How to Introduce a Child to Rock Climbing

If you’ve got a monkey on your hands who is literally climbing the walls of your house, reclaim your door frames and get your child to a climbing gym. Rock climbing teaches kids teamwork and problem-solving skills, plus builds upper and lower body strength and coordination.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Determine your child’s interest by taking him to an indoor climbing wall. Sports and recreation stores, such as REI, often have rock climbing walls and experts to help belay. It’s an inexpensive way to gauge your child’s enthusiasm.

2. Find a local indoor climbing gym and ask about kid-sized lessons. Look for experienced instructors who have taught children, not just adults. You might also find a private instructor through a rock climbing club.

3. Kid-oriented classes will typically focus on moving techniques, route-finding, grips and proper commands.

4. If classes aren’t available, ask about free-climb hours at the gym so you can take your child bouldering.

5. Take a belay safety class so you can belay your child during free-climb hours. Otherwise you must wait for an available instructor.

6. Your child will need rock climbing shoes. Many gyms include the gear (shoes and harnesses) as part of their instruction program. Shoes should feel snug, but not cramped.

7. Take lessons yourself or learn to belay. Rock climbing, whether indoors or out, is a great way to spend time with your child.

Tips & Warnings

• If your child enjoys indoor climbing, remember to give her the chance to climb on real rocks, even if it’s playing around at a local park.
• Always climb with the proper equipment and safety devices.
• Have your child wear a helmet whenever she is climbing outdoors.

Resources

• Building Climbing Walls
• Climbing in Public Schools