HISTORY AND CERTIFICATIONS
Dirtbag Climbing Corp was incorporated in early January of 2022 by its sole director, Daniel (Dan) Geddes. Though its name is hot off the press, there is a lifetime of youth programming and outdoor education experience behind the branding. The Dirtbag Corporation is an extension of a comprehensive list of past and current certifications and work experience with youth in an outdoor setting.
​
The company operates primarily through Dan's rock climbing certifications. He is a full Rock Guide (RG) under the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG). Dan started out as a Top Rope Climbing Instructor (TRCI) under the ACMG and worked his way through the certification process while building the brand name. Additionally, Dan has a strong background in recreational climbing and farming. He has enjoyed routes all over North America all while trying to maintain a small carbon footprint by living off grid as a farm hand on various properties local to Golden. Then, after the first outdoor season, Dan and the Dirtbag Corporation moved into what used to be Dogtooth Climbing Gym. With this upgrade we hope to expand our program quality and reach. Expanding on our food security component is our next major focus for growth.
​
Prior to Dan's years of focus on rock, he worked with a number of other youth program facilitators both public and private. Experiencing a range of guided and coached activities including but not limited to: white water and lake canoeing, outdoor climbing, mountain biking, hiking, nordic skiing, lacrosse and ringette to name a few. This included overnight camps and multi-night out trips. The range of certifications Dan has held in the past is wide, including but not limited to: Paddle Canada Lake and Moving Water Intermediate Instructor, SRT Level 1 (swift water rescue), CANSI Level 1 (nordic ski instructor), CASI Level 1 (snowboard instructor) and ICC, CCC and NCCP (coaching courses).
Dan also holds a Brain Story Certification through the Alberta Family Wellness initiative which is geared towards buffering adverse childhood experiences.