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climbhigh2005
Nov 26, 2012, 7:20 PM
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Registered: Jun 14, 2003
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Hey! I am from the Southeast and just took a job in Philly and would love to meet some climbers and get some info on where to climb!! thanks
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mojomonkey
Nov 26, 2012, 8:37 PM
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Registered: Aug 13, 2006
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climbhigh2005 wrote: Hey! I am from the Southeast and just took a job in Philly and would love to meet some climbers and get some info on where to climb!! thanks Lower your expectations and prepare to drive? I don't mean to sound harsh, but it just isn't going to be as good as what you left. There is some bouldering (you'll want to tag along with some locals to find good stuff if you don't like to wander), sport in a chossy quarry (Birdsboro), or longer trips to the Gunks, the NRG, Seneca, Adirondacks, etc. Bolted bridges too, if that tickles your fancy. The Delaware Water Gap is OK, but I usually just keep on driving to the Gunks. As for gyms, I'm not a fan of Go Vertical and have avoided the place for years now. I prefer the Philadelphia Rock Gym locations but if you are in the city that is a longer trip. Are you actually in the city? Do you have a car?
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climbhigh2005
Nov 26, 2012, 11:03 PM
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Registered: Jun 14, 2003
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I will be living in City Center and will have a car. I know its not going to be as great as I am use to but I still want to climb as much as possible.
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troutboy
Dec 7, 2012, 5:16 PM
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Registered: Apr 25, 2003
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I have climbed at all three, more so at PRG and DRG, but enough at Go Vertical to know how the place operates. Go Vertical is by far the closest gym to Center City. Unfortunately, as Mojo implied, they are by far the worst in the area. Some redeeming qualities (long lead routes) but many drawbacks (horrible neighborhood, crappy route setting, odd rules). PRG has 2 locations, Exton and Oaks. Neither are really close to you in Center City. If you work in the western side of Philly you will be closer. The drive is doable in non rush hours times, but beware of suggested drive times on mapping programs. You need to drive the infamous Schuylkill (=Surekill) Expressway which is always backed up). PRG is reported to be building a third location in Germantown that will be much closer for you. I understand the Germantown gym will be very bouldering centric. The Oaks gym is also better for bouldering than TR or lead, but has top rope and lead climbing. Their inability to separate birthday parties from the general climbing creates some issues. The Delaware Rock Gym may be just as close as Oaks or Exton due to traffic, is a newer, cleaner facility with better climate control, and has the tallest walls in the area (45 feet +/-). Route setting is better than average. Nice bouldering area, but also a lot more top rope climbing than PRG. Not as much leading as Go Vertical, but the routes are better. DRG separates it's children's parties pretty well. I would say try out all and decide what works best for you based on location, amenities, and climbing preference. If you want to come down to DE and give DRG a try, let me know. I have free passes with my membership that I hardly ever use. TS
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danabart
Dec 8, 2012, 7:44 PM
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Registered: Jan 24, 2004
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Tim is spot on. The DE rock gym is so much better than Go Vertical or the PRG that it is worth the drive.
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gblauer
Moderator
Dec 9, 2012, 3:09 AM
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Registered: Oct 4, 2002
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I like PRG...valley or oaks
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mojomonkey
Dec 10, 2012, 12:32 AM
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Registered: Aug 13, 2006
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climbhigh2005 wrote: I will be living in City Center and will have a car. I know its not going to be as great as I am use to but I still want to climb as much as possible. If you head out to the PRG you should be able to find belayers. They have a women's climb on Saturdays too, and I think you might be able to get a free trial climbing then.
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