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 page.
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"
Join the AMC and Climb with Us
To participate
in our climbing activities, you must be a regular member of the AMC.
(We cannot accept guest card holders.)