GUNKS CHAPTER
The Shawangunks, or Gunks for short, is one of America’s top rock climbing destinations. It has a long history, attracting legends like Yvon Chouinard and Lynn Hill to test themselves on its famously exposed moves and big roofs. Read more about its history here.
Our Chapter is a community centered around rock climbing at this celebrated crag. We run events throughout the year open to all, fostering a community of people interested in Gunks climbing, safeguarding the area, promoting education of local best practices and exploring all disciplines of climbing at destinations near and far.
Trad Climbing Skill Development
The Gunks is a muti-pitch trad climbing destination (‘traditional’ climbing is unbolted, where a lead climber places his or her own protective gear such as cams and nuts). Trad is arguably more dangerous and requires more know-how than sport climbing, and the many roofs and traverses at this crag adds to the technical nature of these climbs for leaders and seconds alike. To promote safety and education, Gunks Chapter focus is on the continuous growth of comradery, skills and experiences of multi-pitch trad climbing. Our members are all trained or assessed to ensure a uniform minimal set of skills. We also run a six day training course every year for people who want to learn how to climb multi-pitch trad.
We are always looking to build our membership with conscientious, experienced lead climbers. If this is you and you’re interested in joining the group, contact us at gunkswalkons@americanalpineclub.org for more information about the application process.
Connect
Email: gunkschapter@americanalpineclub.org
Facebook: facebook.com/AACgunks
Meet your Chapter Leaders
Chapter Chair
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Adetokunbo Ajadi
Adetokunbo started rock climbing in 2009 and somewhere along the way he also picked up an ice climbing habit. Some of his favorite climbing areas include Baxter State Park ME, Smugglers’ Notch VT, North Conway NH and of course The Gunks. He's served as a past Vice-Chair of AMC NY/North Jersey Climbing Committee and now looks forward to continuing to give back to the climbing community that has taught him so much.
Treasurer
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Michael Geramita
AAC member for 13 years. He has been a climber for 15 years, all of them as a resident of NYC - making the Gunks his true home crag. Climbing and traveling are large parts of his life, and he has been lucky enough to combine the two by climbing in 19 states and 15 countries. He has been mentoring new climbers for the past 13 years and is looking forward to continue giving back to the community by volunteering with the AAC and its members.
Education Chair – Gary McElvany
Gary has been an active leader in AAC and AMC climbing education for over 25 years. Fortunate to have assisted many in their education and training, he is always seeking out and incorporating best practices into education programs for the Gunks Chapter.
Gary believes in the Alex Lowe philosophy that the best climber in the world is the one who's having the most fun. His favorite activities include enjoying the outdoors with his family: hiking, biking, camping, backpacking, canoeing and, of course, climbing.
Education Vice Chair – Jerry Provenzano
Jerry started ice climbing across the northeast in 2008 and found his focus trad climbing at the Gunks. Since then Jerry has traveled for climbing to Washington State, California, Colorado, across the southeast, South Africa, and Europe. Jerry lives in Westchester with his wife and four-year-old son.
Communications – Mary Weatherburn
Mary first climbed at the Gunks in 2013 when she moved to the East Coast from London. She loves to share her passion for climbing with others on rock, ice and plastic. Based in NYC, Mary works in marketing by day and as an AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor by night.