Seeking midweek rappel/climb mentor/guide upstate NY
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Hello! I am new to indoor/outdoor rock climbing and rappelling. I have done some indoor climbing at the Cliffs in Valhalla, and outdoor rappelling with the Hudson Valley Hikers in the Minnewaska area and other points south of the Catskills. I am an avid hiker (35er/46er) and love challenges. I am looking to join groups to learn the sport, specifically the ins and outs of safe climbing practices, knots, gear selection, rescue procedures, as well as having fun watching, learning, and participating. I am willing to help carry the gear, and do my part to become more knowledgable and add to the party. I'm available to meet for climbing/rappelling in the Hudson Valley area most Sunday's thru Wednesday's. I live in Windham and am looking for like-minded folks to do more of this. Thanks in advance! |
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There a bunch of guiding companies that operate out of the Gunks, like mountainskills.biz/ that can teach you the basics of anchor building, placing gear, rope management, etc. |
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Thanks Kevin and Greg...a paid training course for some kind of certification is on my to-do list as I'm sure it will help get my foot in the door with folks extending invitations to climb on Mountain Project. Perhaps you could recommend an outfit such as High Xposure (the first one that comes to mind from a quick google search). Greg..you're right about Saddleback, I did the entire Great Range in a day 3 weeks ago adding Roostercomb and Skylight for a 10-peak/29 mile/10k' gain day. 2 weeks ago I ascended the Trapdike on Colden to the new slide in wet conditions, and a few times a month I climb the face of Breakneck Ridge with my hiking pals. This is not technical rope climbing though which is my goal and why i'm reaching out here. I'm attaching a pic of an awesome waterfall I rappeled on the Rio Reservoir in Liberty NY with a group a few weeks ago...accessible only by boat or kayak, and the first hurdle of the Trapdike..both fun days that I highly recommend if you haven't already. Thanks for your advice! |
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Tim Hello, |
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Tim Kinetic wrote:Thanks Kevin and Greg...a paid training course for some kind of certification is on my to-do list as I'm sure it will help get my foot in the door with folks extending invitations to climb on Mountain Project. Perhaps you could recommend an outfit such as High Xposure (the first one that comes to mind from a quick google search). Greg..you're right about Saddleback, I did the entire Great Range in a day 3 weeks ago adding Roostercomb and Skylight for a 10-peak/29 mile/10k' gain day. 2 weeks ago I ascended the Trapdike on Colden to the new slide in wet conditions, and a few times a month I climb the face of Breakneck Ridge with my hiking pals. This is not technical rope climbing though which is my goal and why i'm reaching out here. I'm attaching a pic of an awesome waterfall I rappeled on the Rio Reservoir in Liberty NY with a group a few weeks ago...accessible only by boat or kayak, and the first hurdle of the Trapdike..both fun days that I highly recommend if you haven't already. Thanks for your advice!The guides are certified, not you. Having knowledge, basic gear, and the ability to ascend rock are the only prerequisites to climbing. You need to learn rope management, gear, anchor building, etc (ie - knowledge). Going up the rock is just the fun part, the rest of it is the important stuff. Start good habits by getting your fundamentals right. Hire a guide for a few trips, then apply that knowledge and move forward if it interests you. Like you I have an extensive hiking/outdoors background. Hiking IMO is nothing like climbing. I don't really even hike much anymore, aside from nature walks. While I still like to walk and be in nature, it's very pedestrian compared to climbing vertical rock. If you're thinking this is something you would enjoy, it's very likely you will ;-). Do it right. |
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List of guides and guide services registered with the Mohonk Preserve at mohonkpreserve.org/climbing…. |
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I would highly recommend Alpine Endeavors, ask for Alan Kline. Top service, top guide. |
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Thanks all for the good advice...agreed that hiking is rather pedestrian compared to technical rock climbing and I want to learn from the bottom up with safety and respect first. |