2018 RW Training Centers - New Website

Hello Welcome to the all "New" Rockin Walls Training Center (RW Training Center) Website!

In the months to come, we will build this site to focus on what we do here at RW Training Center This site is designed to help you see why taking a workshop at RW Training Center has value. We are a leader in the growth of a lost craft.

RW Training Center is the only training center in the US that offers "Try Before You Buy" Tools from leading US mason manufacturers.  We firmly believe that teaching a trade will empower an individual by giving them the opportunity to make smart choices.

Stone teaches many life lessons. From teamwork, patience, decision making, compromises, math and visual awarness just to name a few.

RW Training Center is intended for Tradesmen/women, homeowners, students and those who just love rocks!

2018 Workshops

• April 14-15 Freestanding Wall Workshop $395.00

• June 16 Fundamental Building Skills/Practice $325.00

• June 23 Flatwork (ie..Patio - Walkways) Workshop $345.00

• Oct 26-27 Retaining Wall Workshop w/ Irregular stone $450.00

Brian Post ~ Master Craftsman ~ 2018 Spring April 13th Examiner

Brian Post (Vermont) Master Craftsman (Level IV) DSWA-GB,  Examiner / Instructor, Licensed Landscape Architect VT, Executive Director of The Stone Trust.

Brain is one of North America's newest examiners. He will be joining Rockin Walls Training Center April 13th 2018 for the first DSWA level 1 & 2 Certifications to be offered at our site. Brian and Chris Tanguay will be the two examiners for this one day event. We are honored and excited to have him here to see site. 

BRIAN POST owns and operates Standing Stone Landscape Architecture, a design build firm specializing in dry stone construction, in Springfield VT. Brian is the only certified waller who is also a Licensed Landscape Architect. Having knowledge from both the design world and the walling world gives Brian unique insights when teaching. Brian is one of seven DSWA-GB certified Master Craftsmen (Level IV) in the USA, and is also an Examiner and Certified instructor. Brian is also the Executive Director of The Stone Trust.

Chris Tanguay ~ Master Craftsman ~ 2018 Spring, Workshop / Certification

Rockin Walls Welcomes Chris Tanguay (Yarmouth, Maine) Master Craftsman (Level IV) DSWA-GB, DSC-US Examiner / Instructor. Don't miss this golden opportunity to be apart of history at Rockin Walls as continue to increase our offering, both training and certification in the craft of dry laid stone. 

Come meet your Instructor / Examiner this Spring 2018 for a 2 day workshop and 1 day certification. Sign up NOW for this amazing opportunity to work with one of ONLY a handful of dual certified instructor / examiner's here in the US!

About:
Chris has been working with stone for more than 20 years.  His work with stone started as a hobby, but turned into a career after he attended a lecture in college on the art of dry laid stone walls.  Chris Tanguay, was certified as a Master Craftsman through the Dry Stone Walling Association (DSWA) of Great Britain in 2005 and completed his Examiner’s Certification through the organization in 2006.  In 2010 Chris became certified as a Master Craftsman through the Dry Stone Conservancy (DSC) located in Kentucky.  He is one of only a handful to hold a duel master craftsman certificate with both the DSWA and DSC.  In 2011 he obtained his Instructor’s Certificate from the DSWA.  He enjoys promoting the craft through workshops and demonstrations as fundraisers for non-profits in the New England area and Canada.  When Chris is not working with stone he enjoys cutting wood, stacking wood, and moving wood into different piles.  He also enjoys fishing, riding his bike, hiking, playing with his kids, and sugaring.

www.MaineDryStone.com

www.facebook.com/mainedrystone/

Timeline:

2005 - Certified as a Master Craftsman through the Dry Stone Walling Association (DSWA) of Great Britain

2006 - Completed his Examiner’s Certification through the DSWA. 

2010 - Certified as a Master Craftsman through the Dry Stone Conservancy located in Kentucky. 

2011 - Obtained his Instructor’s Certificate from the DSWA. 

Kim Coggin ~ DSWA Level 2 & Instructor

Kim Coggin - Johnstown, PA   DSWA Level 2 & Instructor Laurel Stoneworks

Kim has been building dry stone walls and structures since 2008.  Kim started working with stone shortly after relocating to Pennsylvania from the Southeast.  She fell in love with the numerous covered bridges, stone walls, furnaces, and other historical artifacts in Pennsylvania.  Kim is also an avid faux artist and muralist.  In addition to her technical training in stone, her training in the arts give Kim a unique and profound perspective on the artistic aspects inherent in dry stone creation.

Kim currently holds a Level Two Certificate from the DSWA, is a Certified Instructor, and serves as a member of the Board of Directors for The Stone Trust in Vermont.

Neil Rippingale Master Craftsman ~ Scotland

NEIL RIPPINGALE  - Scotland Master Craftsman DSWA-UK, DSC-USA Examiner

Neil started his career in dry stone work more than 30 years ago in his homeland of Scotland, working alongside an old craftsman who had been working on walls and intricate structures for over 50 years and his father before that. Although at first it was a hobby for Neil, it soon fast tracked into his livelihood. As a Master Craftsman registered with the Dry Stone Walling Association (DSWA), Neil's exemplary skills and expertise in Training, Project Leadership, Assessment and Consultation work has taken him to countries all over the world, working on projects in Australia, Switzerland, Scotland, England, Nova Scotia and more recently has worked and visited 40 States throughout America.

Neil was the first person to receive the DSWA Pinnacle Award over 24 years ago for his work on the Black House on the Isle of Harris. 

In 2010 Neil also received the Askins Achievement Award presented by the Preservation Trades Network for his contribution to the Trades Industry throughout America.

Neil's Training skills are legendary and with his personality and his incredible passion for stone and stone work in all its forms passes on to his Trainees which is inspiring indeed. To date, Neil has trained over 6,720 Trainees in 28 years of teaching, Neil says he can't remember all their names but there are some names and some trainees that he will never forget!!!

Formerly The Training Program Manager of the DSC KY