Adirondack Climbing Guide: Navigating traditional climbs, gear tips
Getting started in rock climbing involves learning the lingo
How to Guide
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Gearhead: An overview of ice climbing gear
“Are those the Cassin X Dream tools?” Much like rock climbing, in ice climbing you’ll find people absolutely obsessed with gear and they will most likely be the same people. Gearheads don’t just include climbers, it just includes anyone who has a passion for their outdoor gear. Rock climbers trade in their chalk and climbing…
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SUP dawg! Stand up paddle boards remain popular
Get to know the basics of stand up paddle boarding
Before narrowing down canoe choices, ask key questions
How to get started with canoeing, from choosing a craft to ideas for first paddles
Gliding or riding the rapids: Kayak choice depends largely on use
Whether you're looking for a relaxing day on Upper or Lower Saranac Lake or seeking a whitewater challenge, you’ll need the right kayak and preparation to get you to your destination.
Paddle inspo: Some ideas for kayak trips
Ready to get started kayaking or need some fresh ideas of where to go? We’ve compiled some favorites from the Explorer’s archive: 4 great paddles: Mark Bowie shares his favorite flatwater trips Sprite Creek: Paddle reveals contrast between developed and natural shorelines: Sprite creek is unknown to most canoeists in the Adirondacks and is not…
Adirondack adventure: rock climbing trips
A round up of essential outings from around the Adirondack region, compiled from the Adirondack Explorer’s Adventure Planner: Rooster Comb: On Rooster Comb cliffs, climbers immerse themselves in wilderness and history https://www.adirondackexplorer.org/adventure-planner/rooster-comb Poke-O-Moonshine: Mark Meschinelli, an experienced Adirondack climber takes Adirondack Explorer, writer Phil Brown and his friend Mike Virtanen up Catharsis a Poke-O-Moonshine slab…
Climbing resources
Outfitters and Guides in the Adirondacks There are so many great outfitters and guiding businesses to start rock climbing. Here is a short list of some in the area that offer climbing gear rentals and guiding services. They can help point you in the right direction if you are looking to start climbing! Rocksport Indoor…
Must-have gear for rock climbing
Now you are getting to the good stuff, gear. A gearhead is someone who is borderline obsessive about gear. How can you spot a gearhead? Easy, they are always searching for gear deals online on websites like backcountry. They say things like, “woah is that a Black Diamond ATC pilot?” Now there is no need…
Don’t Let Your Board Swim Away
The wind hits your face cooling you off on a hot 90-degree day in July. White capped waves hit your paddleboard unexpectedly from the wind. All of the sudden you and your paddle are in the water. Once you pop back up your board is now ten feet from you and drifting away fast. You…