Private Lessons
Our instructors can provide you with private climbing classes to help beginners touching wall for the first time to advanced climbers seeking expert instruction. They can work with you on the day and time of your lesson and can tailor the lesson to your needs.
Common teen/adult lessons taught:
- Learn to Belay
- Movement:
- Foundational Techniques: footwork, body positioning, momentum, etc
- Advanced Techniques: heel hooks, drop knees, lock-offs, etc
- Competitive Techniques: dynos, run & jump, competitor mindset, etc
- Learn to Lead
- Prepare to Climb Outdoors
- Training Plans Based on Goal
Common Youth Lessons:
- Climbing Basics: Focus on belaying, safety, good climbing habits & etiquette, and introduces climbing techniques.
- Club/Team Prep: Focus on foundational skills to get into our Club or Team.
Lesson Fees:
Our instructors set their own fees, which you can discuss with them directly. Members are granted their usual access to the facility; non-members can pay a discounted day pass rate (50% off the normal full price day pass rate). Clients must also provide their own equipment or pay normal rental rates to rent equipment (harness, shoes, belay devices) from Übergrippen. All payments for private instruction are made directly to Übergrippen.
To contact any of these instructors, please address your message to them at sendit@ugclimbing.com
Aaron
Private Instructor
Aaron was introduced to climbing by a class he took his freshman year of High School by the name of Adventure. There he learned all the basics and enjoyed the class enough to be a teacher’s-aid, teaching other students the course material every remaining semester until graduation. Despite falling in love with climbing so early on, he spent the majority of his time playing baseball competitively. From the ages of 4 – 24, He played on up to 3 teams at a time with about 120 games a year. All to say- while he did not compete as a youth climbing athlete, he is deeply familiar with training and competing at a highly competitive level, the principles of which thoroughly extend into his ever growing love of climbing.
The reason Aaron left baseball behind was greatly dichotomous in nature; at the age of 24 Aaron was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. He found himself completely paralyzed on his left side overnight. No longer able to play baseball, the diagnosis reignited his passion for climbing because not only was it a good metric to measure his journey through rehab, but it is also a sport accessible to a wide range of disabilities. Before long, he found himself completely enveloped by climbing and the community therein: you can find him anywhere from climbing mega-classic 5.13’s, to routesetting, to coaching highly competitive youth climbers, and teaching any burgeoning climber that is wanting to learn.Services offered:
Aaron Teaches:
- Learn to Belay
- Learn to Lead
- Advanced Lead Climbing Strategies
- Outdoor Skills Building – Basic to Advanced
- Movement Skills – Basic to Advanced
- Supervised Training Curriculums – Any Age (Recurring Plan)
- Competitive Youth Coaching – Ages 6-19 (Recurring Plan)
- Disability Specific Training
Contact Email: sendit@ugclimbing.com
Adam
Private Instructor
Adam was the first person in his family to start climbing around 12 years ago. Adam got his first introduction to rock climbing through Boy Scouts, and that led to outdoor climbing, teaching the younger scouts about climbing, and eventually being a part of his high school climbing team. He also been teaching rock climbing for 5 years as well through college and other gyms.
The reason why climbing is so special for him is the technical movement and thinking through a specific route. You can’t simply go up, the whole body has to be involved to have a productive climb.
Climbing has been such an important part of his life that he dedicated his college education to Recreation Outdoor Management with an education emphasis. Going to school in Gunnison allowed him to grow in the outdoor industry, but also gave him opportunities to climb and hike around Harmon Rocks and the Black Canyons of the Gunnison.
He also enjoys photography, and you can find him outside with his camera because the outdoors allows for beauty but also challenges that when you try to capture it. Nothing is better than climbing and the views you get with it through the challenges.
When Adam is not climbing, you can find me doing freelance graphic designs, backpacking, snowboarding, and playing the occasional video game.
Adam Teaches:
• Top rope climbing and belaying
• Lead climbing and belaying
• Technique and Movement
• Outdoor Skills
Years Climbing: 12
Years Instructing: 5
Contact Email: sendit@ugclimbing.com
Boer
Private Instructor
Boer began rock climbing in 2003 with the intention of practicing technical rope work for mountaineering. However, he quickly developed a strong passion for the sport. He embarked on frequent trips up and down the east coast, exploring renowned climbing destinations like Seneca, the Gunks, Stone Mountain, and the New River Gorge.
