By Danielle Ruiz, Staff Writer

Feel like you need some adventure in your life? Then try joining Hofstra’s Rock Climbing Club. With 35 members, regularly scheduled trips to rock climbing gyms and weekly meetings, you’ll make new friends, get in shape and pick up a new hobby all at once.

The Rock Climbing Club founded in the Spring Semester of 2010 by Josh Cohen is a fresh addition to Hofstra. Cohen, currently a senior, started the club in order to bring one of his favorite hobbies to campus. He felt Hofstra was lacking outdoor clubs.

The club wasted no time this year starting the fun. A small group of Hofstra’s climbers have already trekked to New Paltz where they spent a weekend hiking, climbing and camping. Not to worry though, more trips are already in the works. Cohen is currently setting up a hiking trip for December. In order to help raise funds, the club began their hemp bracelet fundraising project. Keep your eyes open for when these hand-made bracelets go on sale.   

 If you are interested in the club, but can’t make the field trips, don’t fret! The club recently gained privileges to use Hofstra’s rock climbing wall. With this new commodity, Cohen is hoping to schedule weekly trips to the wall.

 Rock climbing might seem a little scary at first, but after a few trips to Island Rock, a rock climbing gym in Plainview, even a beginner will feel comfortable on the ropes. Hofstra’s Rock Climbing Club provides all the equipment needed to rock climb and the more experienced members are more than happy to help any newcomers. Freshman Priyanka Jaisinghani, joined the rock climbing club because “It was different. It was fun and exciting.”

The rock climbing club is not just for the adventurous, but also for those looking for a fun way to stay or get in shape. Dwayne Lindsey, a freshman member of the club, said “rock climbing represents how I had to get my weight-loss going.” To Lindsey, rock climbing is a physical representation about “climbing over adversity,” as he put it.

Rock Climbing Club meetings are every Tuesday at 8:15pm in Breslin Hall Room 019. The rock climbing videos that Cohen plays at every meeting might motivate you to get up and grab a pair of ropes.

The rock climbing club is hoping to celebrate their love for the hobby with field trips. (Danielle Ruiz/The Chronicle)