| | Rock Climbing at the Shawangunk Cliffs
High Angle Adventures, Inc. operates at the Shawangunk Cliffs just west of New Paltz New York, only 90 minutes from New York City. Recognized as one of the outstanding climbing centers in the United States, the "Gunks" offer a wide variety of high quality climbing opportunities at every level from beginner to expert. Easy access to the climbs and the friendly nature of the rock combine to provide a comfortable and supportive atmosphere which makes for an excellent learning environment. Getting
Started
If you're just starting out, here's what you can expect on your first day. We'll carefully examine some crucial climbing safety procedures like knots, anchors and belays. Then we'll set up a short, moderate climb which will give you a chance to see how you feel operating in the vertical environment. We'll make an assessment and evaluation of the degree of natural aptitude and ability you bring to climbing. Then we'll develop a teaching plan geared to the pace at which you absorb and assimilate new techniques and procedures. This is what might be called a student centered approach to learning rather than one that is curriculum driven. Over the years we've found this to be the most efficient teaching method, accommodating those who need a little more time while permitting those who are moving more quickly to make rapid progress.
As your inventory of specific movement techniques continues to grow, we'll consider climbs that illustrate and illuminate increasingly more sophisticated maneuvers combining the key elements of body position and foot placement. We'll utilize specific and directive coaching to convey ideas and concepts. We'll also give you plenty of opportunity for trial and error experimentation. Very often the discoveries you make yourself can have a more powerful and lasting impact than material "taught" to you.
Usually anywhere from one to three days, either consecutively or at your convenience, will give you enough background to move on to the next level. Intermediate and Advanced Climbing
If you've already had some climbing experience we'll evaluate your current level and work with you to improve your technique and develop your skills. Once again, we take a highly personalized approach offering you more demanding and challenging problems as you continue to demonstrate mastery of the new material.
At this point we'll introduce you to multi-pitch climbs involving placement of protection and construction of anchors. Following a climb is a very different experience from being coached from below. Here you'll get to draw upon all the information you've learned making your own decisions and using your best judgment. Though always secured by a rope from above, you'll have the opportunity to "put it all together" making your way up the climb "on your own."
While our primary focus is always instructional, (enabling you to make the effort to improve and to see tangible progressive results) more experienced climbers frequently express an interest in climbing specific routes. These are climbs that often represented a significant breakthrough in local climbing lore and can become milestones in the context of your own personal climbing history. We'll be more than happy to work with you on these goal climbs. Or if you prefer, we can suggest a range of classic climbs that will fit your requirements and offer an equal sense of accomplishment and achievement.
More advanced climbers often ask us about the next step: learning to lead. Not to be undertaken lightly, learning to lead requires commitment and a thorough understanding of the systems and procedures involved. You'll look at all the currently available tools and devices and learn how to use them to build protection and anchor systems that are safe and reliable. We have developed a variety of specialized techniques that will permit you to explore the leading experience while allowing us to maintain total control of safety considerations. About our Staff
High Angle Adventures started in 1974 and is accredited by the American Mountain Guides Association, Inc. Our guides are also licensed by New York State. Several of our staff have been instructing for more than 20 years, while others are active climbers pursuing the cutting edge of modern climbing. Whether you're looking for a casual introduction to climbing or considering a more intensive involvement with the sport, our skilled instructors can meet the needs and goals of each student on an individual basis. What to Wear, What to Bring
Clothing that's both functional and flexible is your key to a comfortable climbing day. Adjust your choices according to season. In cooler weather exercise-type tights have become popular. Loose-fitting pants or sweats are also appropriate. (Please don't wear tight jeans!) For the upper body a few light layers along with a wind-breaker or light jacket will be fine. If it's cool enough, a ski-type hat and gloves might be a good idea. In hot summer weather, bicycle-type or walking shorts are appropriate. (Running shorts are too short!) A T-shirt or tank-top is recommended.
Many climbers wear no socks with their climbing shoes. If you'd prefer to wear socks make sure they're very thin! Wear sneakers or light trail shoes for walking around. You won't need your heavy-duty hiking boots.
