How to Make a Career of a Rock Climbing Hobby

If you prefer being outdoors and already have rock climbing skills, you should consider making a career from your hobby. You can work for other companies, start your own guide service, or become a rock climbing instructor for schools. Here are some tips for making your rock climbing hobby into a new career.

Instructions

    • 1

      Get certified as a guide for amateur rock climbers who want an experienced leader to help them climb. AMGA is a good place for that, and it's widely recognized all over the world.

    • 2

      Contact local guide services in your area, or in the area you want to live and work, and see if they are hiring. They want experienced climbers who have already mastered the basics and can help others. You can also advertise to be a guide in the classifieds and online. You can work your own hours, as little or as much as you choose.

    • 3

      Pair up with a talented and skillful climbing partner. They can act as your mentor, giving you even more experience and expertise in rock climbing. Keep climbing as a hobby in between jobs.

    • 4

      Work in related fields such as a river guide, at national parks, or in rock climbing retail stores. This gets you into the right field and allows you to make contacts that will be useful in the future. Meet other professional rock climbers and pick their brains for insider hints.

    • 5

      Apply for an instructor position at your local climbing gym or rock climbing school. Some universities and colleges also need rock climbing instructors for their courses.