Climbing Trips

Question
Hello. I have a question pertaining to rock climbing trips/excursions. My boyfriend is a climber, and for Christmas I would love to take him on a climbing trip. However, he lives in Illinios (I don't know if there are many rocks to climb out there) and he still is not the best climber, and would need assistance. Are there any guided climbing trips out there that perhaps you could refer me to? I do not know anything about this sport. Thank you very much.

Sincerely,
Gabriela Najera  

Answer
Dear Gabriela----you must be a great girlfriend! As to your question, Christmas is a good time go climbing---in Australia. But here the days are short and the storms are many. The most stable season is Fall, and next Summer. Winter would be the worst.

Might I suggest some books?  John Long has a number of good how-to books, and I have written a safety book--------- "Ultrasafe, A Guide to Safer Rock Climbing," all available at Amazon.com.

When the weather gets good, the closest good climbing is at Devil's Lake Wisconsin. Beyond that, the Tetons, Yosemite, and Rocky Mountain National Park are all classic places to take a class. Beware, classes only get you so far---it's hands-on sport. Many start by climbing easy stuff with friends, and working thier way up. The climbing gyms offer one way to get started, but not every gym practice transfers to natural rock.

Good Luck

George Allen