OUTDOOR GUIDING

Climber gives thumbs-up at top of rock climb, Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a Mecca for rock climbers. Every kind of climber from sport climbers, to boulderers, and traditional climbing gurus, flock here for the variety and the convenience of the climbing. We are here to help you enjoy an incredible day out! Above: Climbing Sunset Rock, Chattanooga.

GUIDE RATES

All visitors WELCOME! Our regular rates are as follows:

2- to 3-hour trips are $275. Price includes up to two people.

3- to 4-hour trips are $340. Price includes up to two people.

4- to 5-hour trips are $395. Price includes up to two people.

Additional participants: $50 each.

$50 supplement for anchor-building, “trad” classes, and trips to Foster Falls.

Synergy Gym Members: 10 percent discount. Synergy Climbing Club or Climbing Team members: 15 percent discount.

For all questions, or to book, text Wills Young at 760-920-5348 (cell).

Please note that anyone planning to climb must be athletic and in good health as even the easiest climbs are extremely strenuous to a novice.

We supply all equipment that clients don’t already have, other than climbing shoes, and you can rent those if you don’t already have them. Just be sure to let us know in advance and plan to pick them up at the gym (Synergy Climbing And Ninja, 427 E. Main St., Chattanooga).

Every participant must complete an Activity Waiver and confidential Medical Information Form.

Text Wills Young at 760-920-5348 (cell) for more information. 45 years climbing; 10 years climbing school owner; 25 years coaching.

Get expert advice on everything climbing …

Your Options

Sunset Rock is close to Chattanooga and a great area for people who are beginner to intermediate climbers (climbs will be 5.7 and up). This is also a great area for longer trips as there are dozens of great climbs in the 5.7 to 5.9 range, plus a few good climbs at 5.10 and 5.11. New to climbing outdoors? Take at least one number grade off your indoor level.

Foster Falls is an extensive area that is good for those climbing from an intermediate to a more advanced level, though there is a five-hour minimum for trips there. There are just a few suitable climbs around 5.8/5.9 but additional options are 5.10 and up. Anyone looking to climb primarily in the 5.10 and up range should consider this option.

For bouldering, Stone Fort, up on Mowbray Mountain is an area with hundreds of boulder problems along a small wooded cliff-line adjacent to a golf course, and we park at the club house there. We supply pads and show you to the best climbs for your level. There is an additional entry fee of around $9 required for trips here that is charged by the club owners.

We Guide Almost ANY Day

Our outdoor guided climbing trips are available virtually any day, with sufficient notice, though there will be some exceptions due to prior commitments.

While we can certainly accommodate last minute trips, subject to guide availability, please plan well ahead if you have a specific date range in mind. All trips are customized to our clients’ needs and goals.

Call or text Wills Young at 760-920-5348 any time for more information.

Exceptional Service

Lisa Rands, founding owner of Synergy Climbing And Ninja is a climbing world cup winner and former world number one in climbing. She founded the business with her husband Wills Young to bring the highest possible level of customer satisfaction to their clients, and to engage, educate, and inspire all generations of climbers.

World-renowned climbing coaches and American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) certified instructors, they have over 65 years of climbing experience between them. Why not let the area’s best-known climbing instructors guide you on your first experience!

Wills Young, has been coaching for 20+ years.

Wills Young, Coach & Guide

As a guide and coach, I typically have a lot of fun working with clients. I especially like to work with people who have a sense of humor and are willing to challenge themselves. With expert direction and advice I have found that nearly all of my clients will accomplish more than they thought they could.

I have a huge amount of experience working with beginners, both adults and children. As a coach to an elite climbing team, I have also worked with many youth athletes to teach both sport climbing and bouldering.

For those looking to get into “trad” climbing, wanting to know how to build anchors, to rappel with a back-up, or to lead and place their own “cams” and “stoppers,” you’ve come to the right place!

Lisa Rands, Coach & Guide

As a guide and coach, I bring decades of knowledge that can only be learned from experience, and a thorough understanding of all aspects of climbing, gleaned from personal practice, and from world-class experts who have mentored me over many years as a professional climber.

