My family and I came to California from Chicago for vacation. I have 3 daughters, 11,9 and 7 and I was looking for someone to take us climbing/hiking. After a lot of digging around I found onrope. Prior to the trip I arranged 2 days of activities with Walter: Day one, was a 6 hour hike and climb in Malibu Creek State Park, the Day 2 was a 2-3 hour rock climb and rapell at Point Dunne. Walter was incredible on the phone. Our family is active but has limited experience in rock climbing. I told Water what I was looking to accomplish and he recommended both trips and said it would be perfect. From our conversations, I felt more than comfortable leaving it in his hands. Now that the the trip is wrapping up, I can say it was, without a doubt, the 2 best days we had in California. The trips were beautiful and challenging, but spending time and getting to know Walter was just as enjoyable. The 6 hour day one, started with a hike and then a low angle horizontal climb over water (harnessed in). All my girls LOVED that and were able to make it, thanks to Walter. After some more hiking and scrambling over rocks, we were lead to a climb with four levels of difficulty. Walter was patient, careful, genuine, and spent time helping all of us climb. Everyone climbed with my 11 year old taking one of the harder routes of the day to the top. My middle daughter climbed to the top of one of the runs, and my 6-year old made it about 1/2 way. Very cool to see. 2 days later we met at Point Dunne where we rappelled over 100 feet. Point Dunne was breathtaking. A cliff sitting right on the beach and overlooking the ocean. We all made the rappel down and 2 of us climbed up. Again, this was an incredible day. If you are thinking of climbing or hiking or rappelling and looking for someone, beginner to experienced, I strongly recommend onRope. Walter and his crew are truly remarkable. I feel so strongly about onRope, that if anyone has any questions, you can personally contact me at 773 562 5133. read more

This company is great! Our instructor, Walter, did an amazing job in teaching us safely how to rock climb. I had a great time meeting new folks and hanging out with friends. I hope to this again! Thanks, Walter. You rock! read more

We went for a weekday climb a week or so ago, where there were six of "us" against ONE Sensei Tom. ... Tom is a personable, professional, and fun guide, with an excellent manner and teaching talent. He made everything about the day comfortable, and what I found to be TOTALLY cool was that our small group's ages ranged from mid-20's to early 60's - and EVERYONE climbed. The easy-ish hike to the rock face was enjoyable, providing a perfect taste of what we needed to learn before facing the rock. Thank you, OnRope Consulting, for a most fun, relaxed, and laughter-filled adventure! read more

Now although I have no other rock-climbing business to compare OnRope to, I do believe this is 'as good as it gets.' Not only is Walter knowledgeable, but patient and helpful beyond what's expected. I did the 'intro' hiking and climbing course via Living Social deal, and on my first climb, about 1/3 of the way up, I stopped and that inner voice said I couldn't go up further. But Walter coached me to not listen to that negative voice and well I made it all the way up. I'll be signing up for another course! read more

My roommate and I signed up for the Rock One course in Malibu Creek State Park, and our expectations were exceeded in every way! Our guide was Walter, who's just a rad dude in general, but is also incredibly knowledgeable about all things related to climbing. He educated us on everything from the history of climbing, the different types of gear and equipment, tying the necessary knots for climbing, setting and anchoring top roping routes, belaying, rappelling, and climbing safety and etiquette. I finished the day feeling so much more comfortable with outdoor climbing, and gained tons of new skills to start getting outdoors on my own. I'd gladly sign up for other trips with OnRope and recommend them to friends! read more

AMAZING!!! Wanted to surprise the boyfriend with a birthday adventure and was this just perfect! Walter really catered to exactly what I had in mind, a fun, memorable, outdoor rock climbing experience. I have no previous experience and didn't want to settle with just a gym so I'm definitely please I went with this route and was able to get exactly what I wanted out of it. I had numerous moments where I just felt like nothing could ever replicate how I felt then and there! Absolutely loved every minute of it. Walter definitely made us feel safe yet pushing out limits!!! Give him a call, you won't be disappointed :) read more

OnRope Consulting - Living in the moment - Climbing Near Me - Santa Monica, California

