im looking for a new hobby, somehting l can do to get away, take pics, and just relax and reflect on life for a while... what all do l need to start rock climbing?

a rock.

You need a Rock, and a desire! sounds like you have the desire.

Well, good rock to climb, for one thing. If u live in Kansas or Kuwait, ur hobby is going to be very limited beause those places do not have rock. On the other hand, California is tremendously blessed with surperb & varied rock everywhere, especially if u know where to find them.

Then get a pair of rock climbing shoes. It makes an enormous difference in having them compared to using tennis shoes. Tennis shoes r a joke. You will climb far better with rock shoes, even with the cheapest ones u can find. In fact, even boots with rubber soles r better than tennis shoes. Myself, I'd rather climb barefooted than with tennis shoes. Repeat after me: Tennis shoes r a joke.

Then consider either going to an indoor rock climbing gym, or going with other climbers experienced with outdoor climbs. That is the safest way to start learning use of equipment such as ropes & harnesses. Notice that whenever using equipment, u almost have to have a climbing partner---he is the guy that is keeping u from falling to the ground! Otherwise, solitary climbers tend to be ''boulderers in which they climb very difficult routes on boulders of moderate height, so that they do not need ropes to keep from falling very far. There r internet climbing forums or blogs which can help u find a cimbing partner locally.

Well DMAC THE KID, im not sure, as l have not done rock climbing myself before. But whichever person who have answered ur question, im sure they know what they're talking about.

In my opinion, well, it depends where ur living right now. If its the type of place where they have rock climbing as a hobby, then go for it. Just remember to get the right equipment & the right clothing/shoes for it. If ur not sure, ask around, someone who has lived in that area for a long time. They might help you. If rock climbing is not available (that sounds funny coming out from me,lol) then im sure there r heaps of other hobbies to do.
Why do not u try a quiet place, u know, a park or something, sit down & relax. You can even take with u a diary & start writing what u have been doing in ur life. That way, u wo not forget. Or maybe start drawing the view that ur looking at, l know, maybe it sounds boring to you, but if u try different things..things u have not done before, im sure u will like it. Good luck with ur hobby mate!

Get yourself to a climbing wall, preferably one that is owned by a climbing club u can join. Get as much advice as people will give you. Start practicing at the wall & improve ur skill. Buy a book on techniques & training in rock climbing. Do a course on rope work & lead climbing. Then u will be ready to start climbing actuall rock. You will get to do a bit in the mean time. But u will be one of the group that is just being belayed or top roped up the rock. The real stuff is when you're leading routes.

what Garion B said.

Honestly, the best way to start is to find a mate of a similar fitness level with the same desire to climb that u have. Then get yourself to a climbing wall (best to start indoor, just make sure u do not get sucked into the gym rat hole) & give it a go. If u find u like it, then get a guide to take u outdoor & show u ropes. Do not buy the gear until u know what u want to do. Buying the gear can be an expensive exercise, especially if u do not live in America, so make sure u know what you're getting yourself into.

The first purchase u should make is a comfortable pair of climbing shoes. Do not go for the best looking or most expensive. As a beginner, get the cheapest & most importantly, most comfortable, as u need the chance for ur feet to strengthen & to truly understand footwork( can take many months)

There is not much anyone can really teach u about the technique of rock climbing, only tell u to

WATCH YOUR FEET

However, get someone experience to teach u the knotsand ropework, & u should be set on the spiral to rock climbing greatness!