Big Wall Climbing with Blonde Ambition "It's not about being blonde, it's about having more fun." - That's the motto that Steve Schneider has lived by since he began his guide service- Blonde Ambition Guiding. Naming his guide service after Madonna's hugely successful 1990 tour of America, Steve and his blonde haired partner, Hans Florine, began to guide clients across the globe. As one of the few guides in the Bay area with American Guide Association status, Steve has a vast amount of experience in teaching the nuances of rock climbing. He has made over a hundred ascents of El Capitan and has spent as many nights on Yosemite's colossal granite wall.


Steve climbing Lurking Fear with Touchstone setters Cuz and Jim

Why get into big wall climbing? Why struggle up enormous walls like Yosemite's El Capitan? "Because it is magnificent," Schneider says. "It's right there- Mecca. Why not?" Steve will be holding a couple of classes on big wall climbing technigue. With 3 free ascents of El Capitan, sends of 5.13 offwidth on the rock, and more than a half dozen speed records, Steve knows the "Big Stone" better than anyone around. He offers sage advice, "Take baby steps toward your goals. Do Grade IIs, IIIs, IVs, Vs, then you can climb El Cap. Baby Steps."



There will be two sets of classes on Monday and Wednesday from 6-9:30 pm on the 12th and 14th as well as the 19th and 21st. For over 7 hours of instruction Steve charges $140 and will be held at the Touchstone climbing gyms. To sign up for the class email Steve at blondeshipoopi@yahoo.com

Labels: big wall climbing, Steve Schneider

  ¶ Friday, April 09, 2010