Everything You Need to Know to Get Kids to Climb
By Sharael Feist
2003
Remember back to when you were a kid. What did you like to do more than anything? Climb! Whether it’s a tree, a wall or a ladder–kids love to climb. Eric Pollins, father of two kids that enjoy climbing at an indoor gym called Planet Granite located in Belmont, CA, says, “Climbing for kids is natural. Kids want to climb everything. It’s hard to not get them to climb.” Pollins’ son, Drew, who is now 14, began climbing at the age of four. And his daughter, Tori, who is now nine, began climbing at the age of six. Pollins said he first became interested in climbing when he joined an indoor rock climbing gym and saw that there were a number of kids climbing, he decided to see if his children would like to give it a whirl. Obviously, they loved it. Drew said he enjoys the feeling of accomplishment after finishing a difficult climb. “You get to the top and look down and you feel like you achieved something and that you can only get better and better,” he said. Indoor rock climbing gyms are a good, safe place to introduce kids to climbing. Some indoor rock climbing gyms offer camps tailored for kids just starting out. Mike Fyten, manager of Planet Granite, said, “You don’t have to teach kids to climb. Kids know how to climb.”
Things to Keep In Mind:
- Equipment: Kids do need different climbing equipment than adults. Depending on their size, they might need a full body harness.
- Belay: Kids under the age of 14 are usually too young to belay someone.
- Kid Walls: Most climbing gyms have shorter walls for kids to climb and kid-friendly bouldering areas.
Pollins, who also enjoys climbing outdoors, said that indoor gyms can be just as fun and challenging for kids. “Some gyms have an atmosphere that’s just as hard as outside, but you don’t have to drive as far.”