Besides being
a great climber, Rodney Lanier is just plain
fun. He really enjoys sharing the
experience of climbing with others. Whether
it’s taking you up one of his original
first ascents or just teaching you the techniques,
Rodney enjoys climbing and helping others. Ask
him about a route in North Carolina and Rodney
probably knows all about it. He has put up many
routes in WNC and is particularly knowledgable
about Rumbling Bald and Crowder's Mountain.
His talents also include creating topos for
guidebooks, including many original drawings
for the Thomas Kelly editions.
Originally from the Charlotte area, Rodney began
climbing at Crowder’s Mountain.
Rodney put up many of the routes there.
The skills Rodney developed there have taken
him to many climbing destinations. With
30 years of climbing experience, he has taken
a variety of trips to places around the country.
He has ice climbed in New England, Colorado
and other places including North Carolina.
Travels west have taken Rodney to Yosemite where
he made an ascent of the Nose of El Cap, Half
Dome, and the DNB and also to Utah climbing
the desert cracks. In addition to
the 30 years of rock climbing experience, Rodney
has been ice climbing for 8 years and has worked
as a climbing and trekking guide in WNC.
Rodney is a certified EMT since
1987 and is active in EMS services in the Asheville
area. Additionally, he has training in
high angle rescue. Rodney's experience
shows patricularly with his technical skills;
he can find and place exceptional protection
and protect a pitch with an eye for detail.
His exceptional belaying technique and technical
skills inspire confidence.
Rodney lives in Asheville with his wife Valerie,
and dog Bailey. Besides climbing,
Rodney enjoys hiking and mountain biking in
WNC. Be sure to ask Rodney about his book
collection. He has an extensive collection
of climbing literature.
