Instructional Classes

The goal of the instructional series here at Central Rock Gym is to help our climbers develop and improve the strength, stamina, climbing IQ, and confidence.  We are in the process of developing a program that will effectively address the needs of climbers of all abilities.  Whether you are new to the spot and need the basics, or you are looking for a way to get over the hump to send a hard project outside, we have the training and expertise to help you meet those goals. Below is a list of the classes currently being offered.  See something that interests you?  Give us a call or ask at the front desk.

Technique 1 and 2 Classes:

The climbing technique classes have two main objective: to make climbers stronger, and make them more confident in their abilities and movement.  There are two levels to our technique classes.  A beginner technique 1 class and an intermediate level technique 2 class.

Find out more information by following this link.

Introductory Lead Climbing Class:

Want to test your skills by getting on routes in the big lead cave?  Or just want to get off those top routes and give yourself more of a challenge.  Check out our introductory lead climbing course.  You will learn proper techniques for climbing, clipping the rope, lead belay, and falling.

Find out more information by following this link.

Instructors:

Justin Wright

Justin started climbing in 2007. He has managed a rockwall, been a head coach for a climbing team for 2 years, and currently is a USA Climbing routesetter. He loves sharing his passion of climbing with others. Elementary school teacher by day – climbing instructor by night; Justin has experience working with both young kids and adults, in varying ability ranges. He focuses on striking the balance between climbing, antagonist muscle and core exercise, and rest. Now that he is at an incredible gym, he is looking forward to getting you psyched on climbing as well.

Joshua Surette

Currently our head climbing coach and a core boulder setter, Josh has worked in the education and recreation industries for the past 14 years. Josh has climbed injury free for the past 15 years, and has made first ascents up to 5.13b and V9, climbing comfortable on steep and less-than vertical terrain. He attributes this long healthy career to a focus on opposing muscle conditioning, flexibility, balance, and adequate rest.

In addition his work coaching youth climbers, Josh has also worked as a public school science teacher, and as a senior counselor at Morse Hill Outdoor Recreation Center. Holding a Master’s Degree in Resource Management and Conservation, Josh also enjoys full-time employment with the Appalachian Mountain Club as the Trail Planner for the New England National Scenic Trail.

Alison Palmer

Alison has been climbing since 2008 and enjoys teaching the movement, strength, and balance of climbing. She is a Level One route setter through USA climbing and has been setting since 2009. Alison enjoys sharing her passion with climbers of all ages, through running the Summer Camp and the Women’s Technique Class.

Stephen Denette

I am the head setter for CRG Hadley, and have been climbing, setting, instructing, and guiding for over seven years.  I learned to climb at Unity College in Maine, where I studied Adventure Education Leadership.  Once I started climbing I could not stop. I have climbed extensively in the Northeast, the New River George, and also in Yosemite California while
guiding for Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides.   Each year I travel to North Conway New Hampshire to guide Springfield College students on Multi-pitch granite routes, which are my favorite kind of climbs!  I have two on-sight first ascents in the High Sierra in California (5.11a and 5.10d) as well as on-sight assents of numerous grade IV walls; I have also been on the Salathe’ and Triple Direct on El Capitan.  In 2008 I moved back to Western Ma to get my Masters of Education, found a love for the small crags around Western Mass .  This march I started working at CRG Hadley, where-in addition to my role as Head Setter, I enjoy setting for climbing competitions and make all those CRG Custom Volumes that you’ll see in both Hadley and Worcester.