Rock Out with AYH!

Our mission was to teach and promote safe rock climbing techniques. Our passion was rock climbing with good friends. As a result, the Pittsburgh AYH was a great way to experience the thrill of rock climbing whether you're new to the sport or an experienced climber. Throughout the spring, summer and fall we make group trips to Cooper's Rock State Forest near Morgantown West Virginia to climb its 30-40 foot sandstone crags. We rig 8-10 climbs ranging from easy to difficult (5.2-5.11) with top ropes. (Top roping is a method where one end of the rope is connected to the climber, the other is controlled by a belayer, and the middle is run through a multi point anchor at the top of the climb.)

On these Top Roping trips our members will teach beginners safe top roping techniques including basic commands, knots, climbing and belaying techniques. Experienced climbers were welcome as well to share our ropes and belays.

All you need to bring is a bag lunch, water, and a sunny disposition. Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes (shorts and T-shirts in the summer) and tennis shoes. It's not a bad idea to pack raingear in the event of a late-afternoon thunderstorm. AYH supplies climbing gear to those who need it as discussed below.

Beginners who enjoy our trips were encouraged to return for more climbing, to gain more knowledge of climbing techniques, and to learn how to properly construct top roping anchors.

Once a climber has developed good climbing and belaying skills, we offer a Multi-Pitch Prep Course for those individuals who would like to accompany us on our club trips to Seneca Rocks, the highest point east of the Mississippi that can be reached only by technical climbing. In the Multi-Pitch Prep Course, climbers learn the commands and techniques of seconding a lead climber, cleaning protection, rappelling and prusik knot rope ascension.

The most exciting parts of our group's season were our two trips to Seneca Rocks, WV in July and September. This is rock climbing as it was meant to be, hiking, scrambling and climbing up a massive piece of rock until you arrive at a summit the size of a parking space, 962 feet above the valley floor. These trips run Friday through Sunday with climbing on Saturday and Sunday. Experienced lead climbers were matched with seconds for the climb. Regarding the logistics, we usually arrange for a group campsite at Seneca Shadows Campground, but any one interested should contact the trip leader for more information.

AYH climbers also make frequent "unofficial" trips to Seneca Rocks, New River Gorge, the Gunks, and local climbing areas. Several AYH climbers can be found at The Climbing Wall, located in The Factory on Penn Avenue, on Thursday nights from 7 to 9:30 pm. Then we retire to the Evergreen pub (also on Penn Avenue) for a few cold ones and to make plans for the coming weekend.

Cost is $10 for AYH members ($12 for non-members) for a top roping trip. Gas money ($5/person, if you car pool from AYH Headquarters) and dinner were NOT included in the trip fees. Top roping trip fees break down as follows:

$3 activity fee (for first-timers only)
$3 harness/helmet rental (if you don't own your own)
$3 rope fee (for periodic rope replacements)
$1 AYH registration fee ($3 for non members)

To find out more about the AYH climbing program, call Chuck Jones at (412) 766-4036 or check out our Unofficial Site, which is loaded with photos and info. To sign up for a specific trip, call the Trip Leader listed in the table below.