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Too Late...

If you're reading this, then you wanted to apply for our spring training class, but were too late.  We'd like to teach the class more than once a year, but the class involves a tremendous amount of volunteer time over the course of 2 weekends.  We also don't have the resources to deal with 20 more seconds later in the season.  And, of course, we'd rather be climbing.

However, do not despair.  There are other, albeit not as good, alternatives to the AMC.

• Top Roping: If you've just been climbing in the gym and have a partner, then one possibility is to buy a book, rope, webbing, etc. and go up to the Gunks and start top roping on your own.  The Mohican Outdoor Center teaches weekend classes in top roping throughout the season.  You can also hire a guide and have him or her teach you how to set up top ropes.
  • Where:  There's top roping in the Trapps area of the Gunks (crowded) and at the Peterskill Area of Miniwaska State Park.  There's quite a bit of stuff at Peterskill and all of it's easily accessible from the top of the cliff.  There's also top roping available near Montclair NJ, Armonk NY and at West Point NY (yes, the Military Academy).
  • Guide & Instructional Books: Go with the grey William's guide book titled, Shawangunk Rock Climbs, The Trapps.  This book won't specify which climbs are easily accessible.  That information, and much more, can be found in the Gunks.com Top Roping Suggestions.  The 'Gunks Select' is great, but only contains 'staired' climbs; most not easily top roped.  There's also a pretty good guidebook for Peterskill.  For instructional material it's tough to beat the John Long "How To..." series.  They're small, concise and inexpensive.  All this material is available at Rock & Snow in New Paltz and some if it may be available at EMS or other local sporting goods stores.
• Bouldering: The Gunks has a huge amount of bouldering available.  Guidebooks are definitely available at Rock & Snow.  Possibly at other locations as well.
• Other Groups:
  • If you live near Connecticut you can check out that area's Chapter of the AMC.  The climbing's not nearly as good as the Gunks, but it beats sitting at home watching the Outdoor Channel. 
  • Bear in mind that training and climbing with another AMC chapter does not automatically mean that you are member of the NY chapter.  You still must be checked out as a walk on second or leader.
  • If you're a woman, or plan to be one, check out She Climbs.  They're a nationwide organization of female climbers and they have been spotted in the Gunks.