See all

We heard about OnRope Consulting from some fellow climbers in Malibu. A goal of mine had been to become proficient in climbing outdoors so that I could go out with friends and setup the ropes and routes. I called and spoke with Walter and he kindly explained about the sport of climbing, technical aspects, and the different courses offered. He addressed any and all questions I had, as well as what would be the best option and fit for my girlfriend and I. I knew right away that Walter was an expert in this field and he would take care of us. We planned two sessions right away; one at Malibu Creek State Park and the other at Riverside Rock Quarry. At the crag, we not only learned about the techniques, knots, and gear for climbing, but also about safety, the geography of the surrounding area. Over the course of the two days our confidence and ability to climb soared. From scouting climbs in the guide book to voicing commands to our belayer, we progressed to a level that beat our expectations! Getting to spend time one on one with our instructor was a blast and we shared many great laughs with one another. Walter didn't just care about doing his job to the best of his ability, but also cares deeply about his customers and clients. You can read more about our experience at http://mrandmrsadventure.com/2014/04/07/lead-climbing-lessons-at-riverside-rock-quarry/ Now that a month has past since our instruction, we can say that we have been out climbing many lead climbs together and feel sooooo accomplished when we conquer a wall. It's such an amazing feeling. Thanks again Walter! We will definitely recommend you to any one interested in learning to rock climb. read more

I really want to give the company 4.89 stars or something but I realize that I'm biased so I kicked the rating up. Also I want Walter and his start-up company to thrive. I feel like Yelping him = support! Unless there's one of me in every group, which there probably is, I might have been a pain in the butt, but Walter did a good job with me. It's hard for me to swallow my pride and learn to do something I've been doing for years and years (like, off and on for 14 years) safely, another way, a more "modern" way that made my old-school ways seem like I was obsolete (read: old). I felt like a total beginner, using new equipment that a child could use, but I still had to learn it in front of all these observers. Really the new equipment was failsafe and prevented ANY liability (which was the OBVIOUS goal and I don't blame the guy), and it's good to have an arsenal of skills, I guess. But I don't know any climbers who use this thing, so I'll probably forget tomorrow, and I still didn't learn how to lower people from the climb, not formally, anyway. I tried really hard not to be "that girl" who showed off my admittedly rusty knowledge. It's just muscle memory. He did compliment me on that. A lot. The reason I took this course was to refresh my skills and basically to get outside as opposed to climbing in a gym, which I enjoy but nowhere near as much as outdoor climbing, and hate paying for. I also hoped my friend would love the sport so I had a new partner. However, right from the start, I couldn't use my totally safe, comfortable harness and the company's harness didn't fit me right (it was WAY too big) - I know I had to use it because of liability (again) - and I felt like I was being used as an example. Whatever. I get it. Just let me climb the damned rocks. I'd already been to that climbing area three times. It's a great spot. Beautiful. Anyway, Walter is a team-builder/confidence instiller by training and he did just that. He's doing what he truly loves, and it shows. It was fun to watch our group of novices (really young pups!) develop trust in one another and in themselves. Walter is calm, gentle, reassuring, and totally reliable, and that's rare. He made tea. Thrice. I totally recommend this trip for a beginner who knows nothing about the sport. He offers, though, more advanced courses for intermediate and advanced climbers. If you know how to tie in (if you even know what that means), skip this class, and go on to the first or second non-intro course. But do support THIS business, THIS man, because you'll feel good afterward. I just wanted to leave right afterward and soak my quads. Oh my gosh, do they hurt today. It HAD been a while. read more

I'm planning to start multipitch sport climbing and hired Walter for a custom session. We spent the day going over how to transition at belay stations, belaying the lead or the second, and a variety of self rescue techniques. Walter was very accommodating in my request to learn the "quick and dirty" ways to getting out of belay safely (I've taken classes on traditional self rescue techniques and thought those techniques were not very practical during a real emergency ... I wouldn't be able to remember any of elaborate knots I'm supposed to use!). Walter also made recommendations on equipment I should have that would make my climb and belay transitions more efficient. With the new equipment and the more efficient ways to set up anchor (that I learned from Walter), I feel confident conquering some multipitch sport routes! read more

I called Walter the night before my husband's bday and told him I needed a birthday climb set up for us. Caveat - it's tomorrow morning. Caveat - we are bringing our 2 year old. Caveat - she needs to be kept entertained. Walter delivered all three with flying colors. He even got us amazing weather (ok, I guess I can't give him credit for that one ;-). As two sporty adults with a sporty year girl old girl, we have learned there are not many people out there (especially young men!) who can switch effortlessly from coaching mode to entertaining our child mode and back again without missing a beat. Walter did all that and without once saying, "Well, maybe next time you can leave your daughter at home..." (yes, that's a pet peeve of ours!) As we wrapped up the day, our child turned back towards his truck wistfully and said, "Where's my Walter?" There's no greater thumbs up than that. We're looking forward to next time. read more

