Welcome to the Wild Courses

You want to get into climbing, caving, paddling, mountain biking, or backpacking—but let’s be honest, it can feel intimidating at first. There’s gear you’ve never used, words you don’t understand, and a whole world of skills that no one teaches in school. That’s where we come in. These beginner-friendly courses are designed to help you take that first step—without judgment, pressure, or the need to already “know what you’re doing.” We'll walk you through the basics, answer all your questions from having watched 1,000 YouTube videos, and give you the confidence to start your outdoor journey the right way: with solid skills, safety know-how, and a real sense of belonging in wild places. Everyone starts somewhere—let’s make sure your start is a good one.

Options

Caving:

“So You Wanna Crawl Through a Hole?”
(An intro to caving for curious surface-dwellers)

Sea Kayaking:

“How Not to Paddle in Circles”
(A beginner’s guide to sea kayaking and going somewhere on purpose)

Whitewater Kayaking:

“Don’t Panic, Just Paddle”
(Intro to whitewater kayaking, and yes—you might get wet)

Canoe Tripping:

“Paddle, Portage, Repeat”
(An introduction to multi-day canoe camping for folks who love snacks and suffering)

Outdoor Climbing:

“Wait, We’re Tying Knots and Trusting Them?”
(A ground-up intro to real rock climbing for people with healthy fear and questionable balance)

Mountain Biking:

“Try Not to Hit That Tree”
(An intro to mountain biking, gears, balance, and bravely falling uphill)

Backpacking:

“Carrying Too Much Stuff Into the Woods (on Purpose)”
(A beginner’s guide to backpacking, blister prevention, and not packing six cans of chili)

Pricing for Welcome to the Wild Courses

Standard Rates

(Per Person):

Single-Day Course: $200
Two-Day Weekend Course: $350
Three-Day Intensive: $500

These prices include all instruction, gear use, and location-specific logistics (within a reasonable travel radius). Group sizes are small for maximum hands-on learning.

Group & Custom Rates:

Want to bring a group, organize a private course, or mix-and-match skills? No problem. I offer:

Private Group Courses (up to 6 people): Starting at $600/day
Custom multi-day trainings: Contact for a personalized quote based on activities, travel, and group size
Nonprofit, student, and seasonal staff discounts are available

Certifications (Optional Add-ons):

If you're working toward a formal certification (e.g. ACA, VTC), there may be a small additional certification fee depending on the organization. I’ll walk you through it before the course begins—no surprises.

A little more info

Welcome to the Wild is a series of beginner-friendly outdoor skills courses designed to help curious humans learn how to climb, cave, paddle, hike, and ride without feeling totally lost—or getting too many blisters.

What You'll Learn

You’ll learn the skills that open the door to a whole new world—how to climb a real rock face, paddle a river with confidence, rig a rope in a cave, or pack your bag for your first night under the stars. These courses aren’t about becoming an expert overnight—they’re about taking that first step, building real confidence, and discovering that the wild isn’t as intimidating as it seems (especially when someone’s got your back). We specialize in turning “I’ve always wanted to try that” into “I can’t believe I just did that.” Whether you’re gearing up for your first big trip or just want to stop feeling like the least outdoorsy person in the group chat, this is the place—and this is the moment—to start. Welcome to the wild. It’s where you belong.

What to Bring/ What's Provided

Don’t stress about gear—we’ve got most of it covered. We’ll provide all the technical equipment you need if you don't already have it: helmets, ropes, harnesses, boats, paddles, headlamps, and anything else required to do the thing safely and confidently. You just need to bring yourself, some sturdy shoes, clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, a water bottle, and whatever snacks make you feel invincible. No need to raid an outfitter or spend a fortune—we’ll send you a simple packing list ahead of time. And if you’re missing something, just ask—we’re here to help, not gatekeep. We make it easy to show up and get outside.

Is This Course Right for Me?

If you’ve ever thought, “I want to do that, but I have no idea where to start,”—this is for you. These courses are built for beginners, the curious, the cautious, and the wildly enthusiastic. You don’t need to be in peak shape, own fancy gear, or have some backcountry alter ego named Trail Hawk. You just need to show up, be willing to learn, and maybe laugh a little when things get muddy. Whether you’re a total newbie, someone who’s dabbled but wants a stronger foundation, or a future outdoor leader looking for a starting point—you belong here. At Karstlands, we believe everyone deserves a place in the wild. We’ll meet you where you are, and take you somewhere new.