Meet Your Guides

We're Josh and Tyler Kornblum—partners in life, climbing, and guiding. Together for 15 years, climbing for 9, and raising our nearly 4-year-old son Ezra in the world of rock.

Photo: Josh Kornblum

Josh Kornblum

Lead Guide • Software Engineer

I fell in love with climbing 9 years ago and haven't looked back. What started as an adventure sport became a lifestyle—and now, a way to share the experience with others.

As a software engineer by trade, I bring a systematic approach to safety and instruction. I climb sport routes up to 5.12A and boulder up to V4-V5, and I'm passionate about helping beginners develop solid fundamentals and proper technique from day one.

I'm pursuing my SPI (Single Pitch Instructor) certification in July 2026, followed by wilderness survival certification, with a long-term goal of becoming a fully certified Rock Guide.

Photo: Tyler Kornblum

Tyler Kornblum, DPT

Lead Guide • Doctor of Physical Therapy

I'm a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in pelvic health, and a certified Pilates instructor. My professional background gives me a unique perspective on climbing movement, injury prevention, and body mechanics.

I climb sport routes up to 5.12A and boulder V4-V5, and I love helping climbers understand how their bodies move on the wall. Whether it's refining technique, preventing injuries, or addressing pelvic floor considerations for women climbers, I bring evidence-based movement education to every climb.

I'm pursuing my SPI certification in July 2026 alongside Josh, and I'm especially excited to offer women's climbing clinics that address the unique physical considerations women face in climbing.

Our Story

We've been together for 15 years, and for 9 of those years, climbing has been our shared passion. From sport climbing in France and Italy to trad routes and bouldering sessions, we've explored crags around the world—but Red River Gorge is our home.

We live in Northern Kentucky (Cincinnati area), and the Gorge is where we spend our weekends. It's where we've grown as climbers, where we've learned to move with intention, and where we're now raising our son Ezra, who just started climbing at age 3.

We've completed a few multi-pitch climbs together, and while we're still developing our skills in longer routes, our strength lies in single-pitch instruction—teaching the fundamentals, building confidence, and creating safe, supportive environments for new climbers.

Tyler's background as a physical therapist and Pilates instructor adds a dimension to our guiding that you won't find elsewhere. We don't just teach you how to climb—we teach you how to move efficiently, prevent injuries, and build sustainable climbing habits.

Certifications & Experience

Climbing Certifications

✓ SPI (Single Pitch Instructor) - In progress, July 2026
✓ Wilderness Survival Certification - Planned post-SPI
✓ 9 years climbing experience (sport, trad, bouldering)
✓ Climb up to 5.12A sport / V4-V5 boulder
✓ Multi-pitch experience

Tyler's Medical Credentials

✓ Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
✓ Specialization in Pelvic Health
✓ Certified Pilates Instructor
✓ Movement assessment & injury prevention expertise

Why Climb With Us

Dual-Guide Safety

Two SPI-certified guides means better student-to-instructor ratios, enhanced safety protocols, and personalized attention for every climber.

PT-Integrated Instruction

Tyler's Doctor of Physical Therapy credentials bring evidence-based movement education, injury prevention strategies, and climbing-specific mobility work to every session.

Family-Friendly

We climb with our nearly 4-year-old son and understand the unique dynamics of introducing children to outdoor climbing in a safe, fun environment.

Women's Health Specialization

Tyler offers women's climbing clinics addressing pelvic floor health, core strength, and movement considerations specific to women climbers.

Ready to Climb With Us?

Whether you're brand new to climbing or looking to refine your skills, we'd love to guide you at Red River Gorge. Let's make your climbing goals a reality.

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