I have learned that details matter, and I notice details that most other coaches don’t see. I work with customers to address deficiencies in technique, training, or their approach to the climbs they want to achieve, and to help them to reach their goals.

I can also assess injuries and advise on injury prevention or control through appropriate stretching and exercises.

Lisa Rands is one of the most experienced climbing coaches in the country

Enjoy Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a vibrant city straddling the wide Tennessee River and surrounded by hills and cliffs—an unparalleled playground for rock climbing on world-class sandstone.

Whether you wish to improve your existing skills or begin a new journey of discovery and adventure, we can guide you. We have every type of climbing available within a short drive.

Get out with our rock climbing guide service during the day; later, enjoy your evening with a stroll across the pedestrian bridge; dine at the highly recommended STIR in the historic Chattanooga “Choo Choo” Hotel; or sip a drink at Five Wits Brewing on Main Street. … In Chattanooga we have it all!

Advanced Instruction

Our climbing guide service is fully insured and operates to the highest possible standards with all necessary permitting.

We will be happy to provide instruction on any aspect of climbing, including climbing technique, use of equipment, anchor building, preparation for AMGA certification, etc. Learn how to place gear and use ropes yourself, whether that’s by traditional climbing at Sunset, or sport climbing at Foster Falls. We also offer bouldering instruction and coaching (bouldering pads supplied) with trips to Stone Fort.

“With over 40 years climbing, I have a lot to teach, and enjoy working with people who want to learn” — Wills Young.

What people say …

[3yrs after visit:] Thank you for sparking my interest in climbing and having the humility and expertise to make a total newcomer feel like this was a sport that could be open to her … Just wanted you to know your impact. Definitely changed a life 🙂

Georgia N.

Perfect couple of days! Great getting to meet you, and spend time climbing and learning from you. I’ll get back in touch when heading this way.

Trip MooreFlorida

Our 16-year-old daughter has been training with Lisa and Wills for about four years. Her rock climbing skills continue to improve, as well as her love for climbing both indoors and outdoors.

Jenni VealChattanooga

Wills Young….Awesome!!! Hired Wills as a guide for my daughter’s and my first real rock experience. Coming all the way from the Florida Keys, we had high expectations and we were not disappointed. The rock faces that Wills took us to were utterly fantastic. Thank you Wills for a great week!

Michael GoldbergFlorida Keys

Thanks so much for yesterday! The time you spent with us really boosted Nat’s confidence! More than awakening a passion she can pursue the rest of her life, you gave her an outlet that will hep her destress at school! We are already trying to figure out a way to get back… Thanks again!

Susan Swensen

Wills–Thank you so much for taking Addie and I climbing. We both had a great time and are looking forward to a return trip. I hope you had a great weekend!

Robbie EstevezFlorida

Thanks again for taking us climbing (and helping me up my first outdoor route!). It was fabulous; I learned so much!

Jenny WhitneyNorth Carolina

Thx so much Wills! It was a great experience that we haven’t stopped talking about! We appreciated your patience. Thx again!

Tim and Krystal Boyett

Thanks so much for taking Stephanie and me out this morning — we had a blast and it was a great first experience, thanks to your help.

Spencer BroomeGeorgia

Really enjoyed the day and am reliving every finger hold over a few glasses of wine! Looking forward to climbing with you again soon!

Lourenco Norton

Wills took us for a day of top roping and bouldering. He was beyond amazing. Truly exceeded any expectations I had for this trip.

BrynNew Jersey

Hours

Mon: 10:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Tue: 10:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Wed: 10:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Thu: 10:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Fri: 10:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Sat: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sun: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Ninja Zone open for walk-in subject to availability (outside class or camp times)

Member Hours (18+ only)

Mon: 6:00 a.m. >
Wed: 6:00 a.m. >
Fri: 6:00 a.m. >

Special Hours 2022

Thanksgiving Day Nov 24th: CLOSED
November 25th: Normal but no early member hours.
Christmas Day Dec 25th: CLOSED
December 26th: Normal but no early member hours.
New Year’s Eve: Normal hours.
New Year’s Day: Normal hours.