Rocksteady Climbing Gym
Setauket, New York
Specs: Rocksteady Climbing Gym, a bouldering-focused facility owned and operated by Kristin and Erik Cline, is expected to open in the coming weeks in Setauket, a hamlet in Brookhaven, New York. Erik started climbing about 10 years ago and, for years, would travel 45 minutes out of Setauket to climb three to five days a week. Growing tired of the drive, Erik said in late 2017 he made a business plan to open a gym in his hometown, did his research and met with investors before the 2020 pandemic hit, when he had to pause plans. At the same time, he was busy with his job in construction sales and lacked the requisite time for gym planning. In 2023, he left the position and started planning Rocksteady once again.
Rocksteady was constructed in a preexisting building in East Setauket, a couple of miles away from the Clines’ home. When looking for a location for the gym, Erik sought out a central, lively spot, in proximity to students and his home. He committed to a location in 2024, signing a lease just after the CWA Summit. Rocksteady is in a highly trafficked part of town, Erik explained, on a busy road where he said 60,000 cars pass by daily. Additionally, the gym is less than five miles away from Stony Brook University, which Erik said enrolls over 25,000 students yearly.
Rocksteady was designed to be welcoming to beginner and experienced climbers as well as families and children. To cater to a diverse clientele, the 10,648-square-foot bouldering facility will feature a training room with a Tension Board 2, a fully equipped weight room and a yoga room with classes. For youth climbers, there will be a top-out boulder with a slide and a dedicated kids’ climbing area with auto belays. There will also be a party room for birthdays, team events and group gatherings.
The Clines want their gym to have an “art gallery” or “mom-and-pop gym” feel, Erik explained, which influenced their decision to include a café. They plan to team up with local bakeries and vendors to offer coffee, beverages, snacks and seasonal items, including limited-time drinks and specialty treats. “Not only is the look, feel and vibe going to be different, but the interaction from the ownership will also be unique,” Erik stated. “We are a literal mom-and-pop type gym. Guests and members will get to know the owners (my wife and I) and see us, along with our kids, working and climbing in the space regularly.”
Walls: OnSite
Flooring: OnSite
CRM Software: Capitan
Website: www.rocksteadyclimb.com
Instagram: @RocksteadyClimb
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