After a few years of residing near Washington, D.C., and becoming increasingly engrossed in climbing, he made a significant decision: Boer left his full-time job behind and traveled to Australia to fully immerse himself in the climbing lifestyle. It was during his time camping and climbing at Arapiles that he encountered several Australian climbers who presented him with an opportunity to work as a climbing guide in China. Embracing this chance, he spent the subsequent six years living and working in various Asian countries.
While in Asia, he embarked on numerous climbing adventures, exploring locations such as Yangshuo and Liming in China, as well as Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. Collaborating with some of their fellow guides, he even accomplished a couple of first ascents on Mt. Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia. His route, named “Alpine Birdy” with a difficulty rating of 5.12b over three pitches, stood as the most challenging ascent on the mountain at that time. However, in subsequent years, renowned climber Alex Honnold surpassed his accomplishment by establishing an even more demanding route.
In 2011, Boer decided to leave his dirtbagging lifestyle behind and returned to the United States to start a family and has been an amazing addition to our climbing community.
- Toprope climbing and belaying
- Lead climbing and belaying
- Climbing technique and movement
Chris
Private Instructor
Chris, a rock climber and photographer hailing from Louisville, Kentucky, made the decision to relocate to Denver with their fiancé two years ago, and they have since embraced their new home with enthusiasm.
During the summer months, Chris devotes their free time to bouldering or sport climbing alongside their friends. When not engaged in climbing activities, they enjoy hiking with their dogs, riding their longboard or mountain bike, and capturing photographs in various scenic locations. In the winter, Chris prioritizes snowboarding, making the most of the snowy season.
Working at Übergrippen, Chris finds great pleasure in the opportunity to meet new people, a highlight of their rol
Chris teaches:
- Toprope climbing and belaying
- Lead climbing and belaying
- Bouldering technique and movement
- Intro to Slacklining
Emma Grace
Private Instructor
Emma Grace grew up immersed in competitive dancing and discovered climbing at the age of 9. For a few years, she managed to balance both dance and climbing in her life. During this period, she actively participated in high school climbing competitions. However, her dance coach eventually moved away, leading her to fully commit to climbing while continuing to pursue dance on her own without a coach. As her interest in competitive climbing grew, she transitioned from high school events to USA Climbing sanctioned competitions.
At 16 years old, Emma Grace began instructing climbing classes for both children and adults. She played a coaching role for a small climbing team at LifeTime Fitness, teaching adults how to TR belay. Shortly after, she was hired by Rock’n & Jam’n as a youth instructor. Her responsibilities included teaching new climbers in youth classes and providing coaching support to the junior team. However, her climbing journey hit a roadblock when she developed tendonitis in her right wrist at the age of 17. Although she had to temporarily halt her own climbing, she continued to contribute as a coach. Despite undergoing physical therapy, the tendonitis did not improve, leading her to undergo surgery shortly after turning 18. Throughout the remainder of high school, she faithfully attended climbing practices to support her team in any way possible.
After completing her final season with the R&J climbing team, Emma Grace graduated from high school and relocated to Fort Collins to pursue a college education. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences with a minor in Business Administration. Following her recovery in the summer of 2017, she received medical clearance to resume climbing. She briefly joined the CSU climbing team but ultimately determined that independent training better suited her goals and needs. She connected with a supportive group of climbers who took her to outdoor locations such as Poudre Canyon and Red Feather, where she gained valuable experience and knowledge about climbing in natural settings. While no longer competing, except for occasional small citizens’ competitions, Emma Grace continued coaching competitive climbers throughout her injury, college years, and maintains her coaching role to this day.
- Basic climbing technique
- Top rope belay
- Lead climbing and belaying – easiest in pairs or small groups
- Advanced technique – heel hooks, drop knees, lock-offs
- Competitive climbing skills – dynos, run and jump, competitor mindset, training plans specific for competitive climbing
- Training plans based on goals
- Building and cleaning an anchor for outdoor lead
- Adults and children – individually or in pairs/small groups
Years Coaching/Instructing: 8 years
Contact Email: sendit@ugclimbing.com
Max Sternburg
Private Instructor
Max began his climbing journey in 2018, initially introduced to bouldering by a friend. The shift from traditional weight training to this dynamic, full-body exercise, combined with its problem-solving and social aspects, ignited a lasting passion. After earning a B.S.B.A. in Business with a focus on Operational Management and a Minor in Philosophy from The Ohio State University, Max transitioned from the corporate sector to pursue climbing and trekking. He relocated to El Chaltén, Argentina, where he dedicated several months to rigorous training and obtained certifications in trekking and climbing guiding, which led him to New Zealand for professional opportunities.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought Max back to the United States. Following further travel and learning experiences, he is now seeking to establish his base on the better side of the country. Outside of climbing, Max indulges his passion for strategy as a professional player and coach of Magic: The Gathering, frequently traveling for events and mentoring others in competitive strategies.
