Testimonials for Introductory Rock Climbing and Rappelling
"A day of learning, sharing an experience and fun. The skills and patience of Xiaoping appreciated." -- Jim Faulkner, Barrie, Ontario (August 15, 2017)
"Wonderfully informative and challenging day. Climbing was difficult, especially in hiking Boots. I also still have a fear of falling (even though I am being belayed). Once I got over the fear of leaning back with my legs almost vertical to the rocks, rapelling was fun." -- Jerome Ryan, Toronto, Ontario (August 14, 2017)
"We spent the first day with Kim and the following day with Xiaoping. Both instructors were very friendly and professional. We´d like to think we created a nice bond with them. The site is an ideal place to climb whilst enjoying a lovely backdrop. We learnt a lot with them and we definitely left feeling like we had achieved something. Thank you so much for such a unique experience. We´ll be back." James Parkinson, Spain (June 25, 2017)
"Amazing day on the crag. Xiaoping was a very friendly, knowledgable and highly competent instructor. He took the time to ensure my 12 year old son knew how to properly tie in for climbing and rappelling and learned safety protocols. Will definitely be taking further courses from Zen Climb again and highly recommend it for anybody looking to improve their climbing skills or learn from the very beginning." -- Chad Morse, Cayuga, Ontario (June 1, 2016)
"Xiaoping was a wonderful instructor, constantly teaching and interacting with all students, a very positive experience. Not once was i unsure or unsafe. I will be back for more.Thanks." Gordon Hicks, Fonthill, Ontario (Nov. 15, 2015)
"Xiaoping ensured our safety came first and I had a lot of fun climbing the cliffs, knowing I was secure." -- Austin Laman, Dundas, Ontario (Sept. 21, 2015)
"I liked your patience and I was particularly impressed with you attentiveness. There was much going on but you were so much aware of, and correcting the important little details." -- John Kemp, St. George, Ontario (Sept. 20, 2015)
"We had an awesome experience with Cody. He is a wonderful instructor who made us feel so comfortable, being the first time ever rock climbing, and was very personable and customized to our needs and skills. Thank you for a great experience!" -- Luwam Thomas, Toronto, Ontario (Sept. 11, 2015)
"It was a fantastic day! A great experience overall! At the beginning, I wasn't quite sure how I was going to be able to climb that cliff, let alone rappel. The instructor was knowledgeable and patient with us as we tackled it. Exhilarating!" -- Mary Anne Koztras, Georgetown, Ontario (August 10, 2015)
"I thoroughly enjoyed working with Troy. He was very knowledgeable about rock climbing. I had a unique experience because I signed up for a one on one lessen and in the future this is something that I would recommend to others. I got to climb as much as I wanted, and Troy was very flexible when it came to my needs. He was willing to set up new ropes to test out new climbs when I had mastered the ones he had originally set up. He was very support ive while I was up on the wall, at first letting me trying to figure out routes for myself, but then offering guidance when I was stuck. He knew when to provide assistance and when I could use a hint. I honestly had the best day. This was my first time rock climbing outside and I have fallen in love. It is definitely something that I would like to do again. I plan on taking the course in top rope set up with Zen Climb next year. Thank you for providing me with this opportunity, and please tell Troy thank you again. I had a wonderful day and couldn't have asked for a better instructor." -- Elizabeth Vandenborn, Chatam, Ontario (August 6, 2015)
"Excellent introduction to rock climbing. It was perfect day for building awareness and comfort with technical and safety skills. Xiaoping provided tremendous leadership and mentoring, and we felt safe as we extended beyond our comfort zone." -- Colin MacLeod, Waterdown, Ontario (June 28, 2015)
"All of us had a great experience. Troy was thorough and very patient. He was encouraging and also challenged us to do our best. I was amazed at what I was able to do in rock climbing given this was my first time. We learned good techniques, including how to tie the ropes. We encouraged each other, and when we succeeded in reaching a difficult spot on the cliff, we all cheered and it felt like a group success. it was a day we will never forget." -- Rebekah Chevalier, Brampton, Ontario (June 11, 2015)
"Troy was fantastic! He was so good with my kids as well. Felt safe and well informed. Would recommend Troy and Zen Climb 100%." -- Greg Pinch, Toronto, Ontario (September 28, 2014)
"I had a terrific time learning the basics of climbing and rappelling. Troy and Lilies are excellent instructors. Both are watching everyone at all times, adding climbing tips while on the rock climbing and ongoing Safety suggestions that make belaying easier by using fluid motions. I was very impressed with their outlook on safety, it was always paramount. I hope to meet up again on the rock. Thanks again for a wonderful day." -- Larry Nichols, London, Ontario (September 20, 2014)
"Fantastic experience, looking forward to do it again!" -- Grant Ferneyhough, Toronto, Ontario (July 27, 2014)
"I enjoyed my day with Xiaoping, Karen, and Troy also. I had such a wonderful time and very much look forward to doing it all again. I am so grateful for the opportunity to attend the meet ups. You were all such wonderful teachers, you made me feel safe through every step of the process and I have a new passion for outdoor climbing. I am going to join the meet up group right now :) Hope to see you again soon!" -- Tiffany Longarini, Dunnville, Ontario (June 3, 2014)
