Guiding & coaching climbers to reach their full potential.

With deep roots in the climbing community, we bring passion, professionalism, and purpose to every day on the rock. Safety, stewardship, and stoke are at the core of what we do.

Meet Our Team

  • Smiling person in a forest wearing a gray hoodie and cap.

    Kinley Aitken

    ACMG Rock Guide

    I’ve called Squamish home for over twenty years while climbing and guiding in the outdoor industry. 

    Pursuing vertical adventures brings me joy! I’ve climbed on five continents, redpointing 12+ trad, 5.13 sport, climbed the Nose in a day, stood on top of 14000’ers, completed first ascents in B.C’s Waddington Range and perhaps my proudest achievement, balancing motherhood and climbing. One of my personal climbing goals is maintaining a positive growth mindset regardless of performance. 

    When not guiding and coaching private clients, I instruct for Thompson Rivers University and the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, Training and Assessment Program. I’m passionate about sharing my love and expertise of climbing with clients wherever they are on their climbing journey.

  • Dave Gauley

    IFMGA / ACMG Mountain Guide

    Don’t let Dave’s (he/him) mellow, easy-going nature fool you—he’s one of the most talented individuals you’re likely to meet in the mountains. Originally from Ottawa, Dave cut his teeth climbing in Whistler nearly 35 years ago and has been a certified Mountain Guide since 2003. A lifelong athlete and former professional skier, he has a deep love for technical climbing and the red rock landscapes of the desert.

    When he's not leading unforgettable multi-pitch climbs, you might find him playing guitar, tinkering with his truck, catching waves, or building everything from cabinets to campers. Dave is passionate about helping people explore places they might not otherwise reach—experiences that often leave a lasting impact. He brings calm confidence, depth of experience, and a touch of creativity to every trip.

  • Braeden Ennis

    ACMG Apprentice Alpine Guide

    Braeden (he/him), grew up in Vancouver, BC, and discovered climbing in high school—he’s been hooked ever since. His early years were all about pushing grades, sport climbing, and bouldering, which took him up and down the West Coast and as far afield as the limestone caves of Southeast Asia and Spain. He’s tackled free routes on El Cap, mixed and ice climbs in the Rockies, and alpine big walls in fast-and-light style. Braeden has racked up a varied climbing resume sending 5.14, V11, M8/WI5+ and Freerider.

    Now an Apprentice Alpine Guide, based in Canmore, Alberta, Braeden spends his time sport climbing, crushing hard boulders, being a doting dog dad, and wowing the odd lucky listener with his next-level guitar skills. Guiding has given him an outlet to share his love of climbing with a wider audience. His jokes are bad, but his stoke is highly contagious.

  • Sara-Jo Howatt

    ACMG Apprentice Rock and Ski Guide

    Sara (she/her) started climbing a decade ago and still remembers the magic of her first trip to Smith Rock with a close group of friends. Originally from Revelstoke, and currently based in Canmore, she now splits her seasons between climbing and ski guiding, chasing movement, connection, and challenge year-round.

    As a guide, Sara loves meeting new people and helping them achieve their goals—whether on a multipitch route or while teaching rope rescue. She brings a calm, grounded energy to her days in the mountains, with a soft spot for good weather, good friends, and trying hard.

    When she’s not climbing or guiding, you might find her skiing, running, or learning the art of pottery. Her 17-year-old cat Maui keeps things cozy at home, while pancakes remain the front-runner for favourite food.

  • Keenan Gibson

    ACMG Apprentice Rock Guide

    Keenan (they/he) is a queer, non-binary climber, artist, cat lover, and enthusiast of rocks in all shapes and sizes. They’re passionate about creating and nurturing inclusive pathways into outdoor recreation—spaces that feel intentional, safe, and a clear departure from the status quo.

    Keenan sees their work as a chance to share movement and engage in collaborative problem-solving within community. A professional route setter, they love putting plastic on walls but it’s big traditional climbing objectives that truly set their soul ablaze.

    Some may recognize Keenan from their involvement with the @projectpridebouldering festival, held on the unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh people (Squamish).

  • Phil Binemma

    ACMG Rock Guide

    Originally from Greater Vancouver, Phil has called Squamish home for over 13 years. He started climbing in 2010 through the Thompson Rivers University adventure program, a spark that’s grown into a full-on passion for wild experiences, technical movement, and meaningful connection.

    One of his most unforgettable days in the mountains involved being caught in a blizzard on Snowpatch Spire—navigating 14 rappels in 80 km/h winds. He’s never been so cold in his life, and never forgotten the lesson. That balance of intensity, focus, and humility is what draws him to the mountains—and what he brings to his work as a guide.

