Rock climbing is a sport that is not only a great form of exercise, but also allows one to get out and experience nature. Many enjoy it and consider climbing a regular hobby. Some of these individuals can be found at CHS.

For example, math teacher Brian Cooper has been rock climbing for five years. He climbs mostly at Joshua Tree National Park during the winter. In the summer, he climbs at a multitude of areas, including Yosemite and Mammoth, even visiting parks in British Columbia, as well as practicing in gyms. He was introduced to the activity by English teacher Kristin Crowell, who took him on a trip to acquaint him to climbing. Cooper now climbs regularly and definitely enjoys the experience.

“It’s just a good experience,” Cooper said. “It’s a good excuse to get outside and be in nature. It’s good exercise.”

Chemistry teacher Bob Bolton, on the other hand, has been climbing for 54 years, ever since he was 3 years old. His father, also an active rock climber, had first gotten him interested, and as a result, Bolton has been climbing on and off for the past few decades. Bolton climbs at Joshua Tree, as well as Idyllwild and Mount Baldy. His favorite place to climb is Tuolumne Meadows, which is located near Yosemite.

“It is just something that puts you in an amazing place: it’s challenging, it’s fun, and the people I’ve met doing it are amazing people,” Bolton said.

Other teachers, including Crowell and Social Science teacher Ryan Easton are also frequent climbers. In addition, these teachers regularly encounter their students climbing at the gym or learn in class that it is a pastime of theirs. Rock climbing is a rigorous workout, as it challenges not only a climber’s strength, but their agility, balance, and mental control. It can be a dangerous activity, as it involves the scaling of high mountains, rock formations, and other surfaces, and proper knowledge is required to successfully complete the activity. But, despite the challenge, climbing is still considered an enjoyable activity by many.

The appeal of rock climbing is clear, as it allows one to meet new people, enjoy the outdoors, and receive a challenging workout all at one time. Overall, the teachers consider rock climbing a great experience, and will likely continue to do so for a long time.