Bring a light lunch and lots of water, at least 2 liters per person in hot weather. Insect repellent and sun screen are useful when conditions indicate. Put everything in a day pack or knapsack. You won't actually climb with the pack on your back; it's just the most convenient way to carry your things from place to place. Special Climbing Programs
Programs for Youngsters: Most kids are natural climbers. Your own childhood probably includes some kind of climbing experience. Trees, fences, jungle gyms, or park benches (not to mention rocks) - all were fair game. As climbing becomes more popular, parents are looking for programs that stress safety while giving youngsters the opportunity to discover the joy and sense of achievement that climbing offers. If your child has expressed an interest in climbing please call us for more information.
Women's Programs: In rapidly increasing numbers, women are discovering the excitement and satisfaction of climbing. And for reasons too numerous to expand upon here, most women find they're ideally suited to the sport. In response to this growing interest we have developed programs for women taught by women instructors. Please call us for further information about these programs. 1999
LEAD TRAINING PROGRAM
2, 3, & 4 Day ProgramsThe increasing popularity and year round availability of indoor climbing gyms has enabled many climbers to develop their skills and make progress more rapidly than might otherwise have been possible. Often climbers are able to venture onto the indoor "clip-and-go" lead walls without much leading background.
For these climbers, making the transition to real rock presents a high potential for discovering significant problems. Most climbing areas in the Northeast are not bolt-equipped. Thus the need for learning how to place secure and reliable protection and anchor systems becomes critical.
The key here is getting "feedback" about the quality of your gear placements. Since you may be capable of leading moderate routes without falling, the opportunity for "testing" the reliability of your gear is limited. Short of loading the gear with the force of a fall by "jumping off," obtaining an accurate assessment of your protection-placing skills is hard to come by.
Our lead training program is designed to address these issues. We will examine the wide range of protection devices currently on the market. We will look at the basic mechanical concepts involved in placing gear in the rock. You will build anchor systems on the ground after which you will "lead" a pitch (on a top-rope). Then you and your instructor will rappel down stopping to critique and analyze each of your placements.
The process is painstaking and exacting with a wealth of new information to absorb. That's why we recommend a course to maximize the learning curve and to give each climber ample opportunity to explore fully the complexities of these new and essential skills. |
Jon Ross
AMGA Certified Rock Climbing Guide, Director
American Mountain Guides Association
Certified Rock Climbing Guide
 | | As Seen In: * Men's Journal * Snow Country * Outside Magazine * The CBS News |
 Weather
We don't climb or teach in the rain. We have a simple policy that eliminates potential confusion about bad weather. Regardless of the forecast in your local area, please call us early in the morning before you leave home. We'll make the determination if climbing will be possible for that day. This way we can spare you the aggravation of making the trip only to be rained out. If it's good weather here, we'll fully expect to see you at our meeting time.
If you need to change your plans we'll accept cancellations up to 72 hours in advance of your appointment. |
 Directions
From the New York State Thruway Interstate 87, Exit 18: Through toll to 1st traffic light. Turn LEFT at the light onto Rte. 299 W. (This road is also the main street of New Paltz.) Take 299 through town and follow it up into the hills. About 7 1/2 miles from the Thruway Exit, the road ends at a "T" intersection. Turn RIGHT onto Rtes. 44/55 W. Go steeply uphill for about 3/4 mile. You will come to a marked "5 MPH" Hairpin Curve. Continue about 1/2 mile until you come to a Scenic Overlook / Pullout / Parking Area on your LEFT. About 300 yards past the Overlook you will see a small Red Bridge Overpass above the highway. Another Parking Area is located about 2/10 mile past the Bridge on the Right. |
 Reservations
Our programs are limited to no more than 3 students per instructor. If you're available on weekends we'll set you up in one of our classes. Or you can form your own group of 2 or 3. Beginners groups are offered every weekend April through November. We offer individual, private instruction as well, usually midweek.
You can reserve any day by calling in advance to make arrangements and then sending a 50% deposit. If you need to change your plans we'll accept cancellations up to 72 hours in advance of your appointment.
We supply all equipment, including climbing shoes. If you have your own gear, bring it along.
For more detailed information on prices, bookings, directions, dates, local accommodations, camping, bus service to New Paltz, and local pick-up, please call or e-mail us. |
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