Hanging around campus
When walking through campus during the warmer months, one may see an array of hammocks tied up between the trees in Johnson Commons. The hammocks with the brand name, ENO, have become a popular pastime among students during the warm and sunny days at Waynesburg University.
ENO, or Eagles Nest Outfitters, is an outdoors company based in Asheville, North Carolina, specializing in hammocks, accessories and other outdoor equipment.
Morgan Davis, a sophomore international business major, and Sarah Trocki, a sophomore psychology major, both recently got into the hammocking trend.
”I saw it around campus and thought it was a cool idea,” said Davis. “I then researched it and I got it as a Christmas gift that year.”
Trocki chimed in and said, “I’m usually with Morgan and when she got it, I decided to get one because it would be so easy to put up when I go camping”
Hammocking or just “Mocking” gives students a time to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday college stress.
”It’s a good way to get to know people on campus and procrastinate homework,” said Davis. “Plus you can do it anywhere, not just campus. I’ve even seen them at Coopers Rock [in West Virginia].”
Freshman forensic accounting major, Rylee Smith, said it’s a great way to hang out with your friends outside your dorm room.
”ENOs are great for just hanging out with your friends without sitting in the library or dorm. All you really need are two trees,” said Smith. “Depending on the type, size and people, you can usually fit 1-2 people in one hammock at a time.”
Both Trocki and Davis stated the best part about hammocking is the campus involvement while relaxing outside and being able to people watch.
Senior psychology major, Kaitlyn Wetzel, also loves the interaction with the campus.
”I think the best part is being able to relax and be really comfortable while still being immersed in the school because we hammock in the commons and see everyone who walks around,” said Wetzel. “It’s the best way to relax outside. We always have music going too, so it’s like a little party going on.”
The process of setting up the hammocks is easier than one would think. Trocki said it’s easy once you get the hang of it and the cords cooperate with you and do not get tangled.
”You have two cords that have loops in them and you wrap them around the tree and around itself. Then you adjust the various loops on the cord for tightness of the hammock and then you choose your looseness and you’re on your way,” said Trocki.
Some tips for new hammockers are to be patient and to invest in quality hammocks over cheaper ones. According to Davis and Smith, it will pay off in the long run.
”Don’t be afraid to fall out of the hammock, I’ve done it before,” said Davis. “Getting in and out will take practice.”
Smith stated that when looking to invest in hammocks, one should go and get the ENO brand.
Smith owns the Double Deluxe hammock and is content with the purchase.
”They’re very reliable, I’ve never had someone say something negative about the brand,” said Smith.
Wetzel stated the campus needs more hammockers that are willing to take risks because this is an investment anyone can be pleased with.
”Buying a hammock is definitely worth the money and getting the ones where you can have more than one person in them,” said Wetzel. “So far we’ve done 3 high and we’re hoping for more but we need more people with more hammocks.”
ENO hammocks run in price from about $60 to $95, although accessories such as cords and ties are sold separately.