Climbing Coaching
by Mark Heal
Technique, Movement & Beta Refinement
Climber
V14
Clients Coached
300+
Years Coaching
12
Double Digit Sends
600+
Coaching Offerings
Each offering can be used independently, but the real magic happens when combining movement coaching with the training plan.
Remote Sessions
$75
45 minutes • Bi-Weekly
Video conference coaching with detailed movement analysis. Submit climbing videos prior to session for comprehensive review.
Zoom video analysis
3-5 problem breakdown
Session recording provided
Movement annotation tools
Flexible scheduling
In-Person
$110
1 hour • Weekly or Bi-Weekly
Sessions at Benchmark San Francisco or Berkeley. Perfect for real-time feedback and hands-on movement coaching.
Real-time movement analysis
Hands-on technique correction
Video playback during session
5-session commitment preferred
Location: Benchmark gyms
Training Plan
$150
8 weeks • Self-guided
Comprehensive 8-week program with climbing drills focusing on movement and climbing skills acquisition, while still incorporating strength training and mobility work.
8-week structured program
Climbing-specific drills
Strength & mobility work
Monthly check-ins included
Complements other offerings
My mission
My mission is to help climbers achieve their goals. I've worked with over 300 people over the last 12 years.
Each client has a unique set of challenges, my skill is to isolate these areas and break down the complexities they're facing into digestible, repeatable practices.
Client Success Stories
Real results from real climbers
V8 → V10 in just 3 sessions
“Working with Mark has been nothing short of transformative. Through Mark's guidance, I unlocked the true potential of the strength I already had. One of the most significant changes I experienced was in my mental approach to climbing. Mark subtly instilled in me a sense of self-assurance and belief in my abilities that I had never felt before. This newfound confidence enabled me to push past my limits and achieve remarkable progress within just three sessions.”
— Jake Cunningham
Remote video review helped send outdoor project
“I'm a sport climber with 20+ years of climbing experience who has worked with coaches in the past, but lately I'd been feeling like my progress had stalled. Mark watched videos of me on my project and gave super insightful feedback about how to move more efficiently. Getting his feedback in real time made a huge difference! His style of being analytical yet supportive was just what I needed.”
— Christine Zalechi
V9 → V11 breakthrough at age 41
“When I started working with Mark I had been climbing for 15 years and had been stuck at a v9 plateau for the last 5 years. Mark quickly identified some specific technical problems and helped me correct them. He also opened my eyes to new ways of looking at boulder problems and understanding possible sequences. After working with Mark and learning more of the subtleties of climbing movement and tactics, I climbed two v11s in a month at the age of 41.”
— Josh Schwab
Outdoor Trips
Take your climbing outside with personalized coaching adventures.
Have a destination in mind?
From local crags to international destinations, every trip is designed around what you want to achieve
Local Crags
Bay Area favorites
• Yosemite
• Bishop
• Tahoe crags
• Other Bay Area local rock
• Perfect for 1-3 day trips
Dream Destinations
Worldwide adventures
• Fontainebleau, France
• Rocklands, South Africa
• Your bucket list destination
• Guided experiences, custom to you
• Extended trips, a week or more
Your Adventure, Your Dates
Planning a trip to Bishop, Fontainebleau, Rocklands, or anywhere else? I’ll join your group as a dedicated coach and guide.
• Flexible dates & destinations
• Your group, your goals
• Personalized coaching focus
• Route planning assistance
• Safety & risk management
• Local knowledge & beta
What’s Included
Route Planning
Custom itinerary based on your goals and skill level
Movement Coaching
Real-time technique analysis and improvement
Safety Management
Risk assessment and outdoor safety protocols
Group Dynamics
Personalized attention within your group
About Me
I started climbing in 2005 as a sophomore in high school, quickly joining the local Youth Team and attending Youth Nationals within my first year climbing. I quickly gravitated towards Bouldering and shortly found climbing outside was my real passion.
In 2013 I climbed 100 new to me double digit boulders within the year. In 2014 I started coaching full time and struck a balance between that and my personal climbing. With that insight from coaching I co-founded Benchmark Climbing in 2019.
Now you'll find me coaching, planning my next climbing trip, surfing or working on my VW Vanagon.
Notable Ascents
New Base Line, V14 — Magic Wood, Switzerland
Amandala, V14 — Rocklands, South Africa
The Swarm, V14 — Bishop, USA
600+ Double digit sends
Ready to Elevate Your Climbing?
Let's work together to break through your current plateau and reach new heights.