Climbs In Squamish For Children

[vram1974]

Hey guys,

I'm an experienced climber, and I wanted to start taking my boy outside in Squamish. He's 6 and a half now and I think he'd love to try some climbing with his dad. Thing is, I have little idea what would be a good starting climb for a six-year-old. I thought maybe Burgers and Fries, or something low angle and not too high. I would appreciate any suggestions from climbers/parents about this. By the way, just to nip this in the bud, I am very competent safety/ropewise, so please don't refer me to climbing instructors/guides. Just route suggestions would be great.

Thanks for any help,

- Adrian

[dakine]

At that age i'd suggest an indoor gym (kiddy wall), he'll need to be a little older before he'll be able to reach anything (8) IMO

[jefffski]

call it a day. a small wall with very easy climbs.

[bradley3297]

take him to sugarloaf at murrin park. i take my 5 year old there all the time and he has a blast. easy short friendly climbing.

[Doc]

I have a 6 year old daughter and 9 year old son. They have both been climbing indoors and out with us since they were born. We started them both on Sugarloaf in Murrin Park and Burgers and Fries in The Smoke Bluffs. We have also found lots of other climbs in these areas and Chek that my kids have been able to do (or at least play on). Have fun.

[Cloudraker]

the 5.5 low angle crack at Ronin's Corner may be good for kids. The 5.8 finger and hands corner may be a bit much but some of the new Barley routes nearby may be good as well.

George's son climbed 5.10a at the age of five so it's never to early to start. My daughter's just starting to walk and I plan to get her bouldering in the backyard this summer.

[Steve Townshend]

Chris Linder LEAD 5.10a on Gear (placing his own pro) a week after his 4th birthday! point is, i bet most 6 yr olds could out-climb most 30 yr olds on their first day! 5.5 would bore a 6 yr old... get him on 5.10! he'll love it! (and probably hike it!)

or go with a party of 3 up the Apron, bring him up Diedra, most "adventurous" kids would love that!

there's easy routes at Chek, both at the Foundation wall and the Forgotten Wall (both are in/near the parking lot).

good luck.... the next Sharma is coming!

ps. i saw this kid in Cliffhanger in Coquitlam, he had amazing technique and must have been about 9 yrs old! he was out-climbing most of the adults!

[vram1974]

Thanks to all replies. Some very encouraging suggestions. I'm excited to try them. See you on the rocks!

[Charlie]

My girlfriend and I took her 12 and 6 year olds to Pixie's Corner. Good climbing there for kids. Octopus Garden would probably be another kid friendly crag, that is where I hope to take the boys next.

Hell, we took them to Bishop and had them both bouldering in the Happys and climbing in the Gorge. It's all good.

Have fun out there.

[Cloudraker]

Chris Linder LEAD 5.10a on Gear (placing his own pro) a week after his 4th birthday!

[Doc]

or go with a party of 3 up the Apron, bring him up Diedra, most "adventurous" kids would love that!

I took my son up Diedre when he was seven. He didn't have any trouble.

[Doc]

Pictures of my son on Diedre.

[5.4 Slayer]

There's something wrong with that boy's leg Doc, it's attached to his ear....