“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.

I was involved in the rock rescue course and some introductory climbing lessons. I appreciated the theory she explained to help me feel comfortable and the tips she offered about climbing. The importance of balance and the intuitive nature of climbing. I found it very helpful to learn from Kinley as a more petite female and very much appreciated her prompt reply to emails and overall organization. I certainly will use her company in the future.”

— Anna O

“The climb harder two day clinic that broke down the fundamental basics of theory, tactics and techniques to use 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 recently did a multipitch day with Kinley. I thought she was an excellent guide, a strong climber, and great to talk with. I had a really fun day with the right amount of challenge. Next time I’m in Squamish she would probably be the first person I reach out to!

- Aditya G

"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. I highly recommend it!"

-Nic M

“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! From a physiotherapy point of view, finding out good technique early & avoiding bad technique habits are crucial to performance and also help with injury prevention. Instead of avoiding my crack weaknesses, I'm psyched to practice what I learned with Kinley! Kinley's empathetic & compassionate style of coaching and her wealth of knowledge shined through on my day with her. Highly recommend her coaching & clinics !” 

-Nina Tappin, Climbing Physiotherapist

"Great course , great staff, great weekend!"

-Spencer Mitchell

“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.

Reframing my definition of what success means on a climb, focusing more on the process than the outcome, has me feeling joy instead of anxiety and putting less pressure on myself to perform. I made a goal to send 5 5.11a routes this season and so far I’m at 10 and counting! I think I’m just realizing my potential and how much I was holding myself back. Time to try some harder routes!!  

-Kate N

"Kinley is an extremely knowledgeable, patient and inspiring instructor. She is able to explain concepts in a very clear manner and is always able to bring the conversation back on topic when I went on a tangent about something. 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.

She went above and beyond to make the best out of our day. The 3 of us were at a different level, and she made sure that everyone was getting a lot of information and practice. Even a year later, I still remember the tips she gave me and I do my best to apply them!

I would recommend this course to anyone that is new to crack climbing, but it is also super 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. I look forward to learning more from future rock courses. Kinley kept the group on point and on task to allow for in-depth demonstrations and lots of practice time. 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.”

It was obvious that they took careful consideration to make worthy content for this course. Everyone says that climbing is 3 parts; strength, technique and mindset. I disagree. Your mindset can easily overpower strength and technique, turning the ballerina in you into a shaking, nervous, jittery mess. This course was so well 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 (for me particularly) 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