I am new to NY and the middletown area and have heard about the climbibing in New Paltz I am still learning but have lead simple routes. Basically I was hopping that I could hook up with someone to go climbing with shout at me if you want to be my guide. Thanks

Welcome to gunks.com and to NY!

A little OT, but does anyone know if OCCC ever did anything about converting their racquetball courts into climbing walls? I recall someone mentioned it a while back.

Welcome! The gunks is a great place to develop your leading and climbing skills. The best season is just about here. Once the snow dries up and the days hit 70 degrees, you're going to want to be out there. The deli/corner store at the junction of Rt 299 and 44/55 under the cliffs is a likely spot to meet other climbers. Or hang out and boulder/traverse near the base of Horseman and see if you can find another single climber to climb with for the day. If you haven't done so already, go buy a guidebook (Swain or Williams books are the ones you want).

I have found that local climbing gyms are the place to make friends and meet partners. You can also accomplish sometimes through guided groups or group climbing activities, such as AMC puts on. You can have a great day just bouldering around the uberfall area and meeting people, hopefully finding someone who will let you rope in.
Welcome aboard!

That's the problem, there aren't any gyms in the OC (last time I checked anyway). Nearest would be in NP, but that's 40 minutes away. There's a portable tower in The Castle in Chester, but that's just a toy. So unless OCCC opened a climbing wall, or you drive to NP, there's no place to meet other climbers.

I thought it would be cool to convert the old RR station on Low Ave into a climbing gym, but I have more dreams than cash.

The climbing gym in New Paltz, the Inner Wall, has deteriorated substantially since Elaine sold it. I went there recently and was a bit surprised at what the new owner has or more properly hasn't, done. It looks like they are probably going for youth and camp groups and birthday parties, so meeting other climbers there may not be so easy.

A far better bang for your driving buck would be the Gravity Vault in Ramsey, NJ, which Google says is 48 minutes from Middletown.

Hey,
I am looking for a partner this week from March 16-19, tuesday-friday. I climb Gunks 5.9 and it is ok if you dont lead. Give me a call if you have any time or interest this week. 970 769 3847.
Thanks,
Blair

Thanks for all the input! I am definitely going to check out the Gravity Vault and hopefully my books will get here soon. Blair I get out of work at 4:30 im not sure it will be warm enough yet to hit up the rocks after that, what do you think?