Consider this your invitation:
Come experience and explore the world-famous Shawangunk Mountains of New York State with the local expert.
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I have been teaching technical, fifth-class rock climbing for over 15 years.
Custom adventures are my premiere offering. Follow me for a customized outing in one of America's great rock climbing playgrounds. Refer to the booking page for availability and pricing.
I enjoy working with and am inclusive to all climbers of all abilities who want to learn. Nature and mountains are (often) exclusive. My guiding aims to seek communication between you, yourself and the land we move over.
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We love hiking of all kinds! Come choose your own adventure from the many, many options nearby. I’m intimately familiar with the land, and can suggest the best hikes based on your energy and the time of year we go out. Explore our carriage roads, single track hiking paths, and rocky scrambles. Perhaps we’ll see a rushing waterfalls and pick some blueberries. Maybe we’ll go to the top of a mountain, or sit in total silence in a cave underground.
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Just getting started? Ask for an Introduction to Rock Climbing to make your first day on the rock a memorable one! An introductory course is perfect for those with minimal or no climbing experience who are looking to experience the thrill and satisfaction of scaling the world-famous Gunks cliffs.
The Gunks is the best place in the region for beginning climbers. The accessibility, terrific rock quality, and numerous routes to choose from make this an ideal venue for learning how to climb outdoors.
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I love working with the same folks again and again. Whether its just a weekend trip, or a series of recurring sessions over the coming years, know that you’re invited back over and over. What would it look like to commit more time to connecting with yourself, your body and the outdoors?
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I’m also available for private coaching sessions. Click here to schedule a consultation now.
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Every day starts with a question, or an aim. We’ll go look for the answer.
If you have a goal, our aim to support you on your way to achieving it. If you have a question, we aim to answer or rephrase it together.
We can climb until you’re exhausted and/or satisfied, we can talk shop and practice skills ‘til the cows come home… you decide.
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I can help teams and partners that practice roped climbing to experience more fun and connection during their days out. Many teams tell me that my intentional fall practice drills help them trust their partners and equipment in liberating ways.
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I feel a lot of compassion for parents and families. I am a parent to a five-year-old myself and I have insight into the unique (and complicated) experiences it presents. Let me take care of the trip planning and help your loved ones connect with each other and the outdoors.
A note of caution: the outdoors has inherent risks, and children cannot fully consent to accepting many of those risks. I can help families with children five-years-old and up manage, but not eliminate, the objective hazards nature presents.
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To book an outing with a group of five or more participants, reach out directly to dustin@advancedrockcraft.com. Tell me as much as you can about your group and goals so I can ensure the best possible experience and respond with a reasonable quote.
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What do you want to learn about? I can arrange a curriculum around any aspect of climbing based on your needs. Common requests include self-rescue, multi-pitch preparation, placing protection, redpoint strategies, and partnership development.
These classes may be private or open to enrollment by the climbing community. Feel free to send your request to dustin@advancedrockckraft.com.
Private Guiding
Explore the craft of traditional climbing in the world-famous “Gunks” climbing area of New York State. Dustin is your guide, and he is certified, licensed, insured and permitted.
Advanced Rockcraft founder Dustin Portzline showing the beta on Coexistence 5.10d, Trapps. Photo by Chris Vultaggio.
If you are…
...new to climbing and want to grow your skills from a solid foundation;
...training for the ascent of your dreams but are unsure where to start;
...experienced with gym or sport climbing and are ready to open up a new world of climbing possibilities;
...eager to make the most of your valuable time outdoors with friends and loved ones;
…a leader or coach looking to build connection and direction within your team;
...then you've landed in the right place.
Time is your most limited resource. We make the most of yours through a gradual but rigorous progression based on your goals.
What makes it so great?
First, the Shawangunk Mountains, located to the west of New York's Hudson Valley, is the premiere venue for learning traditional climbing in the Northeast. Affectionately nicknamed “the Gunks” by climbers, the ridge boasts dozens of cliffs and crags, and is host to several thousand established rock climbs and boulder problems. Easy access combined with high-caliber routes of all difficulty levels means that you will always have beautiful natural puzzles to solve and new challenges awaiting. The steep, beautiful features of rock never cease to amaze us with the details they contain.
Second, your guide is competent. I am an AMGA Certified Rock Guide, one of approximately 250 in the United States. This means that I have completed multiple programs and examinations and am certified to guide multiple guests up any rock climb in the country. Coupled with that is my intimate familiarity with the Gunks, which I have been exploring for nearly two decades. Hiring me ensures you get the most out of your climbing day.
Third, we intentionally tailor your day to your needs. What do you need? What’s your vision? You’ll gain experience, improve your competence and see confidence grow as we incrementally explore the edges of your comfort and stress.
Sarah O’Donoghue smoothly finishing another lap up CCK Direct 5.9, Trapps. Photo by Dustin Portzline.
Chris Vultaggio brings the brass on King of Swing 5.11, Millbrook. Photo by
What your session includes:
A day in the Gunks with an AMGA Certified Rock Guide
Day access to preserved lands.
Access to all necessary technical equipment
What to bring:
Personal clothing
Snacks, meals and water
A backpack to share in carrying equipment
If you have a climbing practice already, you are encouraged to bring your full climbing kit