Mixed climbing in Camden Hills State Park, Maine

Climbing on Katahdin, Maine

RYAN HOWES

Having grown up playing in the woods and waters of Maine, I became quite fond of nature and knew that I would make a living in the outdoors. Rock climbing in Maine during high school formed my decision to attend Unity College, where I would eventually earn degrees in Adventure Therapy and Adventure Education Leadership. This experience gave me ultimate outdoor access, technical and communication skills building, and of course, I focused that energy into rock climbing and eventually ice climbing in Maine.

Climbing requires good mentorship and Jerry Cinnamon, a Unity College professor, became my climbing partner. He authored books on climbing, such as The Vertical Dance and The Complete Climber’s Handbook, which Outside Magazine called, “Essential insights from a master of the sport” and “Praised by major climbing magazines”. Suffice to say, I was a very lucky young apprentice.

During those formative years I knew that professional guiding in Maine was my career path, so I signed up for my first rock climbing instructor course with the American Mountain Guides Association in spring 2007. I never turned back, quickly sharpened my skills as a climber and an educator, receiving a master’s in education from Minnesota State University in 2008.

Over the years I worked for Atlantic Climbing School, Mooney Mountain Guides, Synnott Mountain Guides and Acadia Mountain Guides, achieving head guide status of three of the four companies. I continued my training with the AMGA and became a Rock Instructor and Ice Instructor. Keeping these certifications requires Wilderness First Responder, and for Maine’s backcountry overnights, I received Maine Guide status from Maine’s Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

For over ten years, I trained with a volunteer mountain rescue group on Katahdin. We facilitated multiple technical rescues with park rangers and game wardens. We also trained Baxter State Park staff on wilderness medicine, avalanche awareness and rescue, climbing and rescue skills. Suffice to say I know my way around Maine’s wild places, including all the familiar faces.

Education

  • MS in Experiential Education

  • BS in Adventure Therapy & Adventure Education Leadership

Health Certifications

  • Institute for Integrative Nutrition Certified Health Coach

  • EMT-B Trained

  • WFR, First-Aid & CPR

Guiding Qualifications 

  • Former Head Guide of Synnott Mountain Guides, Atlantic Climbing School & Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School

  • First Ascents in Maine up to WI 5+, 5.13b and M9

  • American Mountain Guides Association Certified Guide

  • Licensed Maine Recreation Guide

  • Katahdin Mountain Rescue

TURNING LEMONS INTO LEMONADE

At 30 years old I contracted a bacterial infection that wreaked havoc on my entire human bio-ecosystem. My career and relationship took a huge nosedive as I no longer felt in control of my life and health. I lost the power and energy I had in my 20’s as a high-performance athlete. I searched for an approach to get healthy and to find myself again. I gained knowledge from some of the best professionals in the areas of mindfulness, exercise and nutrition, I was able to restore my gut health, mental health and physical body. This integrative health approach helped me feel like a younger, stronger and more powerful version of myself compared to my twenties. Given half the chance, the body heals itself and I was able to surpass my previous abilities as a high-performance athlete, running 100-mile ultramarathons, climbing harder routes and first ascents, and participating in American Ninja Warrior.

My nature is to help people discover their best self — which is why I became an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach — to help my climbing guests improve their health and performance. This has really set me apart from other climbing guides. The real work in transforming our lives requires us to change our nutrition, mindset, movement, and to be open to compassion, empathy and gratitude. When I began this journey 10 years ago, I discovered that all of my fears was actually a gift in disguise - and that gift allows me the courage and wisdom to guide you beyond the typical climbing experience.

I look forward to working with you. 

The journey to living a healthier and happier life begins when you take the time to listen to what your body wants and needs. I will guide you on that journey.