Rock Sovereign

A Roadmap to Climbing Independence

Change your climbing —> change your life.

Let me guess. Up until today…

  • ✺

    You’ve met some really great folks in the climbing community, but have found it difficult to find someone trustworthy, patient and available to teach you all the skills.

  • ✺

    You’re not really sure about all the climbs available in your region, and have relied on others to set up the ropes (and are hoping they’re doing it right).

  • ✺

    You’re sought mastery but you’re tired of wading through forums and guidebooks, lugging gear around, and waiting for long periods of time just to get on the same old climbs.

  • ✺

    You’ve spent a lot of energy triple checking systems and managing stress because you’re not quite sure the rope will hold and you really, really don’t want yourself or anyone else to get injured while climbing.

  • ✺

    You’ve practiced a lot of these skills before but have had a tricky time staying consistent with your practices at home and getting them right in the field.

  • ✺

    You’ve sometimes felt like climbing is too risky or difficult, and then at other times felt like you’re leaving your potential on the table.

Introducing the "Rock Sovereign" program

A journey for those seeking mastery and choice in their lifelong pursuit of climbing.

A man wearing a white climbing helmet, glasses, and a navy jacket is climbing a rock wall with climbing gear attached to his harness. He is holding onto the rock with his left hand, and his right hand is reaching for the next hold. The rock wall is outdoors surrounded by trees with autumn foliage.

What’s included:

  • 64 hours of in-person guidance outdoors

  • 4 thirty-minute check-in calls

  • 4 “Buddy Passes” to bring a friend for the day

  • My photos, videos and notes from every session

A calm, confident man rock climbing on a steep cliff with a scenic landscape in the background, wearing a white helmet and red shirt.
Group of four people wearing climbing helmets and outdoor clothing sitting and standing on a rocky and forested outdoor area, engaged in conversation with climbing gear and backpacks nearby, learning from a professional climbing instructor.

Meet Your Guide: Dustin

I am a force multiplier when starting your 10,000 hours.

If climbing is a game, then it is won in the draft. I’ll help you get it right from the early stages so you can reap the benefits for years. 

How we’ll work together

You really want to climb on your own, huh?

We’ll start with an assessment of your raw skill and experience. We’ll look at your willingness to see and tell the truth. We’ll grow your capacity for trust, and pick a course together. Be ready to get your hands dirty. Expect to receive homework.

You can count on me being your guide at the beginning. To help you become independent on the cliffs as fast as possible, I like to work nose in, hands out. Over time I expect you to develop your abilities so I can transition into being your strategic advisor offering my experience. Don’t worry - I’ve done this before with countless students, and we have a lot of fun!

Remember, this is about YOU and your goals. By the end of our time together, you’ll lead the experience while I’m there to offer you additional affirmation and bounce ideas off of.

Climbing can transform lives. I watch it happen in front of my eyes all the time.

You don’t have to believe me. I’m asking for you to try and see for yourself.

This is what my past students are saying.

  • Dustin is a fantastic climbing guide. No matter your experience level, he knows how to assess your comfort level and kindly push you just outside that comfort zone by creating a supportive and safe environment.

    Sean Sandbach

  • I've been climbing for 25 years and wish I had known Dustin 25 years ago. You'll be in good hands! He's a consummate professional, deep thinker, and all-around five-star guide and guy.

    Derin Tanyol

  • Dustin is a world class professional blending an extremely informational experience with the most fun you'll ever have. We were looking to transition from indoor climbing to outdoor, and we couldn't be happier with our experience. Worth every penny, I cannot say enough good things.

    Nick Hamilton

  • Dustin is an excellent guide. He’s safe, friendly, efficient and great at working towards your goals - whether that’s climbing for fun, working on skills, or getting to know the area better. I highly recommend his services.

    Daniel Nuffer

  • Dustin is friendly, straightforward, honest, and conscientious, and he's a great teacher. Highly recommend.

    Jennifer Armstrong

"Super helpful for me"

"It was an absolute blast"

"Very highly recommended, add a plus to those 5 stars."

"It was an incredible experience"

"Super helpful for me" "It was an absolute blast" "Very highly recommended, add a plus to those 5 stars." "It was an incredible experience"

"Extremely helpful for my climbing"

"The experience was just so pleasant, relaxed, fun, and exciting"

"Loved getting to work as a team"

"He tailored the adventure perfectly."

"Extremely helpful for my climbing" "The experience was just so pleasant, relaxed, fun, and exciting" "Loved getting to work as a team" "He tailored the adventure perfectly."

"He cared about us learning and making progress in our skills all while still having fun"

"He's excellent on the technical issues"

"A fantastic resource and guide"

"We will definitely return for future experiences with Dustin!"

"Dustin is the go to guide in the Gunks"

"He cared about us learning and making progress in our skills all while still having fun" "He's excellent on the technical issues" "A fantastic resource and guide" "We will definitely return for future experiences with Dustin!" "Dustin is the go to guide in the Gunks"

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • This program is self-paced. You can use your 64 hours of credit over a twelve month period after the enrollment date. Some will choose to come once a month, others for several consecutive days. Life happens and the pace of your progress is up to you!

  • The Rock Sovereign program is open for individuals, partners, groups, and teams. In-person sessions are capped at four participants (special accommodations can be made for larger groups).

  • All scheduling is done via the booking calendar on this website. You’ll get a coupon code to make reserving sessions simple. Come out for a day, go home and practice your skills, and schedule your next session as soon as you’re ready to come out again.

  • The Rock Sovereign program price varies based on the number of participants.

    $6450 for one climber

    $6950 for two climbers

    $7450 for three climbers

    $7950 for four climbers

  • Yes. Payment plans are available.

  • Dustin Portzline is your climbing guide and instructor, bringing 16 years of professional experience. He is certified, licensed, insured and permitted.

Limited Enrollment

Limited Enrollment

Person rock climbing on a steep rocky cliff face with a pink safety rope, wearing a red helmet and harness, against a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds.

I want to show you the door, but I can’t hold it open forever.

My vision is clear: help as many climbers as possible for the next four years, then move on.

I’m only going to be offering this program from 2024 through 2027. So, I am looking for those most committed to learning and receiving mentorship during that period.

Seats are limited.