Guide Profile: Rod Thomas

      


AMGA CERTIFIED ROCK INSTRUCTOR

WMA Wilderness First Responder

 

Rod is a formally trained and certified guide.  Rod is a Certified Rock Instructor (formerly called "Level 1 Rock Guide")  by the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA).  This certification is the result of years of climbing and guiding experience.  Certification involves educational courses, apprenticeship instruction from senior guides, and finally a week long exam involving graded guiding and rescue scenarios on multi-pitch technical terrain.  The AMGA examination process is the only benchmark for professional  guides in the United States, and indicates a high level of technical and practical proficiency.  Perhaps more importantly, it indicates a commitment to client care and continuing professional development.

 

Rod has been working for Granite Arches since 2002

 

Rod operates out of Chattanooga, and is a crack climbing aficionado.   Rod climbs and guides many crags in the Tennessee escarpment.

 

	Rod is a recovering ski instructor, having spent many cold winters in Idaho skiing the best powder on earth.
	Rod has been guiding since 2001, first for various outfitters and more recently with Granite Arches.
	Rod took the AMGA rock instructor course in 2001 and has since logged 48 hours of additional AMGA guiding instruction.
	Rod has climbed at numerous areas throughout Tennessee, Wyoming, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and North Carolina.

 

	Rod is a great instructor.  Clients appreciate his structured, pedagogically polished  approach to teaching.
	Rod is a current and certified Wilderness First Responder through Wilderness Medical Associates.