MEET OUR GUIDES

At New River Mountain Guides, our guides are accomplished climbers who are chosen based on their expertise, knowledge of the area, friendliness and the ability to teach. They take their profession seriously, are committed to excellence and proud of the line of work they have chosen. You'll find that their professional approach and warm personalities makes for a rewarding experience. Simply stated, our guides truly set us apart from the rest.

Testimonial:

Superb. She is knowledgeable, professional, organized, and very approachable. All perfect qualities for an instructor. --Rich S.

ELAINA

ARENZ

AMGA Certified Rock Guide

AMGA Apprentice Alpine Guide

AMGA SPI Provider Trainer

NRMG Owner-Operator

Elaina has 27 years of climbing experience and has been working as a full-time climbing guide for 22 years. She's well versed in all forms of climbing, has redpointed 5.13 sport and 5.12 trad, aid climbed El Capitan via the Triple Direct and has sent M9 and WI5. But sunny sport climbing is by far her favorite discipline.

She follows the best climbing weather and splits her time between the New River Gorge, WV, and Red Rock, NV.

Elaina serves on the Board of Directors of the American Mountain Guide Association and is a Single Pitch Instructor Provider Trainer.

​

When she's not on the rocks, she loves exploring backcountry dirt roads and trails on her KTM 250.

JEFFERY

HEARN

​

AMGA Single Pitch Instructor

AMGA Assistant Rock Guide

Warrior's Way Trainer

NRMG Operations Manager

Years with NRMG: 11 years

​

Jeff hails from Cleveland, Ohio and has over 22 years of climbing experience. He's a crack climbing wizard with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.  

Jeff runs our day-to-day operations in the office and out in the field. Jeff has developed a strong following of return clients who are taken by his patient teaching approach and his ability to relate to people of all ages.

Hearn also is our head counselor for our Teen Rock Camp Program.

TYLER

ALLEN

AMGA Rock Guide

& Apprentice Alpine Guide

Years with NRMG: 7

Tyler grew up in Edinboro, PA, and has been climbing for over ten years. He is an Eagle Scout and earned a degree in Geology in 2015. Tyler is an AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, certified Single Pitch Instructor, and a Wilderness First Responder.

​

Tyler loves pushing his limits on big climbing objectives and continues to develop his skills on rock, ice and snow as he works towards becoming an American Mountain Guide.

​

He's an athlete ambassador for C.A.M.P, Rab Equipment, and Skratch Labs.

​

Learn more

"Tyler gave an outstanding introduction to rock climbing in all regards. He was extremely knowledgeable, professional, patient, and really fun to be around. He provided realistic but challenging objectives for a one-day adventure. I appreciated his attention to safety and his ability to manage a mixed-level group of climbers. I felt like I was in good hands and that’s really important while enjoying this sport." - Emme S

JORDAN

REDING

AMGA Single Pitch Instructor

AMGA Assistant Rock Guide

Years with NRMG: 2

​

Jordan is from Columbus, OH and attended OSU where he studied environmental sciences. He's a former North Carolina Outward Bound Climbing Instructor, who loves to teach and share his knowledge with others.

"I love teaching new and experienced climbers alike, and find great fulfillment in both the “aha” moments and general enjoyment clients and students receive from climbing achievements." 

​

​

​

TESTIMONIAL

"I just want to write to say that Jordan was a fantastic teacher, guide, and motivator today. He was so thoughtful and responsive and intuitive. We had an amazing time with him, learned so much, and felt so well taken care of. -Karen S.

MATT

THRELFALL

​

AMGA Single Pitch Instructor

Years with NRMG: 7

​

Matt is a super talented climber who is always pushing the limits of his ability.

​

He's a rope gun for hire and can hang the rope and give you detailed beta for all of the NRG five star classics.