These guys definitely know their stuff! Thanks for the AMAZING rock climbing experience. :)

I signed up for a day climb/ beginners course through Living Social to learn the basics of climbing. Our instructor, Walter, was a wonderful teacher, knowledgable, friendly, and helpful with tips and safety advice. I was very impressed with how smoothly we worked through the course in one day and how comfortable I felt on the ropes right away. Also, I felt that keeping the class small, only 6 people, really enhanced all of our learning experiences and brought us together as a team even though we had just met that morning. I look forward to signing up for more classes and expanding my climbing skills with OnRope! read more

I went rock-climbing (for the first time outdoors!) with a few friends, and it was a great experience!! Our guide was super nice, patient, and always kept an eye out for our safety. He was extremely knowledgeable about not only rock-climbing, but the entire terrain around the Malibu Creek State Park. Our 6-7 hour day was spent hiking, rock-climbing, and it was a blast! Definitely recommend. read more

My boyfriend and I purchased a living social deal and had the most amazing time! It was such a great way to spend the day together, and Walter and Thomas were very patient with us. We definitely felt secure in their hands, and came out with a better understanding of rock climbing. read more

Walter and his team did a great job facilitating an awesome final day to our 2 week rock climbing workshop. We meet at 8am at Riverside Quarry and wasted no time in the beautiful overcast weather and got on the wall. We did about 4 hours and everyone in this group of 12 got to climb 4 or more different routes before it got too hot. Walter worked to help select a destination that would be the best fit to introduce the students to climbing outside of a gym setting. They are all supper stoked to gear up and get out there in the near future. Thanks again for a wonderful outing. Even I learned something! read more

Used OnRope again for a private half day guide last weekend at Malibu Creek State Park. I brought my 14 year old family friend who had never climbed outdoors before and Walter was fantastic with him. Made him feel very safe and comfortable, and there was a great balance of information plus fun and laughter. Afterward, he said "that guy Walter really knows his stuff!" read more

My background in climbing is limited only to bouldering and top-roping on the East Coast. I wanted to get into traditional (trad) climbing and found OnRope Consulting through google searches. Instead of mindlessly throwing me into some class above my experience level, they (specifically Walter Larkins) wisely led me to OnRope's "Rock 3" lead/sport climbing class, which served as a better introduction to someone who had never lead climbed before. After setting up a location and date for the class, Walter gave my climbing partner and I some basic information that we could use to review before our class. At the rock, Walter begins teaching almost immediately. First, he makes sure he understands what you know so he can adjust the lesson accordingly (he'd already done that even before via both phone and email). He has a ton of his own gear, so if you are missing a few important pieces, or I'm sure even if you're missing everything, he can easily supply you for the day. And then, he hands you the guidebook. He won't lead you to the rock - he wants you to learn how to get to the climb, how to find the climb, how to prepare for the climb. Of course, he'll guide you, give you hints and so forth, but he's the kind of teacher that allows you to learn for yourself instead of making it easy and potentially allowing you to gloss over important details. He's always focused on safety and ensuring you know what you are doing before you actually go and do it. Before my partner and I climbed on lead, we mock-lead, which means climbing on top-rope as my partner or I practice clipping bolts/quickdraws. For most of the day (at least during my class), I climbed between 5.0-5.8, which is perfect for when you want to be learning but not necessarily pushing yourself in your climbing just yet. Throughout the whole day, Walter was endlessly patient and would repeat things as necessary. He's a nice guy and just easy to learn from, but he'll also take over and take control when he needs to or when he finds a situation may becoming unsafe. All in all, the absolute perfect class. I could on and on, but the point is that I wanted to learn to lead and my biggest problem was fear, i.e. getting to the first bolt. And at the end of the day, I just felt excited and prepared to go out and do it on my own. The experience and the lesson were definitely worth every penny. read more

My husband and I took a beginner class with OnRope Consulting through a LivingSocial deal. We had such a wonderful time, thanks to our guide Walter. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and thoroughly covered all safety concerns, as well as climbing tips for beginner climbers. We felt comfortable and safe throughout the experience. It was such a good time, we are taking another class to learn more about climbing and get some more practice in! read more

Definitely one of the best climbing experiences I've ever had. Nick and Seth could not have been nicer and more fun to climb and spend the day with! Can't wait to go back as soon as I can! read more

