Climbing the gunks in October

I spent a week Climbing in Colorado, and realized I found my new hobby. I am currently putting together my first gear set and plan on doing a lot of climbing in October. I am looking for climbing partners then can show me the right way to do things. also any advice on gear would be helpful.

It sounds like you are looking for a guide. The Gunks have many excellent, reputable guide services to choose from. There are several threads within the Eastern forum with specific recommendations, but you won't go wrong with any of them.

We have a NYC>Gunks Facebook page and the partner finder is also heavily used around here. If you have a car, it's VERY easy to find a partner to show you the ropes. You can hire a guide, but a competent partner will do as well.

Jon Frisby wrote:We have a NYC>Gunks Facebook page and the partner finder is also heavily used around here. If you have a car, it's VERY easy to find a partner to show you the ropes. You can hire a guide, but a competent partner will do as well.

With the caveat that you probably won't be able to tell the difference between competence and confidence :) If something looks/feels off to you, don't be shy to ask for an explanation. You are ultimately responsible for your safety.

MojoMonkey wrote: With the caveat that you probably won't be able to tell the difference between competence and confidence :) If something looks/feels off to you, don't be shy to ask for an explanation. You are ultimately responsible for your safety.

Good point- a beginner is less likely to be able to sense problems. But most of us didn't learn from a guide and I think even a beginner should be able to tell the difference between "I've trad climbed 5 years and taught a dozen people" and "I've trad climbed 6 months but I'm pretty strong." I'm the latter, which is why I don't feel comfortable volunteering to teach OP. And OP is probably going to be following anyway, so provided the other person can belay and properly set up anchors, the risk to OP is minimal