Tina Castillo

Background

I joined the ECP in 2009 as a way to meet other climbers. I've not only succeeded in finding belay partners, but have made life-long friends in the process. I love climbing in general, I don't have a preference when it comes to what type (sport, trad, ice or good old top roping) just as long as I'm out on the rocks every weekend. I am an ECP Rock School and Mountain School graduate. I also served as a Rock School instructor during the past season.

Although I'm fairly new to mountaineering, I knew from my first alpine start that I had found something that both rivals and complements my passion for rock climbing. It is by far the most rewarding sport you will ever encounter. To climb a mountain challenges you intellectually, physically and emotionally. It helps you to better develop your concepts of problem-solving, speed and efficiency. Before taking the mountaineering school, I dreaded the Pittsburgh winters - now I couldn't imagine staying inside.

Explorers Club of Pittsburgh

• Mountaineering School Instructor 2011-2012
• Mountaineering School Grad 2010-2011
• Rock School Instructor 2011-present
• Rock School Grad– 2010

Significant Ascents

Mountaineering

• Mount Marcy, NY 2012 (5,344 ft) (winter ascent)
• Mount Washington, NH 2011 (6,288 ft) (winter ascent)

Ice Climbing

• Adirondacks, NY
• North Conway, NH
• Local Western PA ice

Rock Climbing

• Linville Gorge, NC
• New River Gorge, WV
• Pilot Mountain, NC
• Red River Gorge, KY
• Seneca Rocks, WV
• Stone Mountain, NC
• Shawangunks, NY