Rock climbing today with OnRope Consulting was spectacular! I wanted to see what everyone in So Cal was talking about re: this company and their day trips. And was blown away.. First, we had a killer hike into Malibu Canyon with beautiful mountain scenery and freshwater creeks and ponds. Then, once at the one of the rock faces, our ridiculously awesome guide (Walter) explained the how-to of climbing to our rookie group. We did 3 crazy adrenaline-charged climbs of varying difficulties on a 90 foot high rock face. OnRope took all of us way outside our physical (& mental) comfort zone all while providing flawless professionalism and safety. Do this. read more

Loved the experience. They made me, a beginner rock climber feel so safe and proud of what I accomplished that day. The tour guides are amazingly knowledgeable and caring guys. Their passion for what they do and their sweet and caring demeanor made the experience even better. I highly recommend them. read more

Me and my friends were climbing in Malibu one day and we ran into Walter and his group of climbers. There is a traverse over water to get to one of the back sections and on our way back we noticed his group in front of us. Not only did he let us clip into the safety rope he had set up across the traverse, while his students were switching shoes, he made sure that we were able to get across without problems as well. Me and my friends thought it was awesome that even though we weren't part of the group, he was willing to help out fellow outdoor enthusiats read more

It was my first time ever rock climbing and I had a blast!! Walter and Tom are extremely knowledgeable and provide great instruction on learning the basics and staying safe, while allowing you to do your own thing once you have it down. I would recommend this to friends and I would definitely take another course with them. Tom and Walter are awesome guides-very professional and fun. read more

I AM HORRIFIED OF HEIGHTS so I went rock climbing :) This was a such a great day. Starting in the morning we hiked through fields, woods and then across a lake to get to the climb spot. Walter was very patient with all of us and took his time to teaching us exactly what we needed to know before we climbed and it was so much fun and great exercise !! read more

Walter and Tom are knowledgable, fun and patient instructors. I have never done rock climbing before and I felt very well take care of during our entire class. It was safe, yet still adventurous. I would highly recommend anyone interested in rock climbing to take their classes. It's a great day!! read more

I bought the deal of living social. Had one of the best days. We went on a 20 minute hike through Malibu canyon. Saw deer and cayote. Walter our guy was great he takes his time explaining things and doesn't rush you. He is very meticulous and makes sure everything is safe. He brings all his equipment and sets up the climbs for you. All you do is climb. We did about four climbs and had to traverse along a small lake. He runs a great company well organized. I wish I had bought more cuz it was a fun day with cool chill people. read more

Went with OnRope Consulting last week to Malibu Creek State Park and it was amazing. It was a whole day trip with hiking and climbing. Great for begginers but still challenging. Walter was a great instructor and very patient, even with those in the group who like to complain or freak out. Everything was totally safe and he made us feel comfortable. Did four climbs and got to the top each time. Could not recommend it more if you ever wanted to try rock climbing. read more

AMAZING! One of the best weekends I have ever had! We went on a 2-day traditional climbing tour with Walter to Joshua Tree and it was an incredible learning experience. Walter is a remarkable instructor and he has made me a better climber. I am truly grateful! Yay! I'm so excited that I can trad climb. It is a life changing experience. Thank You Walter! read more

I was one of those gym rats working up the courage to go outdoors. My sister bought me a livingsocial voucher for my b-day. Called the company up and talked to Walter. He gave me a great deal for rock 1 and 2. Those two classes gave me the confidence to go outside and set up multiple types of top rope anchors and general climbing knowledge like rappelling. Classes were great. Walter has an ability to teach and give confidence. He's a great guy to boot. If you want to rock climb, give On Rope Consulting a ring. Seriously, it's one of the best and safest way to get climbing outdoors. read more

Walter is extremely knowledgeable and helpful! We had been looking to find climbers to interview for a project. He want above and beyond to help us out. He patiently answered all our questions. This experience was so great, that I want to take an intro climbing class! read more

walter is as nice as it gets and a great leader. good group activity.

This was my first experience rock climbing and Walter is beyond wonderful! My friend and I opted to just get out and experience a day of climbing rather than do a lesson. Walter taught us the basics so we felt comfortable and confident climbing and allowed us to go at our own pace. We started out with a beginner climb and we progressed to more difficult ones as we felt more comfortable. Walter had great intuition and coaxed us through the more challenging parts of the climb with words of encouragement. By the end of the day we were doing a moderately difficult climb and most importantly, having a lot of fun. Walter has an easygoing personality, makes great conversation, educates on rock climbing in a non-pedantic way and exudes a quiet confidence (as he is an expert at his craft)! There are many great rock climbers, but not everyone is a great INSTRUCTOR. Walter is both and would be an excellent guide for beginner or advanced climbers. I highly recommend OnRope Consulting. read more