modern guidebook, rich with photos, descriptions and storytelling came into my orbit in 2021 as I commenced development of Maiden’s Cliffs. Sitting high atop Lake Megunticook on a 90’ wall named after my mentor Jerry (Cinnamon Wall) and storied Camden pioneer, it became apparent I needed to bring Camden’s prolific multigenerational story to light.
Overcome injuries, discover health and climbing 5.TEENS
In this write up I will share what I have learned about health and performance for rock climbing, but first I have a quick climbing tale to share before getting into the meat of topic.
Rock Climbing Katahdin: all you need to know!
I remember the feeling I had back in 2008 while climbing my first technical rock climb on Katahdin - "I CAN'T WAIT TO CREATE THIS EXPERIENCE FOR OTHERS"! Sharing this beautiful experience and environment with you became the reason why I decided to stay in Maine, and since then, have guided hundreds of technical ascents throughout Baxter State Park, including first ascents on rock, ice and mixed terrain.
Women's Climbing Series
Rock climbing and climbing in general has traditionally been a male dominated sport. Men established the bulk of what are modern day climbs. However, as the sport evolves, so does the demographics, and these days, women are showing up to the cliffs in droves.
“Tour de Camden” Wednesday Night Rock Climbing Adventures in Camden, Maine
Last night kicked off Northern Vertical Climbing Guides latest offering, “Tour de Camden” where we take you rock climbing every Wednesday night from 4:00 PM to sundown. Last night we were 10 people strong and had a blast! All were quite excited to return next Wednesday and I hope you will too!
Finding Joy at 68
Marilyn age 68 wanted to relive her days of rock scrambling in West Virginia’s Seneca Rocks during the late 70s and 80s. She remembered the sense of adventure and empowerment, and wanted to get that back.
With a lightweight backpack filled with the proper technical equipment, Ryan led Marilyn on a short hike to the base of Barrett’s Cove Cliff where the adventure began!
Camden Climbing Festival
Northern Vertical is excited to announce and host Camden, Maine’s first annual Camden Climbing Festival - May 19-21, 2023 - in the Camden Hills State Park.
This has been a longtime vision for Northern Vertical founder Ryan Howes. “It’s time to celebrate the climbing lifestyle in Camden, Maine, where the mountains meet the sea, with a mixed community of local climbers, climbers from away and folks who will be learning the sport at the festival”.
Welcome to the Jungle: the very best of Maine Ice Climbing
Greenville, Maine is known for ice fishing and snowmobiling, but did you know it’s the launching point for Maine’s most impressive ice climbing? Dozens of 100’ virgin routes in a gorge called “the grand canyon of the east” as well as the tallest ice climbs on Mount Kineo ranging from 300’ - 700’ in height.
The Complete "LEARN TO WINTER CLIMB" Package
This season is the first time Northern Vertical offered climbing packages and specialty clinics. My Vision for doing so is aligned with NV’s purpose - provide you with the skills to be a solid autonomous climber at all levels. So far, the three concepts I created have been well received with positive results.