"My courses with Xiaoping were exceptional! Having to accommodate my fear of heights as well as having to simultaneously learn new skills, Xiaoping's patience and ability to adapt the lessons and skills being taught with my ability to move past my anxiety ensured I was able to keep focused and maintain my confidence. Xiaoping has a gift for helping his students learn and to recognize that often our ability and aptitude for learning a skill can be hindered by our state of mind and that what may be needed is just a change in approach in order to uncover them." -- Carmelina Maione, Toronto, Ontario (Nov. 30, 2013)
"Great instructor and great intro to climbing and rappelling. he encouraged everyone to test their limits (in a very safe manner) and provided great feedback as well showed how to achieve our goals as new and inexperienced climbers. Great Day!" -- Michael Hofstatter, Mississauga, Ontario (Oct. 5, 2013)
"It was apparent that Xiaoping has a breadth of knowledge when it comes to all elements of rock climbing. In addition to this, you can see that his experience, not only as a climber, but as a teacher and a mentor, is of the highest standards. Being new to rock climbing, this course, and Xiaoping's teaching methodology, made me feel not only comfortable, but also motivated to further my learning and pursue rock climbing further. There was also no loss of fun throughout the day :)" -- Nick Valeriote, Guelph, Ontario (Sept. 3, 2013)
"We had a really great time on our course. I was very impressed with the student/teacher ratio. At no point did I feel we had to wait for help, or that I was being sent up the cliff without proper instruction or support. If we had any questions someone was there within a minute to help or reassure us. By the end of the day everyone was helping and encouraging each other, which was nice. -- Sarah D., Ontario (August 19, 2013)
"Climbing with Zen Climb was great! Safety was a top priority and they taught in a straightforward manner." -- Matt Klingenberg, Oakville, Ontario (July 29, 2013)
"It was a wonderful experience, enjoyed very much, insturctors had been supportive, encouraging and wonderful." -- Shelly McLean, 2nd London Rangers/36th London Pathfinders, Girl Guides of Canada (June 18, 2013)
"Great and pleasant yet challenging experience! Excellent instruction.. thank you for your patience!" -- Lydia Lopes, Toronto, Ontario (June 3, 2013)
"Great instruction on safety, technique - thanks for your kindness and patience and encouragement." -- Kerri Ramstead, Barrie, Ontario (June 3, 2013)
"There was lots of encouragement and suggestions made by the teacher and participants to help the climber get to the top." -- Teresa O'Leary Marascio, Everett, Ontario (June 2, 2013)
"Xiaoping Li was very thorough and supportive. He encouraged us to stretch ourselves and to realize real life corelations in the skills we were learning." -- Kathy Duncan, Barrie, Ontario (June 1, 2013)
"This was an awesome experience. Xiaoping is an amazing instructor who was very motivating and encouraging. Safety was his number one priority. Definitely going to be doing this again with Zen Climb!!" -- Zaid Jahoor, Belleville, Ontario (October 7, 2012)
"This course was fantastic! The instructors were extremely supportive, knowledgeable and patient. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in Rock Climbing." ---- Rita Davis, Brampton, Ontario (July 24, 2012)
"What a great day with Zen Climb! Our instructors, Raz and Zara, were amazing! They were thorough and made us feel safe so that we could focus on learning and having fun. Raz was very knowledgeable and patient, he literally talked me over the edge so that I could overcome my fears. Zara was so motivating, she was an amazing cheerleader pushing everyone to do just a little bit more, she made sure everyone got all the wall time they needed. The course was excellent and I finished the day feeling empowered and challenged. I can't wait for my next climb." ---- Cassandra McBride, Toronto, Ontario (July 24, 2012)
"I would encourage anyone who is willing to challenge themselves, their physical and mental capacity to try rock climbing. The course is adaptable for beginners and don't know a thing about climbing and the course instructors are personable, experienced, knowledgeable, encouraging and supportive of your abilities. It is worth the experience!" ---- Brian Barraquio, Mississauga, Ontario (July 24, 2012)
"Zen Climb is an amazing club! On site everyone was there early and made sure we felt welcome also made sure we were all fitted and secured with our rock climbing materials! More power ZEN CLIMB!" ---- Noelle Naira Balhon, Toronto, Ontario (July 24, 2012)
"Dave and I had an amazing day...we can't stop talking about how much fun we had. It was such a pleasure to meet Xiaoping and our instructor Raz (who was a fantastic instructor!). We look forward to our next outing! We would definitely recommend this course to others who are looking to try rock climbing/rappelling." -- Angela Gordon, Mississauga, Ontario (July 4, 2012)
"Thanks for the rock climbing and rappelling class. Both Jenny and I had a good time. We definitely will come back to do this again. At the age of 40s, we found out rock climbing is so much fun. Should have done it early but it's not too late :-). We came from a mountainous area in ZheJiang province in China, did a lot of rock climbing (not vertical) in our childhood, but never attended a professional training class. The class we had with you was wonderful. It brought our memories back and also boosted our energy." ---- Ivy Li Stockley, Stouffville, Ontario (June 11, 2012)
"I went to climb with Xiaoping on Sunday morning on November 29, 2010 at Rattlesnake Point. It was a sunny day. You could tell that winter was coming, but still it was not cold.At the top of the cliff, as Xiaoping prepared ropes for what would be my first rappel and later on first climb, he explained every step, paying attention to details and making sure that everything was safe. This gave me -- a beginner -- a great sense of security. When it was time for me to rappel, I was able to do it without fear and anxiety. I was able to enjoy the sport itself. I could not have asked for a better start." -- Ana Ajzenhamer, Etobicoke, Ontario (November 30, 2010)