Kids are always climbing this or climbing that. Most of the time, it’s up to us as parents to try and dissuade this type of behavior. However, there are times when climbing can be encouraged, especially if you happen to have a rock climbing gym near you. Rock climbing is an excellent activity for children who crave adventure. It’s more more than just a sport, it’s a challenge that must be met by the most daring of children. Rock climbing takes kids to new heights by challenges their mind and body, and building confidence with every climb.
Though it can be a bit daunting at first, children will learn to conquer their fears as they scale the wall, finding new and exciting ways to traverse their favorite vertical courses. In recent years, rock climbing has become one of the most popular sports for among children. It’s easy to understand why this is. Rock climbing is fun, challenging, and a great way for kids to build strength and focus.
In this article, we will explore what makes rock climbing so exciting for children. We will discuss some of the different types of climbing you can have them try. We’ll also give you some beginner tips to help get your child started. Whether your kid is climbing indoors at a gym or eventually upgrading towards tackling outdoor rock faces, you’ll soon discover that this sport offers more than just adventure; it offers possibility!
Why Rock Climbing is Awesome for Kids
Rock climbing might look like the type of sport that scrawny kids can’t really enjoy, but you’d be surprised. Sure, upper body strength is an important part of enjoying rock climbing, but it isn’t all about might. The truth is, it actually takes much more than muscles to get to the top of the wall. Kids who climb end up improving in a number of ways as they learn to reach the peak. Below, we’ve compiled a couple of the reasons why climbing might be perfect for the young athlete in your life:
It Builds Strength and Endurance: Climbing works every muscle in the body, not just our upper body. Climbing rocks strengthens the fingers and arms, the legs and the core. The more climbing your child does, the stronger they will grow, and the longer they will be able to climb without getting tired. Climbing is real boost for athletic endurance.
Improves Balance and Coordination: If your child is lacking in balance and coordination, they may want to try out rock climbing. While tethered to the wall itself, your kid will find themselves improving their poise and dexterity without ever having to worry about falling and wounding themselves. The boost i confidence that the rock climbing tether represents, will help child stay steadier on their way to the top. If they do fall, they can just try again and will be able to adapt when next they look for a handhold.
Boosts Problem-Solving Skills: Climbing is like solving a giant, gravity-defying puzzle! Kids have to figure out where to place their hands and feet in order to move up the wall. This problem-solving aspect of the sport makes climbing as much a mental activity as it is physical exercise.
Builds Confidence and Resilience: Looking up at the wall, one might expect a child to feel somewhat intimidated. It is a daunting prospect to make one’s way up that wall and climbing can feel challenging for children at the start. Nevertheless, the feeling they get when they finally reach the top can serve as an incredible boost of self-confidence! Every climb your kid does will build up their confidence and teach them that with patience and determination, they can achieve great things; beyond simply climbing a wall at the gym.
It’s Fun and Exciting: Most importantly of all, climbing is just plain fun! Every wall and rock face is different, and many rock climbing places have ways of altering rock wall courses from week to week. Even if they don’t, the way a child feels and the way they ascend can vary with each visit, offering them a new experience with every climb. Moreover, the incomprehensible thrill that humans feel about reaching new heights is hard to beat.
Types of Rock Climbing
Rock climbing isn’t just one size fits all. It actually comes in several different styles, each offering its own unique challenges to new or experienced climbing. Below, we have listed couple types of climbing that you can introduce to your kids:
Bouldering: Bouldering, contrary to the actual name of thing, does not involve kids clambering up huge, round boulders. Instead, bouldering refers to the climbing of shorter walls, usually around 10-15 feet high, without the aid of ropes. Parents, don’t panic quite yet; ropes are not necessarily needed here. The main benefit for this in terms of kids is that they don’t have to go very high, which is perfect for beginners.
Instead of ropes, climbers have the benefit of thick padding on the floor below then. Should they fall, they will fall onto something soft. Bouldering routes (called “problems”) require powerful moves and strategic placement of limbs, making them a great way for young athletes to build strength and work on technique.
Top-Rope Climbing: In top-rope climbing, players are strapped into a harness attached to a rope that runs from your harness up to the top of the wall and back down to a belayer. The belayer is a person who controls the rope on the ground. You’ll most likely see this type of setup in indoor climbing gyms, so it is exceptionally safe. If you fall, the rope will catch you. Top-roping is a great option for kids who want to climb higher walls, but whose parents might be leery of allowing them to do so.
Lead Climbing: Lead climbing is a bit more advanced than the previous climbing options. This type of climbing is best for experienced and older climbers. Instead of starting with the rope attached at the top of the wall, climbers ascend with the rope in hand. As the climb, they clip the rope into bolts as they go. As expected, this style requires a lot more focus, strength, and experience, than many beginners have access to at the start.
