Trip Report: Bagels to Burritos Part 1, Gunks Edition By Maxine Speier The Shawangunk ridge, or the “Gunks,” rises 200 feet above the tree line. The exposed cliffs stretch across the horizon, a swath of white-grey rock. When we are there in early September, most of the trees are still a lush and vibrant green, […]
Technique is for the weak. Or so seems when you see the footloose climbing in the gym. Unfortunately, big muscles and an ability to campus do little on harder routes. Precise footwork and an ability to climb well will get you much farther. One of the best ways to improve your footwork is to slab […]
In the 9 months since LA Boulders opened in Downtown Los Angeles, it has become a home away from home for many Southern California climbers. “LA Boulders is definitely the best climbing gym for bouldering. I would recommend this gym to anyone who is looking for a great workout and wants to challenge themselves. The […]
They’re up with the sun, chain coffee-drinking and working hard to bring you the routes you love to send, project, and crush. ‘Touchstone Routesetting’ is an industry term for excellence, and each member of the crew brings a little somethin’ somethin’ to the team. In our ongoing segment, Better Know a Setter, we bring you […]
American Ninja Warrior, the popular TV show, has shown that climbers have got what it takes to make it to Mt Moriyama. With their grip strength, core, and body tension – climbers have dominated in this fast paced competition. Did you know that one of the warriors this season trained at Diablo Rock Gym in […]
Why I Climb By Marie Schwindler It is a warm summer night, and the air tastes slightly of chalk. I stare at my hands after attempting one of my projects at the gym. No use in asking me how many times I have attempted to send this problem because I’ve lost count. Damn! Another flapper! […]
Climbing traditional routes can be terrifying. Will the gear hold? Will you be able to do the moves? Breaking into a different style of climbing can be quite hard. One of the best ways to get into traditional climbing is to mock lead. While this may seem like an elementary climbing skill, it’s still used […]
By GWPC Climber and Long-Time Touchstone Member: John E. Ricco I have a lot of pride in being part of the GWPC community. Something about this gym feels different to me, in the best possible, welcoming, type of way. In exploring a bit more past the friendly staff and smiling, ass- kicking members, I found […]
Oh boy, have I got a story for you! I love that each month I get the opportunity to introduce the readers to someone that I feel is an integral part of our community. I have had the pleasure of knowing Phil Buerk for a number of years now. I am constantly impressed by his […]
Half of the time, granite climbing stumps me. The other half of the time, I’m unsure what to do. Despite spending years climbing in Yosemite, Squamish, Index, Tahoe and granite crags across the US, I am almost always perplexed by the best method to climb the features. The main lesson I’ve learned in granite is […]
