Looking at the photos again and againâŚ. It was fabulous week đ
The whole area in Arco / Riva del Garda is idyllic. Amazing place for people who love all kind of sports from water sports through mountaineering to gliding.
It was a truly amazing experience and I am absolutely delighted I signed up for week of hot rock climbing in the Alps with Debbie and Rob. They were extremely helpful, flexible and made this a very memorable time. I can recommend them to anyone who wants to spend few days in the mountains. They are very professional and experienced. They also made such a huge effort to look after us and made these holidays safe, challenging and enjoyable in the same time.
I have been back for one week now, but I still dream about it!
Thank you Debbie and Rob for this brilliant time!
Anna Kubiak, Italy Hot Rock, October 2011
I've just completed the 2 day Learn to Lead course with Rob. I'd become comfortable top roping a number of routes in Dalkey Quarry and was looking to progress to leading. I'm delighted that Rob was recommended to me as someone who could help me take this big step!
In the 2 days Rob gave me the building blocks I needed to start leading by myself. Along with the practical instruction I'd expected (gear placement, abseil, setting up a belay, etc...) Rob got me safely planning and preparing for a climb, breaking down and thinking through each decision I made from the base to the summit whilst gently directing and critiquing the decisions I took.
Armed now with new found knowledge and a fundamental shift in the way I see climbing I feel totally confident to make this progression and am looking forward to leading some new routes very soon!
Thanks Rob for your patient approach and unerring eye on safety...it's rubbed off!
Matt Larmer, Introduction to Lead Climbing, Dalkey, May 2011
The Learn to Lead Course with Vertigo was first rate. I feel like I have made a significant step forward in my climbing. Up until now, top roping and experimental indoor wall leading was as good as I could muster, but I would now feel confident to get out and lead single pitch climbs to severe grade. Thatâs a big jump in 2 days. Not only did we cover all the essentials, but what really made the difference was that Rob is an excellent instructor who clearly spends a lot of his time training people in the outdoors and knows instinctively exactly how to pitch a course to ensure the candidates get the very most from it. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Vertigo Outdoor for your next outdoor skills course.
Andrew O'Connor, Introduction to Lead Climbing, Dalkey, May 2011
We took two evening Moving Outdoor sessions with Vertigo Outdoor. With our indoor climbing experience the goal had been to gain essential skills that would release us from the confines of crowded climbing walls. We got all that and more. We had two marvelous evenings under the supervision of an experienced and proffesional instructor. All the time we felt really secure which is very important to us. The knowledge was presented in a structured and approachable manner that allowed us to greatly benefit from the sessions. And on top of that, the atmosphere was great and we had loads of fun. Many thanks to Vertigo Outdoor!
Piotr and Natasza, Moving Outdoors for Indoor Climbers, Dalkey, April 2011
Thanks Rob for the very enjoyable and very well structured learn to lead rock climbing course.
The course covered gear placement, preparing anchors, belaying a second, abseiling, and then putting this all into practice with my first leads on Dalkey quarry granite and on Barnbawn limestone. The course gave me enough confidence to go out the following Saturday and lead Pre-Alpina a Severe route in Dalkey quarry.
Colm McMahon, Introduction to Lead Climbing, Dalkey & Wicklow, March 2011
Vertigo Outdoor's professional instructors organised a safe and extremely enjoyable day for our group of new climbers in Dalkey Quarry. It was an exceptionally positive experience for the students and I am sure that we will be organising another day out as soon as possible
Simon O'Donnell, Belvedere College, Climbing Taster Day, Dalkey, March 2011
I had a great two days on the 'Learn to Lead' course, thanks Rob - very informative and safe, yet still very relaxed and great fun. Would highly recommend to anyone.
Mark Dalton, Introduction to Lead Climbing, Dalkey & Wicklow, March 2011
Ever since reading as a boy about the expeditions of Roald Amundsen, first person to reach both poles, I have had a desire to experience winter hill walking and climbing. Luckily I did not have to travel quite so far to get my chance as Vertigo Outdoor were running a winter skills course based around the Cairngorm Mountains in Scotland. Right from the initial enquiry, I was really satisfied with the professionalism of the organisation. The area chosen (Aviemore) with its French like charm and the accommodation facilities where excellent. Rob as leader and instructor was tremendous â very knowledgeable of the area, informing, witty and down to earth with the theory and practice. The skills learnt were very relevant and were used daily over the entire course. The whole trip was fantastic, yes it was hard going at times but with the support of Rob and his team around I knew I would achieve my goals. I donât know whether summiting Ben Macdui (1309m) in full winter snow conditions or my first multi pitch winter climb at Coire an t-Sneachda (1176m) was the highlight of my trip but what I do know is that it was only possible because of the level of training, ongoing guidance and support from Vertigo Outdoor. Even though this course is winter based, it has helped me back home in warmer conditions feel so much more confident heading to the hills, my navigation has come on leaps and bounds. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to experience winter conditions in the warmth of good company and great instruction. Many thanks for the amazing memories.
David Walsh, Winter Skills Course Feb 2011 / Cairngorm, Aviemore, Scotland 4 days course
I did an Intro to Rock Climbing course with the team from Vertigo Outdoor. The instructors were not only extremely knowledgable and helpful, but patient as well. For a first timer, I felt in safe hands and thoroughly enjoyed the day. I will definitely be booking to do some more climbs and would absolutely recommend it for a day of fun and adventure.
Debbie Ward, Intro to Rock Climbing, June 2010.Â
For someone who has a fear of heights, an introductory course in Rock Climbing was a daunting prospect to say the least. Not only did the team in Vertigo Outdoor make me feel like I was in a safe environment but with their knowledge and advice helped me overcome the challenge. Â The view from up there isnât bad either!
Michael Walsh, Intro to Rock Climbing, June 2010.
I did a hill walking weekend in the Mourne Mountains which included an overnight camp! The experience of having the qualified instructors from Outdoor Vertigo meant piece of mind while also gaining valuable knowledge & Skills that I can take away and use myself. For a first time camper, I was very pleasantly surprised with the overall comfort of the weekend. The quality of the Kit provided was excellent. Thank you so much for opening my eyes to what the Irish mountainside has to offer and for giving me the confidence to develop a new hobby!
Marianne Coady, Hill Walking Weekend, May 2010.
After years of feeling uncomfortable around heights, 2010 was the year I finally decided to do something about this. From the initial phone call with the instructors from Vertigo Outdoor I was made feel at ease, they were incredibly understanding about my fear which feed my encouragement to succeed. The level of instruction and their in-depth knowledge of climbing and the equipment went a long way to giving me the confidence to try rock climbing. I had a fantastic evening with the instructors who were very patient with me while I tried the introduction to rock climbing. I enjoyed the evening so much that since then I have done a number of evenings and weekend training with them leading up to an amazing camping weekend away climbing in a spectacular part of Donegal. The skills and understanding I have received from the team at Vertigo Outdoor has truly made a huge difference to my love and pursuit of the great outdoors. Thanks to the team, I now regularly enjoy an eveningâs climbing in Dalkey quarry with my fear! I highly recommend Vertigo Outdoor to anyone wishing to try something new, fun and exciting.
David Walsh, Intro to Rock Climbing Jan 2010 / Camping & Climbing Weekend, June 2010.