Robby Maffei
Basic Skills and Outdoor Instructor Sportrock Climbing Centers, Certified AMGA Single Pitch Instructor ,Coordinator and Field Instructor for Basic Rock Climbing- Hagerstown Community College, Rockwall Instructor for Waynesboro, PA YMCA, Certified Basic First Aid/CPR
Rob has always been somewhat of an athlete, but didn’t find climbing and the outdoors until later in life. After taking a basic skills course at a local gym, he quickly became an indoor Instructor, then an AMGA Top Rope Site Manager, and is currently a certified AMGA Single Pitch Instructor.
A practitioner of the Peaceful Warrior’s Way, he loves the process of step-by-step learning, and is encouraged by making incremental improvements no matter how small, but knowing that sometimes a huge leap is the only possibility. By using the experiential method of discovery, Rob has quickly progressed from indoor top roping to traditional outdoor lead climbing. His trips take him all over the mid-Atlantic where he has experience camping and hiking, and traversing varied terrain such as horizontal and vertical crack systems, and slab or face climbing.
One of Rob’s most rewarding accomplishments was developing the training for an outdoor climbing class at the local community college. By setting an example, and teaching effective communication, group cooperation, and instilling individual confidence through positive self-talk and personal responsibility, many of his students continue climbing and use the methods they learned to excel in other areas of their lives. He stays in touch with several students who continue to climb with him today.
With several years of instructing in the gym and teaching at college, Rob is expanding his practice. He feels so passionate about climbing and what he has learned that he wants to encourage others to excel by helping them to understand their potential through climbing. Just as Rob’s mentors and fellow climbers were instrumental to his improvement, he understands the benefit of paying it forward.
No matter the time of year, when the weather is nice, don’t be surprised if you find Rob on some classic route at a local crag. You’ll recognize him… he’ll be the one with a huge smile on his face!