Introducing children to climbing

[Newclimbingdad]

My three year old son is a climber. Not necessarily in the same context as most people in this webgroup, but I think he definately has the potential. He has no fear, and he will climb anything anywhere. Recently he had the chance to climb a small wall with climbing holds, probably 10' high, and he didn't hesitate at all.

I am seriously considering trying to take him to a climbing wall and letting him try some bouldering to see how he likes it. Does anyone have any advice? Is 3 too young? Where would be the best place to go in HRM? How do I introduce him without overwhelming him?

Any pointers that you can share would be appreciated.

I have done some indoor climbing, but nothing serious. I would love to find something (ie climbing) that my son and I could do together.

Thanks.

[Andrew]

Ground Zero is an indoor climbing gym. You should call and see if 3 is too young for their indoor wall.

http://www.climbgroundzero.ca


Ground Zero Climbing Gym
*** Corner of Wright and Jon Savage.
New address to be posted soon.

Tel: 902-468-8788

Email: groundzeroclimbinggym@ns.sympatico.ca


Personal opinion - I think many kids were born with the eagerness to climb and should be given the chance to do it. For you kid, maybe 3 years is good. Only way to find out is to take them to a gym or outdoor rock. As long as you can find a proper full body harness for you child and a helmet if you are outdoors, I don't see why not.

My three year old son is a climber. Not necessarily in the same context as most people in this webgroup, but I think he definately has the potential. He has no fear, and he will climb anything anywhere. Recently he had the chance to climb a small wall with climbing holds, probably 10' high, and he didn't hesitate at all.

I am seriously considering trying to take him to a climbing wall and letting him try some bouldering to see how he likes it. Does anyone have any advice? Is 3 too young? Where would be the best place to go in HRM? How do I introduce him without overwhelming him?

Any pointers that you can share would be appreciated.

I have done some indoor climbing, but nothing serious. I would love to find something (ie climbing) that my son and I could do together.

Thanks.

[Nihoa]

at the unb gym we do lots of bday bookings, schools, etc and typically the kids are at least 6 years old or more. we did do a pre-school once where the kids were all 3 or 4 and while they had a blast they could do very little to no climbing even on a flat wall with huge holds. my back ached for weeks lifting the kids up the wall! take your little fella outside, find a low boulder that he can scramble on and play around. thats what fred and caras little one the same age seemed to have fun doing.

[Andipants]

I've been talking my little guy to Ground Zero since he was three so they're not opposed. The most difficult thing we've had to deal with is making him aware of the other climbers so he doesn't make them nervous by walking under tham and so that he doesn't get hurt.
The only thing is that despite being very excited to climb things outside the introduction of the climbing gym hasn't been as exciting for him. He likes to watch the other climbers which, as far as I'm concerned, is a fine intro for kids.
Ground Zero has shoes and harnesses for rent for very small kids so you won't have to worry about getting the gear either.

[Fred]

Our 4 year old climbs up the 8ft wall in our garage and likes to scramble on boulders outside. At that age just exposing them to climbing and getting them out is enough. They won't climb very much if any at all but it's getting them out that counts.

[martha]

I'm with Fred, just having the kids exposed and around it, they will naturally do it. 3 is not too young, but our daughter didnt' start actually climbing much on the climbing wall until this summer at 4.5years old. however, our son is 2 and he is starting to climb a little on the climbing wall... so your guy could be more than ready!

Most important part... have fun!!!