What Clients Are Saying
“Kinley and her team are the best to work with! She has incredible energy and stoke that is infectious no matter your ability level. She has guided my crew many times and is a dream to work with - highly recommended if you want someone with TONS of experience, patience, professionalism, and enthusiasm.”
-Amanda
“My experience with Kinley Aitken Guiding has been overwhelmingly positive and would highly recommend her service!
Kinley's warm demeanour, in-depth understanding of climbing as well as the Squamish area, expertise and breadth of experience allow for a perfect learning environment and setting to progress your climbing.”
— Anna O
“The Climb Harder Clinic broke down the fundamental basics of theory, tactics and techniques to help focus, keep your mind calm and climb harder. I am months out of completing this course and have never felt so calm on the rock.
Kinley and Vicky were a wealth of knowledge. If this course was on Yelp, it would have five stars.”
— Krystle T
"I had a great experience in the crack clinic with Kinley. I gained a lot of movement skills & confidence for moving forward with my trad goals. Highly recommended!"
-Nic M
“Kinley has an innate ability to clearly deconstruct concepts and techniques and use relatable analogies for easy learning. She allows space for questions, listening, sharing, debriefing, laughter, and getting to know everyone on and off the rock. I highly recommend her as a guide and coach.”
-Ness Carrington
“Since 2016, I’ve hired Kinley to guide over 20 days. She has been amazing both off and on the wall. Travelling from Ontario, I’ve greatly appreciated her willingness to accommodate rainy weather. She has gone out of her way to save my vacations on multiple occasions.
Kinley fully embodies the climbing spirit and is just an outstanding person to spend a day on the mountain with.”
-Jeff Ashton
“My crack technique coaching day with Kinley was worth the investment as I achieved my goal of learning key tips & areas of weakness with my crack technique. I am more confident & psyched to try more granite crack climbing, so mission accomplished!
Kinley's empathetic & compassionate style of coaching and wealth of knowledge shone through on my day with her. Highly recommend her coaching & clinics!”
-Nina Tappin, Climbing Physiotherapist
“Just wanted to write to let you know that the clinic was a real game changer for me.
Since taking the clinic I feel like I’ve broken through a plateau I’ve been stuck at for many years.
-Kate N
I have climbed with several guides across Canada and the US, and I thought Kinley was one of the best - extremely competent & knowledgeable and very personable and fun to climb with. Oh, and she takes great photos. Highly recommend!
-Aditya
"Kinley is an extremely knowledgeable, patient and inspiring guide.
We have taken several courses over the years with her, and they have always left me feeling much more prepared for my next time on the rock; I highly recommend learning from Kinley!"
-Dennis Kneebone
"Kinley's crack climbing clinic was absolutely fantastic.
I would recommend this course to anyone new to crack climbing, but it is also great for experienced crack climbers who want to take their technique to the next level and gain confidence on the wall."
-Audrey
"Kinley put on an excellent course that far exceeded my expectations. Thank you for creating a safe learning environment and sharing your vast knowledge. It takes a special quality to be proficient at highly technical procedures and also be able to teach them well."
- Stacey Anderson
“Kinley strikes a delicate balance in her teaching/coaching where she distills down a lifetime of expertise into simple, focused, nuggets of knowledge that are effective and applicable to your climbing goals!”
-Terry Lui
“Kinley and Vikki's Climb Harder Clinic was far beyond what I had thought it would be.”
This course was incredibly designed to help you tackle mindset in small, yet very applicable and achievable ways. I also loved that you get take-home content. The teaching style of both Kinley and Vikki is incredibly supportive, and they complement each other well.
I highly recommend this course!
-Elise
“Kinley has an awesome presence. She has an inspiring attitude towards climbing and guiding. I appreciate her style in the field and the way she gives feedback.”
-P.W
“My friend Mary and I immensely enjoyed our multipitch day on the Spirit of Squamish, as well as your expertise, helpful beta and your fun & delightful, easy-going personality.”
-Barb Lewison
“Thank you Kinley for your instruction and mentorship in guiding these students over the years! Here’s to many more crews moving through your leadership. “
— Thompson Rivers Adventure Studies Department
“The Beyond Traditional Workshop was pure magic!
Kinley and Sarah created such an open space to learn and share, along with offering such genuine support. I have walked away with tools that will not only serve me in the vertical world but in all aspects of my life.”
-Sophie
“The Gravity Masters Clinic (friendly falling) was a great experience.
The pace of the clinic was great, and I would highly recommend this course whether you’re just getting into leading outdoors and want to learn to fall or if you’re more experienced and fear is holding you back.”
-Klaudia K
“I would highly recommend Kinley to anyone looking for a guide or wanting to level up their crack climbing skills.
I did a crack technique clinic with her last year and came away with so many useful tips and tricks that I still rely on every time I climb.
Can't recommend her enough!”
-Sarah K
“Kinley was an amazing teacher, guide and an all-around badass; the Crack Climbing and Climb Harder Clinics were really helpful in learning and unlearning a lot!”
-Venky
“I’ve attended professional certification courses and an advanced Crack Climbing Clinic with Kinley Aitken Guiding. Hands down, worth the time and money. Great instruction, safe atmosphere, solid group management.“
-Keith Lenning
“I don’t think realized how much I needed what Beyond Traditional had to offer.
I walked away with tools that can applied throughout my life. I’m so appreciative of the care facilitators and participants had for each other.”
-Coralia
“Kinley is an absolute rock star of an educator. Beyond Traditionals Workshops’ instructional design was fabulous. Expert, real-time feedback is provided as you're applying newfound skills - this is invaluable!
This course taught me so much, which has transferred directly to my climbing ability! I'll certainly be taking more courses with Kinley in the future.”
-Christina
“Kinley is the best! She's super professional, safety-conscious, mature, encouraging, and fun. Her vast knowledge of available routes means she can choose just the right adventure for you and your level. I don't use any other guide.”
-Michelle Waters
“Kinley has an incredible ability to meet you where you're at and tailor an experience that is fun, challenging and supportive to your goals!
She helped me to find achievable ways to train and prepare for my own specific climbing goals and was with me every step of the way with a smile, encouragement, well-timed and thoughtful feedback.
I would highly recommend Kinley and any of her guides for an incredible climbing experience!
-Madaleine M-P
“Beyond Traditional was an amazing experience.
Both Kinley and Sarah are exceptional at what they do and created a safe environment for learning and exploring fear and nervous system management for climbing.
I’m applying what I’ve learned to my climbing, and it has been transformative!”
-Laura S
“Kinley & Sarah for such an awesome workshop.
This workshop was the perfect blend of trad climbing with learning about our nervous system.
I learnt so much and would highly recommend this course!”
-Orla
