testimonials
thoughts from some of our adult athletes.
…that format REEEEALY poorly on a phone.
sorry.
“I’m fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Zach since I started climbing in college 5 years ago, up to the present moment. As I transitioned from gym climbing to wanting to push my limits outdoors, Zach has provided me with tools to be able achieve my goals. Whether it be strategy for sending my outdoor proj, training regimen, skin care, or conversations on how to work through hand injuries, Zach has been an incredible teacher. He is attentive to my vision and willing to share his own experience as an exemplary athlete to create a fun and trustworthy coach/athlete experience. I feel heard as an individual when I express my goals to Zach, as well as encouraged to take my climbing to the next level. Zach's layered understanding of climbing has made for beautiful conversation around the psychology of climbing as well. Through great questions and regular check-ins, Zach has been one of the key individuals to help me understand myself as a climber. Zach has made me feel encouraged to work through my weaknesses and continue to grow while simultaneously recognizing my strengths and opening my mind to the possibilities.” (2020)
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”Zach is someone you can count on to bring you to the next level. With his ability to listen and create plans specific to your goals, he is one hell of a coach. He has the ability to hold belief in you, even when you don't. He has helped me work through physical and mental barriers that have made me enjoy outdoor climbing to greater depths. He's helped me understand injuries, how to have the best rest and diet for success, created training plans that include physical therapy, as well as breaking down climbing movement in refreshing and understandable ways.” (2022)
- Mollie F., Bishop, CA
“The first day I met Zach he, with one short sentence, unlocked a boulder move that felt impossible for me. In addition to making the move possible and repeatable I also understood why it suddenly worked despite feeling impossible a few seconds earlier..
This pattern pretty much has been repeated over and over again after starting to work with him. I have made numerous impactful discoveries about movement, technique, getting stronger, and how to better deal with the mental aspects of climbing. This has unlocked an enormous amount of fun, motivation for my training, and progress in my climbing..
Zach is a master in saying just enough to allow me to understand the principle behind what he is bringing across. With this he skillfully creates space for me to learn. He belongs to the small group of exceptional coaches and teachers I have met in my life.”
- Francois N., Atlanta, GA
“I originally started working with Zach for help with a finger injury. His support helped get me through debilitating and pesky capsulitis symptoms. The experience was positive – his approach got me curious about the guided alpine bouldering trips that he leads.
A recent trip to the Front Range in Colorado solidified Zach in my mind as THE boutique climbing coach / guide / mentor in the Midwest. He can offer insight into the mental and strength side, and absolutely excels at the technical side of rock climbing – and it’s all delivered with a sense of humor. Zach not only adores climbing movement, but also has a solid framework for those interested in exploring a more fulfilling relationship with rock climbing.
If you want to climb for a long time and have someone “on the bench” observing you, helping you break plateaus, and exploring what motivates you, talk to Zach.”
- Peter B., Minneapolis, MN.
“Zach has coached my older son (now 17) since he began climbing 10 years ago, first at the Midwest Climbing Academy, and since as a member of the Nomads climbing team. I was a casual climber, primarily a pad sherpa and driver for Nomad trips, until the beginning of 2020, when I began formal training with Zach.
Zach shows an exceptional ability to meet people where they are, take the time to understand how they learn, and help them translate that combination into a flexible, evolving plan built on a solid foundation of climbing and physical training expertise. He works with athletes to identify goals that meet their individual needs, not any external constraints or, particularly, his approach to his own training. His experience working with athletes across a range of ages, abilities, and skill levels deeply informs how he works with each one as an individual, as opposed to having one way of teaching and training that he applies to all.
His encyclopedic knowledge of local, regional, and select national climbing areas (check out his youtube channel!) makes outdoor training and trip planning easy. From the casual climber to the competitive trainer (and those that change over time!), Zach will provide you with right tools and guidance to make the most of your time with him, on walls, and out in nature.”
- Eric W., Saint Paul, MN
“I have been climbing for almost 25 years. Routesetting for 15. I have traveled all over the world to climb. I have gone through all sorts of ups and downs with climbing were it takes more or less of my time, mental energy, and priority.
When I let Zach in to my process, it was the first time in a long time that I felt that I had a path towards REAL growth in climbing. He was able to point out some places of glaring improvement, while respecting my history and depth of understanding in climbing.
I’m not going to lie and say that climbing is once again the biggest priority in my life now, but the time i spend with climbing has a new meaning and value knowing that I have some things to work on and someone to talk to if I get stuck. I am having fun, and that is priceless.”
- Matt R., Fort Collins, Colorado
“Zach is the most technical climber I know. But what separates Zach from ‘just another great climber’ is his ability to transfer his knowledge to other climbers in an easily comprehensive format.
Zach has an uncanny ability to understand an athlete and adjust his coaching style to be the most digestible on an athlete to athlete basis, so that every athlete receives information in the most efficient way for them.
Zach is a great and knowledgeable guy that I would recommend for any climber that is attempting to progress in the sport.”
- Kolbe F., Bishop, CA
“I met Zach online in 2014 playing a video game called Destiny. Like the title of the game, even though we were teamed up randomly we became close rather quickly.
Over the last decade of knowing Zach, our friendship has evolved from a video game “fireteam” to a truly close mentoring and coaching relationship. He always encouraged me to start climbing, and when I finally dipped my toes into bouldering a couple years ago, I — like many — was hooked instantly. Zach took notice and immediately brought me under his wing in such a bespoke way. Not only have I picked up so many basic and more intricate techniques to this sport, I’ve been able to make parallels between climbing and everyday life. The way he pokes my mind and tries to figure me out as a person and athlete leaves me feeling listened and catered to. He can exist in a “friend” space in the same capacity that we used to be while also being able to put on the “coach hat” and get serious about training.
I feel like being paired with Zach in the nascency of my climbing journey has provided me with an amazing opportunity to grow and explore the possibilities within this sport, and it’s only just begun.”
- Kaden S., Atlanta, GA
"Working with and getting to know Zach has had an awesome impact on my climbing ability, mentality and psyche! After a free coaching consultation I could tell Zach was an extremely passionate and experienced climber and I was excited to continue working with him. He quickly provided more direction and structure to my gym sessions which translated to higher quality outdoor climbing. Zach is also passionate about connecting like minded people and I met a number of new climbers with similar goals through trainings and sessions he set up. Definitely recommend connecting with Zach if you are trying to reach new goals!"
- Max T., Salt Lake City, UT
“Zach helped me find the weaknesses in my climbing and attack them head on. After a long plateau I finally feel like I'm making progress towards new and more difficult problems. I've only been working with Zach a short time but already stoked about the progress we have been making.”
- Andrew R., Minneapolis, MN
“Zach really helped show me how being extremely self-aware will improve your climbing. From understanding how ones body is moving, to your breathing, he really helped me to break through my plateau.“
- Nathan S., Minneapolis, MN
“Zach’s coaching really took my climbing to the next level. I wasn’t sure where to start learning some of the intangible aspects of technique. Zach was able to break it down in such a way that kept me focused on the lessons and gave me time to hone in my skills.”
- Ryan H., Minneapolis, MN.
