Mountain Project Logo

Looking for a Gunks Mentor

Original Post
ASid · · SF, CA · Joined May 2013 · Points: 15

Greetings MPers,

As my love for climbing grows, I've made it my goal to learn to climb trad over the summer. I've been climbing for almost two years now and mostly sport climb these days, but living in such close proximity to the Gunks, I'd love to be able to explore all that it has to offer.

I comfortably lead sport in the low 5.10s but have been known to make (reasonable) things happen up to low 5.11s. My experience with the Gunks is limited to setting up top ropes as well as the occasional (stiff) bouldering. I've also been known to give great belays with soft catches if need be.

I've been trying to be proactive in my quest for knowledge by reading through Craig Luebben's climbing anchors. All in all, I find the physics and engineering of climbing to be interesting to begin with, so the book has been a joy to read. Of course, I can only go so far by reading a book and with some help, I'd like to be able to apply what I've learned safely at the crag.

Equipment wise, I have a typical sport rack along with some cordelette and slings (and a helmet, of course) that I've used to build anchors for a top rope. I've also recently obtained a small starting set of nuts and cams (the recent gear sales really got me) so I won't have to lose or bust any of your gear.

I'm essentially available any weekend from here on out as I am your typical 9-5er. I've just started summer hours so I have every other Friday off as well. Let me know your availability and I will definitely make it work.

In exchange for your help, I am glad to offer thank yous, a new climbing partner, gas, food, beer (local Philly beers have been known to be delicious), or anything else really.

Thanks!

Jesse Newton · · catskills · Joined Dec 2011 · Points: 145

I wouldnt lead trad as high as 5.9 yet but definetly into finding people who trad within 5.6 and 5.8 looking for fun, climbing and beer. I live near new paltz, about 30 mins from the gunks. I climb a bunch alot of top roping because trad partners are hard to find. If you're interested Id love to give it a try. I work for a zipline at hunter mtn, so weekends i'm triple booked but weekdays i would love to do something awesome, if youre around or interested, def give me a shout. other wise I would try and hook you up with previous partners or people in trad around np, rock and snow, inner wall staff, bouldering co-op.

beaujean · · New York City · Joined Sep 2010 · Points: 25

Hi ASid, I'm in the Gunks every weekend & frequent weekdays, can give you some trad pointers if you don't mind climbing moderate routes, I used to lead to 5.8 but minor injuries are keeping me to 5.7 max plus a couple of familiar 5.8's. I have all gear, give a call or text
BTW, looking to climb this Wednesday June 10th, day trip from NYC.
~ beau johnson 646 229 1301 beau@beaujohnson.com

John Douglass · · Seattle, WA · Joined Sep 2010 · Points: 60

Aga - I'd be happy to partner up and get after it. Should have some free time for the next few weekends to hit up the Gunks or Daks...providing it ever stops raining. Let's talk next time we're at the gym.

Cheers, John

ASid · · SF, CA · Joined May 2013 · Points: 15

Oh damn! Busted.

Sounds good though.

I'll see you soon, John.

Yuriy Porotnikov · · Boulder, CO · Joined May 2013 · Points: 5

Hey! What'up? My name is Yura. I am climbing in Gunks tomorrow, June 22nd. I usually trad within 5.7-5.9 but also like presetting gear for sport and do solid 5.10s. I'll come from NYC for a day. I have my gear&rope. Let me know if you are interested. Thanks
email: porotnikov_yura@yahoo.com

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Northeastern States
Post a Reply to "Looking for a Gunks Mentor"

Log In to Reply

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.