Testimonials for Introductory Outdoor Rock Climbing
"Lilies was absolutely amazing! We had a lot of fun climbing with her but also felt extremely safe and comfortable the whole time." -- Shaanzeh Ataullahjan, Toronto, Ontario (June 14, 2017)
"Kim was a wonderful instructor. She was patient, supportive and encouraging." -- Jennifer Shin, Toronto, Ontario (June 7, 2017)
"Kim was phenomenal. We felt 100% safe and encouraged - and faced the fears we didn't even know we had. A wonderful day on so many levels." -- Natasha Teoli, Toronto, Ontario (June 6, 2017)
"We took a break during the day to all share the results of a personality test we had taken independent to the course a few days before. Xiaoping was excited to share with us that he does team building as well and chose to guess all of our respective types, then shared a bit about his own. This was about and beyond my expectations for my first outdoor climbing experience and I would recommend him to anyone looking to have a positive, meaningful experience." -- Amy Krahn, Winnipeg, Manitoba (August 3, 2016)
"I had a really great time! I was a challenging (but never unsafe) experience, and I learned a lot and sweated buckets. The best part was finishing the climb, after I thought I couldn't, thanks to the cheerleading of Xiaoping, and my awesome classmates. Definitely going to take another course with Zen! " -- Charlotte Chase, Vancouver, British Columbia (June 7, 2016)
"Cody was a very supportive and safe instructor." -- Cory Goldberg, Toronto, Ontario (June 6, 2016)
"Troy was wonderful to have as an instructor. He knew when to push me to go forward or take a 'leap of faith' (metaphorically speaking!) and he instilled in me a level of confidence that I was able to go further and climb higher than I thought. He was very supportive and as a first-time climber, I felt extremely safe." -- Gurleen Minhas, Toronto, Ontario (August 10, 2015)
"All staff were extremely helpful. They were very cognizant of the safety of all climbers. They also ensured inclusiveness." -- Gillian Elango, ACL- Health & Physical Education and Athletics, Silverthorn Collegiate Institute, Toronto, Ontario (June 25, 2015)
"Thank you so much for the wonderful climbing experience with Zen Climb. Raz and his instructors were incredible! So calm, patient, knowledgeable, and encouraging to our students. We thoroughly enjoyed our two days of climbing. Please pass along our thanks and admiration to your staff." -- Laura Magrath, Head Teacher, Grade 6/7 Teacher; outside45, Bowen Island Community School, West Vancouver School District, British Columbia (April 24, 2015)
"Troy was great. Professional and courteous." -- Eli Melnick, Toronto, Ontario (September 23, 2014)
"Troy was an amazing instructor. I think Lilies could definitely benefit from some more practice teaching. We had a wonderful, inspiring day!" -- Tamara Haberman, Toronto, Ontario (September 22, 2014)
"Troy was amazing. Very assertive, knowledgeable and helpful yet encouraging. Definitely a highlight for us." -- Michael Melnick, Toronto, Ontario (September 22, 2014)
"I just wanted to let you know that my family and I had a great time yesterday. Troy was an excellent instructor. He patiently helped my younger son with the basics, set up a harder route and some challenges for my daughter and overall made sure we were all safe while having fun. Lilies was also very helpful, a good teacher and kept a close eye on us. It was a perfect introduction to outdoor climbing for my family." -- Ilene Seelemann, Thornhill, Ontario (August 24, 2014)
"Safety was the priority all the time, but I still had a lot of fun. I am hooked, and will continue climbing." -- Fabio Souza, Mississauga, Ontario (August 15, 2014)
"I wanted to let you know what an amazing time we had yesterday with Troy. It was a really great experience learning how to climb. I have some scrapes & bruises to show off to friends & family. I wish we live somewhere we could do it more, but we will have to wait for our vacations to do it again. Thanks again for the wonderful experience!" -- Jenny Mamone, Stuart, Florida, USA (July 14, 2014)
"I was extremely impressed with how thorough the instruction was and the great attention to safety. Everyone was encouraging and kind. It was a perfect day. I would recommend it to anyone and hope to climb again with Zen Climb. It was one of the most positive all-round experiences that I have had, and I thank you!!!!" -- Beth Pearsell, Hamilton, Ontario (July 1, 2014)
