I am one of the UK’s most experienced climbing coaches…

For over 20 years I’ve helped literally 1000s of climbers - from GB climbing team athletes to weekend warriors - refine their techniqe, structure their training and maximise their mindset to meet their climbing dreams.

Who I’ve worked with:

Trained 1000s of climbers from beginners to elite athletes
National trainer and assessor for the BMC and Mountain Training in the UK coaching scheme and course moderator for Mountain Training
Former GB Climbing Team coach
Published writer and podcast guest on UK Climbing and Niall Grimes’ Jam Crack (links below)

Balance it is E7 6c photo by Alex Messenger

In my own climbing I’ve pushed my personal limits:

Onsight: Trad E5, Sport 7c
Redpoint: Trad E7, Sport 8a, Bouldering 7c
Former member of British Bouldering Team (and World Cup finalist Ratho 2003)

I knew that I’d found my tribe…

… that first weekend away on a Leeds University climbing club meet. Sleeping on a karimat in a dusty Welsh barn, with a slightly foggy head I woke up to a day of unknown adventure. Over time since then and as life has weaved its course, climbing in all its forms has never left me.

My fingers have curled around the bubbly orange quarzite of Arapiles (AUS), I’ve stood on the luminous green lichen of the Needles (USA) and been at sea on the vast walls of the Verdon (FRA). But my home for the last 25 years has been Sheffield. The lure of the roughness and familiarity of the gritstone outcrops in the Peak District never tires. The fact I know it’s 10 minutes from my house gives me huge comfort.

It was at the age of 30 I had an epiphany that stepping away from my career in sport events and project management and fully immersing myself in climbing was the only way to go. That was over 20 years ago and I haven’t looked back.

Better Eat Your Wheaties V8, Hueco. Photo: Alex Messenger

My approach

There are many components that contribute to you developing your climbing and to reaching your goals. I always take this holistic approach. After over 20 years coaching, my skills and experience allow me to pick out the key elements of technique, tactics, physical and mental skills, which you need to work on. I do not promise silver bullets, but I do promise a thorough, honest, observant and fun process.

I love working with people - and one of my greatest strengths to is to listen. I want to know what makes you tick and what climbing means to you. Life is rarely straightforward but climbing can be our constant and our teacher - I will support you to get where you want to be.