Outdoor Climbing: Outdoor climbing is the most difficult and exciting option on the list and isn’t really for children at all. Climbing on real rock outside offers new challenges and incredible views, but it also lacks the protective elements that make indoor climbs more kid-friendly. That said, outdoor climbing can involve bouldering, it’s just less safe without the ground being totally padded. Note for young athletes who show interest, It’s important that they only attempt this type of climbing while accompanied by a coach or an experienced guide.
Getting Started: Finding a Climbing Gym or Club
If your kid is excited to start making their way up the wall, the best way to begin is to visit a local climbing gym. Many such places exist in countries all over the world and many gyms have special programs set up specifically for kids. These places have walls that are designed so that they can be climbed safely by beginners. They also have trained instructors who can teach children the proper ways to climb.
At the same time, many climbing gyms offer classes where you and your kids can learn the basics, including how to use climbing gear, how to move on the wall, and most importantly, how to stay safe. There are even gyms that have climbing clubs or climbing teams specifically for kids. These are a great way for kids to connect with like-minded or similarly-inexperienced peers spo that they can all build skills and work their way up together.
Essential Gear for Climbing
Climbing doesn’t necessarily require a lot of equipment, but even budding climbers need a few essential items to get started:
Climbing Shoes: Kids might be used to climbing everything without shoes most of the time, but climbing a wall or a rock face requires a little more traction than bare feet can provide. Climbing shoes are specially designed to give climbers good grip while on the wall. They fit snugly and help climbers to be able to place their feet more accurately on small holds. Don’t worry if you don’t want to make the investment right off the bat, most gyms have rental shoes, so you can try them out before buying your own pair.
Harness: A harness goes around the climber’s waist and legs and attaches them to the rope in top-rope climbing. This piece of equipment is provided by most gyms for a rental fee, and is what keeps climbers safe on the wall by catching them if they fall.
Chalk: Climbers often use chalk helps keep their hands dry while they climb. This is especially important for long climbs where their hands might get extra sweaty. Climbing chalk comes in powder or liquid form and is stored in a chalk bag around your waist for easy access.
Helmet: If you’re climbing outdoors, a helmet is an essential piece of climbing gear. Climbing helmets protect not only from rocks and falls, but from loose climbing ropes and gear that might swing down and knock a climber on their noggin. Most indoor gyms don’t require helmets, but they’re always a good idea for outdoor climbing.
Belay Device and Rope: For top-rope and lead climbing, most climbers will need a rope and a belay device to help them control that rope. These are usually provided by climbing gyms and climbing coaches will usually teach you and your kids how to use them.
Basic Techniques for Beginner Climbers
When your child is just starting out, they should begin by focusing on basic techniques. These techniques will help you feel more comfortable on the wall and improve quickly:
- Use Your Legs: Remind kids to be mindful of their legs as well as their arms when they climb. Climbing does require some arm strength, but legs are much stronger than arms, so have beginners focus on pushing up with legs as they build upper body strength.
- Look for Balance: Good balance is the key to good climbing. Encourage kids to try and keep their body close to the wall, and avoid swinging or reaching too far out.
- Plan Your Route: Before your child begins their first climb, have them take a look at the holds and think about where they will place their hands and feet. It’s always good to plan their route ahead of time.
- Breathe and Take Your Time: It’s easy to get tense when climbing, but it’s important that kids relax and breathe steadily. This will help them focus and make the right moves.
- Practice Falling: Falling sucks, but it’s an important part of learning to climb; and there’s nowhere safer to do it than attached to a rope at a padded gym. Remind your children that falling is a normal part of climbing, they’ll get better with time and practice.
Safety Tips for Climbing
Considering that most climbing happens high off the ground, safety is a top priority. Learning good habits from the beginning will help your child to enjoy the sport while staying safe:
- Listen to Your Instructor: Teach children to follow their instructors and guides. They know how best to keep young climbers safe and help them improve.
- Check Your Gear: Kids should always double-check their harness, rope, and other gear before they start climbing. Make sure everything is secure and working properly.
- Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Even in the gym, climber should learn to pay attention to their surrounding and especially other climbers on the wall. Give each other space and avoid walking under people who are climbing.
- Climb Within Your Limits: Don;t let your child push themself too hard. Slow and steady is the best way to climb and they should always seek to climb at their level, not beyond it.
Cultured Athlete Says…
Rock climbing is a thrilling adventure sport that lets courageous kids reach new heights – both literally and figuratively. While we mayu not always be inclined to ascend with them, it’s important that parents seek out the right individuals and instructors who can help their children climb with confidence. With the right guidance, a focus on safety, and plenty of practice, your child will soon find themself climbing walls and rock faces without a stitch of worry!
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