"Bill was tremendous fun and very knowledgeable re: climbing safety habits. He was open to allowing the climber to "just climb" their way without too much direction on how-to. He was very encouraging when I got stuck on some tricky parts, always patient when I wanted to have a rest. At the same time, he was very excited to see us climb and prodded us to climb lots of different routes. Probably the best way to spend a whole day with some of the coolest people." -- Jen Fleming, Burlington, Ontario (May 25, 2014)
"We had a fantastic day with Xiaoping. He consistently and repeatedly stressed safety first, which is a fundamental in rock climbing. He set up appropriate climbs and encouraged us to find the limits of what we thought we could do - while also making us feel entirely comfortable when we were ready to stop. Xiaoping was friendly, personable, supportive and encouraging with all ages and types of people. We all surprized ourselves with our accomplishments. It was a thrilling and empowering experience!" -- Angela Rocchi, Burlington, Ontario (May 13, 2014)
"Excellent introduction to outdoor rock climbing. Xiaoping is a patient and thorough instructor." --- Craig Sim, Ontario (May 14, 2014)
"Safety conscious, intelligent, gentle, fun and challenging. A wonderful leader for a great experience." -- Robert Penning, King City, Ontario (Sept. 16, 2013)
"Deryl was an amazing instructor and made me feel safe!" -- Liz Clarke, Mississauga, Ontario (August 27, 2013)
"Xiaoping instruction method is meticulous, I was comfortable as he adjust the pace based on the level of my ability and desire. This enable me to expand my learning experience and his emphasis on safety kept me within my limit's, even though I am a bit adventurous. I would highly recommend his program." -- Catherine Hayhoe, Toronto, Ontario (July 19, 2013)
"Xiaoping and Deryl were both very patient. They took the time to thoroughly explain all things pertaining to safety and process. They also provided support and guidance on the way up, which was appreciated as I have never done any climbing before. They did not push people to do things outside their comfort level, but also encouraged people to want to go beyond their comfort level and challenge themselves." -- Meredith Arnot, Toronto, Ontario (April 29, 2013)
"Xiaoping, I really want to thank you and Deryl again, for what turned out to be truly a great and very satisfying day. I came back, physically, mentally, as well as emotionally quite tired, but charged and pumped up about the experience at the same time! Thanks to Deryl for her personal encouragement and coaching to me during the day, when I was having a particularly hard time facing the cliff, she got me to change my outlook in a very subtle way, by getting me to focus on the rock itself, and what I love about the beauty of all rocks, and just that, was enough to get me to worry less about getting to the top and more about figuring out my technique and learning to enjoy the climb." -- Allan Pope, Toronto, Ontario (April 26, 2013)
"It was an amazing day, with very supportive instructors. My girlfriend and I had a great experience, and are looking forward to going more in the future." -- Zackary Fulton, Whitby, Ontario (April 17, 2013)
"This was the first time that I had ever gone rock climbing and I could not have had a more beautiful experience. The instructors were so encouraging and knowledgeable. They were patient, kind and so supportive. I was able to achieve my goal of climbing up a mountain and overcome my fear of heights because of all their help. When I reached the top I was so proud of myself that it brought me to tears. This is a moment that I will remember for the rest of my life." -- Sarah-Jane Theobald, Ajax, Ontario (April 16, 2013)
"Zen climb was very accomodating to the diverse needs of our group. Xiaoping went out of his way to meet and understand the youth that came on the Rock Climbing Trip. Thanks!" -- Adam Benn, Get Out LGBTQ Youth Program, Toronto, Ontario (October 12, 2012)
"Excellent course. My 9 year old son and 7 year old daughter are both experienced indoor gym climbers and wanted to experience outdoor climbing. Xiaoping was excellent, and very patient with my kids. They both loved the experience and learnt new skills they can also apply indoors. Xiaoping was very safety conscious, and I felt confident having him teach Cadyn and Danielle. We would definitely do it again." -- Berton Ung, Toronto, Ontario (Oct. 8, 2012)
"Thanks for a great course and a full day on the rocks! You were an excellent guide, very encouraging, and we really appreciated that you tailored the lessons to our level. We look forward to coming out for the next course." -- Anne, Toronto, Ontario (Sept. 28, 2012)