Moving to the NYC/North Jersey area...

I will most likely be moving to the NYC/North Jersey area in a few months when I graduate and I interested in a few things...

1. Do people know of outdoor companies in the area where I could apply? I am a business major (with an outdoor recreation minor may I add) and would love to work somewhere I feel passionate about. That said any job would be great and if you have suggestions that are non-outdoor companies that is fine.

2. What gyms are good? I am thinking I will be in the Haledon NJ area and I am looking for a gym that is not too far away but still has fun people.

Thanks!

while I can't help you out with any info on companies, I can suggest a gym. I'm from Northern Jersey, and my home gym is The Gravity Vault in Upper Saddle River. if you end up in Haledon, it's about 30 minutes from there. that's the closest gym. Gravity Vault also has a facility in Chatham, but that's about 40 minutes from Haledon.

I haven't been to the Chatham gym, but I do like the one in Haledon. they have GriGris set up on all their ropes, so you don't need to bring your own belay device. it's a little unfortunate if you prefer an ATC, but otherwise pretty convenient. the bouldering areas are very solid as well. the routes are well set and definitely challenging.

good luck!

p.s.: in terms of companies, I'm a big fan of Campmor! they're a great company, sell great products, and really take care of their customers. their retail store in Paramus is awesome.

REI, EMS, and Patagonia have a number of outlets in the metropolitan area. Campmoor in Paramus and Paragon in NYC are both big single stores.

Can't believe I just read that somebody here is moving to haledon...you say you're a business major, haledon is a fairly sad place. At least it was when I lived there 10 years ago. The closet gym, which I'm pretty sure is still there, is NJ Rock Gym, it was great back in the day when I climbed there. The only redeeming quality to haledon is the Pork Store. Go visit Carl and eat a great sandwich. Good luck and watch out for Paterson.

NJ ROCK GYM _ great people, friendly staff, and awesome lead wall.

Just moved to Northern Jersey from Maine, and yes, the New Jersey Rock Gym is awesome. Really well set problems/routes and the people are super friendly. Haven't gotten on the lead wall yet, but once I build up a little more horizontal jug-haul endurostrength I'll hopefully spend most of my time on it.

I'm going to be moving much closer to the Gravity Vault at Chatham pretty soon, but it's super expensive and from what I've heard the bouldering isn't quite as good which is problematic for climbing by one's lonesome. I suppose I should at least check it out though, because I probably would make up for the high cost with what I'd be saving on gas.

Dan, I'm at NJRG 3-4 nights a week. Shoot me a PM next time you go if you need a belay partner. You can hop in the rotation with us on the lead wall.

NJRG is pretty nice, I really like the bouldering there. The lead wall is pretty ridiculously overhanging. I've been going to the gravity vault in Chatham recently as it's closer to me now and it's probably the nicest/cleanest gym i've ever been to, only thing I don't like is you MUST belay with a grigri and their routes seem soft. My favorite outdoor store in the area is Ramsey's Outdoor, they've got 3 locations around there. This might also be of interest to you; I don't remember the name of the place/company, but a buddy of mine used to work at a non-profit near West Milford that worked with underprivileged youths, taking them on outdoor trips; camping, canoeing, ropes courses, etc.

Jon H wrote:Dan, I'm at NJRG 3-4 nights a week. Shoot me a PM next time you go if you need a belay partner. You can hop in the rotation with us on the lead wall.

Thanx Jon
I usually climb at njrock on mon, wed, fri at 2:30pm due to my schedule but will let you know if I'm gonna be there at night.

Hey Jon,

Regardless of whether you were referring to Dan W or to me (or both), thanks! I've been going pretty regularly since I moved here about a month ago and have gotten to know some of the other regulars, but not any Jons yet I don't think. I might go tonight, but if not definitely tomorrow and Sunday. I still gotta get my lead certification, and like I said, I think I need some more power-endurance before I can crank through such a burly overhang, but I'm not opposed to taking some whips!

PS I looked at your profile to see if I recognized any pics, and saw some Rumney ticks. Right on! Definitely going to make some 6 hour drives this spring/summer/fall to get back on the schist. And just FYI, The Man With The Hueco In His Tights isn't that good. :)

Im pretty sure that the Gravity Vault is the same (or very close) price of NJ Rock.