Verdon passion
I'm passionate about the Verdon. So much so , that I decided a few years ago, and after already a lifetime of undisciplined climbing and vagabonding around the globe, to make an honest man of myself and get my guide's diploma. It would be necessary if I was going to stay here and work legally as a guide. It’s a French diploma and I must admit that before embarking on the training I hadn't realised how steep a learning curve it would be, not least in terms of improving my miserable French! Like many climbers of my generation, pursuing formal studies in this life discipline seemed to contradict all the reasons I chose this path in life, not least freedom to act in a theatre according to my own rules and ethics, as opposed to those laid down in textbooks or imposed by teachers.
I'm now beginning to come to terms with the aims and objectives of this period of imposed discipline. It was not to make me a better climber but to help me make you a better climber. To give me the tools to transmit the passion, skills and confidence that it would seem I've accumulated almost by osmosis!
Becoming a guide
Becoming a certified guide has also made me realise that personal relationships, trust, honesty and empathy are just as important between guide and client as between peers. Succeeding on one of the great historic climbs in the Verdon is inspiring and should be more than an isolated 'shrink wrapped' event. Indeed it can be just a step in the direction of a longer term goal such as climbing Yosemite's 'Nose', the Cassin route on Piz Badile, or the Comici on the Cima Grande.
The mutual satisfaction in planning and achieving these short or longer term aspirations is often absent in the 'off the peg' or group courses found with many guide services, and is one of the reasons I offer guiding on a personal, bespoke basis to individuals or private groups in order that you achieve your particular climbing goals without being held back by others or pushed beyond where you are comfortable. So if you haven't done much multi pitch climbing, want to improve your leading and ropework, or haven't yet climbed outside, a baptism here in the Verdon is inspiring and unforgettable. Perhaps you are dreaming of a trip to the big walls of the US or further afield? A trial run on a 2 day ascent of one of the big 400m walls here can be excellent preparation. Whatever your objective, my intimate knowledge of the region allows me to customise trips with your specific goals in mind, to ensure that you have a safe and memorable experience, and that you build the autonomy to climb here or anywhere in the world.