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Climbing Committee

"We'd spend entire days taunting each other to crank harder, step higher, to forget the raw, sometimes bleeding fingertips and flash it."    
        -- John Long (Rock Jocks, Wall Rats and Hang Dogs)

Okay, so this doesn't really describe the AMC Climbing Committee, but we are a group of people who love to climb! Most weekends, we climb the cliffs of New York's spectacular Shawangunk Mountains ("the Gunks"); we also organize trips to other summer and winter climbing destinations in the Northeast. If you just want to try rock climbing to see if you like it, please contact the Mohican Outdoor Center. They offer a two day workshop that will provide a good introduction to rock climbing. If you want to climb with the AMC there are two ways to get started:

• Take our training class offered in the Spring.  This annual training program is for novice rock climbers and is given over two weekends in late April or early May. No prior experience is necessary for the course, but it is expected that members will climb with the Club regularly upon successfully completing the course.  If you would like to know more or get an application, please click this link: Climbing Instruction.
• Join as a walk-on leader.  This is for people with extensive, recent, multipitch rock climbing experience. If you've been leading for a while and are looking for safe, reliable climbing partners then you've come to the right place. All you have to do is climb with one of our experienced leaders for a day (weekend or weekday) so we can verify your safety. It's expected that walk-on leaders will be proficient in all of the skills taught in the training class as well as the necessary skills for lead climbing. We do not provide any equipment so you'll need your own rope, rack, etc. For more information check out our frequently asked questions . If you feel qualified to join as a leader, fill out our walk on leader questionnaire and email it to the Climbing Committee Chair, listed below. To climb with the Club you also need to download, complete and snail mail our release form to the address below. In PDF Format, AMC Recommended Release Form Hosted at our HQ website. Find link called "Volunteer Release Agreement"

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to join the AMC to climb with you?

A: Yes, to participate in our climbing activities, you must be a regular member of the AMC. You can join here.
 

Q: I missed the spring Training Class. Why don't you guys teach the class more often?

A: The class is an all volunteer effort and involves a tremendous amount of time to plan and manage just one 4-day class each year.
 

Q: When does the Training Class application process start?

A: Usually the application appears on the AMC web site in mid-December each year and we accept applications through the end of February. We notify students of their status (accepted, wait-list, or try-again-next-year) in mid-March.
 

Q: I can lead 5.12 in the gym, I know how to clip in and belay with a GriGri. I've heard you guys are a really cool bunch and I'd love to start climbing outdoors the AMC. Can I join as a walk on leader?

A: While flattery is certainly useful, it won't help here. Walk-on leaders must have a great deal of recent outdoor, multi-pitch experience. Your best bet is to take the Training Class in the spring.
 

Q: I love rappelling in an extreme way. Can I join your club?

A: No. Join the Army instead.
 

Q: My friend and I started top roping in the Gunks a few months ago and we've hired a guide for a day to teach us all the skills you teach in the Training Class. Can we come on as walk on seconds, rather than leaders? We'd both like to start leading soon.

A: Unfortunately, our club isn't very big and we don't have enough leaders to accommodate all the seconds we currently have, therefore we only accept walk-on leaders.
 

Q: I've been leading sport and trad multi-pitch routes out west for the past 2 years and I've just move to the NYC area. I'm not really comfortable leading in the Gunks just yet. Can I come on as a walk on second instead of a leader?

A: No, but one of the great things about the Gunks is the quantity of quality beginner routes. Pick up a guidebook and checkout some of the 5.2's, 3, and 4's and get back to us once you feel comfortable leading in the Gunks.
 

Q: I've been doing multi-pitch in the Gunks with my High School Climbing Club for the past 2 semesters and I'd like to do more with your club. I don't yet lead, but I'd like to learn. Can I come on as a walk on second and then learn to lead?

A: No. For a variety of reasons, you must be at least 18 years old to join the AMC.
 

Q: I've been top-roping in the Gunks for the past 2 years and I've been leading sport at West Point, Rumney and El Potrero Chico for the past year. I have no intention of taking any classes nor do I plan to lead trad. Can I join as a second instead of as a leader?

A: We don't have the resources to add walk-on seconds. Walk-on leaders must have trad leading experience as the Gunks is a trad cliff. Leading sport routes is very different from leading trad.
 

Q: Thirty years ago I did some climbing with John Bachar and Jim Bridwell out in The Valley. I haven't been near a cliff since then, but I'm sure I remember everything. At the time I was able to lead a few 6's. I probably will feel comfortable leading again after following for a little while. Do I have to take your class to climb with the AMC?

A: Yes. Thirty years is a long time and a refresher class won't hurt. Feel free to apply to the Training Class.
 

Q: I've been climbing in the gym a lot recently and I've hired guides 4 or 5 times this spring. Every time we did multi-pitch routes and all the guides said I'm a very good climber. The hardest pitch I did was 5.7 and I've done one mock lead on TR. I'm certain I know all the skills. Can I join as a walk on leader?

A: No. Mock leading while good practice and a good way to start, is not actually leading. Your best bet is to take our Training Class next Spring.