    Phil is especially passionate about helping others progress mentally, work through fear, and find joy in challenge. He teaches avalanche courses in the winter, and somehow still finds time to make music and shoot hoops (yes, he can still dunk).

    His perfect day? Splitter cracks, big views, lots of laughs—and that good kind of tired that only comes after trying hard all day.

  • Jake Foster

    ACMG Rock and Ski Guide

    Originally from Toronto, Jake found climbing in a high school and quickly became hooked. A move to Vancouver for school introduced him to Squamish, and has called it home ever since.

    One of Jake’s most memorable climbing days was on the Becky-Chouinard in the Bugaboos. With 12 days of momentum behind them, he and a friend pushed for the summit under starlight, climbed as snow began to fall, and returned to camp 20 hours later—exhausted, proud, and transformed. That blend of challenge, connection, and movement is what drives his love for multipitch guiding.

    A natural teacher with a deep respect for strong foundations, he’s passionate about helping climbers grow their confidence, problem-solve independently, and find wonder in the high places.

    When he’s not guiding, you’ll find Jake skiing, splitboarding, dabbling in mountain biking, or working as a lead guide with Last Frontier Heliskiing. He also works in rope access and mountain safety and, on the rainiest days, might be spotted deep in a video game or grabbing a chicken shawarma from Pizzalicious.

  • Romain Thomyre

    ACMG Apprentice Rock Guide

    Originally from France, Romain (pronounced Roman) (he/him) found climbing in the unlikely coastal region of Brittany—better known for sailing than granite. Since then, climbing has taken him around the world and into moments both humbling and unforgettable, from bailing halfway up El Cap to standing blissfully alone atop the Bugaboos’ Kain Route.

    Now based in BC, Romain is an ACMG Apprentice Rock Guide and a natural teacher who thrives on helping others feel confident and empowered in the vertical world. Whether he’s leading a multipitch day in Squamish or nerding out on efficient rope systems, he brings calm energy, thoughtful instruction, and fluent guidance in four languages.

    Outside of guiding, Romain is a mechanical engineer working on the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extension, a fan of comté cheese, and a connoisseur of bonfires and board games. His perfect day? A Chief summit hug and a cold drink at the A-Frame.

  • Terry Lui

    ACMG Apprentice Rock Guide.

    Originally from Edmonton, Terry started climbing indoors back in 2006 and has been chasing new experiences, challenges, and laughter ever since. One of his most memorable moments came on a climb called Burning Down the Couch, where a foot slip at the top of a long runout led to a fall so big it changed the pitch of his voice midair.

    Terry is a guide who thrives on helping others gain the confidence and knowledge to pursue their own adventures. He lives for those lightbulb moments—when everything clicks—and feels grateful to support people as they push through challenges they once thought impossible. A natural teacher and lifelong learner, he especially enjoys instructing technical skills and fostering independence.

    When not guiding, Terry is probably cooking noodle soup (ramen, pho, udon—you name it), hiking and camping. His perfect climbing day includes friends, amazing views, good food, and learning something new. Also, he can wiggle his ears.

  • Laura Pollock

    ACMG Top Rope Climbing Instructor

    Originally from Calgary, Laura (she/her) found climbing in the summer of 2022—and hasn’t looked back since. Within her first year, she was summiting Mt. Habrich and the Chief with friends who inspired and pushed her, setting the tone for a fast and passionate dive into the climbing world. Not long after tying in for the first time, she began teaching and working in the industry.

    Based in Squamish, Laura splits her time between the gym and the crag, guiding and instructing with contagious enthusiasm. She loves helping climbers break into leading sport routes and finds real joy in supporting others as they grow in skill and confidence. Her perfect climbing day? Sunshine, good snacks, great friends—and a lake to jump into after.

    When she’s not climbing, you’ll find Laura skiing, running, or sewing upcycled clothing. Laura has recently begun the journey towards working in the ski industry and is excited for what's to come in the guiding world. 

“Climbing for me, is a moving meditation, an exploration and deep connection with nature and people and a catalyst for personal awareness and growth. Oh yes, and lots of fun”

-Kinley

Mountain peak at sunrise with snow, rocky terrain, and a lone hiker silhouette.
Close-up of evergreen tree branch with needle-like leaves
Person rock climbing on granite in Squamish, learning multipitch and slab climbing techniques, overlooking Howe Sound and highway 99.

Squamish

Squamish is a world class climbing destination. The magnitude and variety of climbing offer endless adventures and the perfect classroom to advance your skills.

The proximity of the climbing to Squamish, means that less time is spent driving and approaching climbs leaving more time to climb and learn. Squamish and its climbing walls are surrounded by coastal mountains, lush forest, glacier fed rivers and the ocean. The vibrant town offers accommodation and amenities as well as a plethora of other adventures and activities to compliment your rock climbing experience.