Climbing with kids

[breadbin]

Hi all,

I was wondering how many of you are parents and if you take your little ones climbing? My boy is about to turn 3, and like all kids is a real monkey and loves to climb everything. Obviously I want to encourage this so he can become my belay-slave - only kidding

My question(s) are actually how young did you start with yours? How soon is too soon to get them on the rope - not necessarily for structured climbing, but to get them used to being on the rope and having some fun. I sense there's a fine line between getting them started early and building confidence and just freaking them out so they don't ever want to go. I don't want to get too pushy, but would like to get him introduced to it sooner rather than later.

Any help or pointers would be greatly appreciated, cheers!

ed

[bradley3297]

my experience is its never too early. ive seen really little ones climbing up midway on walls to gear belays etc. i started ours out at 4 or 5. I showed my boy a couple falls on top rope to show him he had no reason to be afraid and he hasnt been scared since i showed him. i find at a young age most children havent developed a heightened fear of heights yet so i think its a good time to start them when there young, sugarloaf has some really height friendly routes that maintain there grade even if there short. i never push him past where he wants to climb to but i always encourage him to go further if he can.

[PAW]

I agree. I started taking my niece's and nephews at the age of 2 and 4. Not much climbing but some hanging on the rope and trusting the gear. Plus learning how to lower.

Now at 4 and 6 they climb better then any friends their age. Just had a climbing bday party the other day. They're fearless and have reliable technique both going up and coming down.