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EMS SCHOOLS

Rock Climbing School

Classes available 7 days a week Click Here

Kayak School

Personalized instruction from certified kayak instructors.

Paddleboarding

Lessons, Tours & Fitness for all abilities.

Featured Content

Women’s Rock Climbing Classes >
Team up with other adventurous women for a day of rock climbing with the New Paltz (Gunks) Climbing School. Women’s rock climbing classes are female led and are great for any skill level. click here for dates

Kayak & SUP class dates now available >
Check out our full line-up of instruction classes, tours, fitness classes, and more! If you have never paddled before, or have years of ocean touring under your belt, we have a class for you. See all of our kayaking and paddleboarding classes and tours here.

5 & 10 Day Private Pass >
Save up to 15% off private lessons. Lessons can be used at any of our climbing schools locations.

Gear Lists >
Be prepared for your next adventure with the EMS Climbing School. Lists include detailed descriptions, links to recommended items and images.

Search by Location >
Not sure where to take a climbing lesson? Narrow your search by using our handy search page.

News & Updates

Rock Climbing in the Gunks has begun! Classes for beginners through advanced can be found here, or book a private class any day of the week by calling 800-310-4054. The Gunks are an easy drive or bus ride from NYC. Click here for travel suggestions.

AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course and Assessment dates posted for New Paltz (Gunks) Climbing School. click here

Our dedication to outdoor life starts on the ground. From the beginning, Eastern Mountain Sports has been a vital resource for climbers, mountaineers, adventurers and all those who love the outdoors. Make no mistake, we’ve been doing it longer and we are the best at what we do.
The Eastern Mountain Sports Climbing School was started in Boston in 1968, and currently has 4 major locations and 7 satellite locations throughout the East, making it the oldest and largest climbing school in the eastern U.S. Along with the Climbing School, Eastern Mountain Sports operates a Kayak School and Ski School. Special programs have also been added to accommodate handicapped and disabled participants. Since the inception of the first School, the mission has been to provide the best outdoor experience possible.