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Seeking midweek rappel/climb mentor/guide upstate NY

Original Post
Tim Kinetic · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Aug 2015 · Points: 10

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!

Kevin Heckeler · · Las Vegas, NV · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 1,616

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.

Aside from a couple very close personal friends, I've never taken someone with no experience out for their first time. Aside from obvious liability issues, guides are trained in the art of making sure their client is as safe as possible and also have the skills to teach you in a way you'll remember it. What I'm saying is you may feel (and BE) safer and learn more with a trained, certified professional. Once you get a little outdoors experience then typically you start seeking out other climbers.

Tim Kinetic · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Aug 2015 · Points: 10

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!

Waterfall on Rio Reservoir

Beginning the Trapdike

Suburban Roadside · · Abovetraffic on Hudson · Joined Apr 2014 · Points: 2,419

Tim Hello,
Liberty NY !!? WOW,
there is some fun climbing there 'abouts.

any way I am just gonna say it and be done with it ,

your gonna die... it's a zen climbing saying,

that said . . GO TO the GUNKS !

It will cost around $50 bucks. food, gas & day pass ( converts to a membership)
see whats up - take a friend , or just go on your own.

Watch for a while 1st then if it seems cool, safe, and everyone in the group has had a try , step up and ask for a try.

If you go alone, - if you speak up and have climbing shoes and a harness, (helmet too) : )
some one will let you try a climb .( I think you can rent these?@rock & Snow, or Ems)

I am going to take some heat so I will recommend a private guide, also.
if you can spend that sort of cash.
If so try and go with Marty Martolisis's Alpine Endeavors? I think its called.
any way High X & Mnt Skills, and the rest are all ,all good.

Kevin Heckeler · · Las Vegas, NV · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 1,616
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.
rgold · · Poughkeepsie, NY · Joined Feb 2008 · Points: 526

List of guides and guide services registered with the Mohonk Preserve at mohonkpreserve.org/climbing….

These are the only people/services operating legally on a regular basis on the Preserve.

Chris Nischan · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2011 · Points: 0

I would highly recommend Alpine Endeavors, ask for Alan Kline. Top service, top guide.

Tim Kinetic · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Aug 2015 · Points: 10

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.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Northeastern States
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