Max can teach:
- Top Rope Climbing and Belaying
- Lead / Sport Climbing and Belaying
- Outdoor Lead Skills (Anchor Building, Multi-Pitch)
Years Climbing: 6
Years Instructing: 4
Contact Email: sendit@ugclimbing.com
Terence
Private Instructor
Terence embarked on his climbing journey in 2004 during a challenging phase in his life. Relocated to DC by the Air Force, he sought a new hobby and a sense of community. Luckily, he discovered Sportrock, a nearby climbing gym, and decided to explore it due to his prior climbing experiences. Little did he know that this decision would have a profound impact on his life. Climbing not only brought him immense enjoyment but also introduced him to a vibrant community of climbers who eventually became his closest friends, maintaining strong connections to this day.
His passion for climbing persisted when he relocated from DC to Colorado Springs. In this new location, Terence obtained his SPI certification and found opportunities to teach and set routes at CityRock and the Air Force Academy. However, circumstances forced him to halt his climbing endeavors in 2011 when he moved to middle Georgia, where the absence of climbing gyms and suitable natural rock formations made it challenging to continue his climbing pursuits. Fortunately, in 2021, his passion was reignited when Ubergrippen opened its doors in Castle Rock. Since then, he has obtained his CWI certification and spent the past year teaching at Ubergrippen.
Terence finds numerous aspects of climbing that he loves. It offers a fulfilling workout, challenges him to think and problem-solve, enables him to continually acquire new skills, and serves as a means to clear his mind after a long day of work. However, what truly resonates with him is the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals within the climbing community. He takes great pleasure in introducing others to the sport, whether by providing Crag orientations, teaching belay classes, or assisting them in finding suitable gear. Witnessing people become enthralled with climbing fills him with enthusiasm and joy. Given his strong sense of community, Terence relishes the chance to foster a new climbing community in Castle Rock. This is why he actively participates in events like Climber Connect, Community Nights, and the 50/50 class, as they provide avenues for building connections and creating a supportive environment within the climbing community.
- Intro to climbing
- Intro to belay
- Movement classes
Instructing for approximately 3 years total.
Toby
Private Instructor
Toby is a multi-disciplined athlete who has competed as an amateur in numerous team and individual sports over his lifetime and has coached children, teenagers and adults in rock climbing, soccer, snowboarding and martial arts. Toby began rock climbing in 1987 and started focusing on sport climbing while residing in the Silicon Valley in 2004. Since moving to Colorado, Toby has continued to climb both indoors and outdoors and enjoys climbing at Castle Wood Canyon and Clear Creek Canyon, as well as climbing at indoor climbing facilities in the US and Europe, including Sportrock, High Point Climbing, Stone Summit, Reading Rocks, Central Rock Gym, and ÖTK-Halle, “Österreichischer Touristenklub” in Vienna, Austria.
Throughout his life, Toby has focused on physical and mental training to improve his fitness and performance, which has allowed him to excel as an amateur athlete and continue to improve his athletic performance since he stepped back from competitive sports in 2018. Toby has played competitive soccer, hockey and golf as amateur, as well as competed in the Tahoe Big Blue and Hi-Tec adventure racing series while he lived in California. While residing in California, Toby was an AASI Level 1 Certified Snowboarding Instructor at Kirkwood Ski Resort and he currently holds a Climbing Wall Instructor Level 3 certification.
Currently, Toby serves as a coach for Ubergrippen’s youth programs, where he coaches children and teenagers on functional climbing techniques, top rope and lead rope climbing, and strategies and approaches for competing in competitive climbing events. Toby served as a volunteer coach for the Castle View High School team for the 2021 and 2022 climbing seasons and is currently coaching the Sasquatch 2 climbing team at Ubergrippen. Toby brings his extensive athletic training experience, mental training and situational awareness from his time serving in the US Navy and his passion for outdoor sports to his classes and students and focuses on tailoring training regiments to meet the climbing goals of his students.
Toby can teach:
- Top Rope Climbing
- Lead Rope Climbing
- Bouldering
- Movement classes
Years climbing: Over 25 years.
Rock Climbing Instruction: Over 4 years.
