Looking for a more unique activity for the little ones? While rock climbing might not make the most conventional childhood sport, it is an excellent activity for your kids to pick up. Rock climbing is extremely accessible to everyone – there is no minimum age required for rock climbing as long as your child is old enough to be both physically and mentally capable. They will also need to be able to listen to and follow instructions when first learning to climb. Aside from these, there is really nothing stopping you from signing the children up for a kids climbing wall! Read on to find out why we think every kid should have a chance to explore a rock climbing gym.
Rock Climbing Increases Strength and Endurance
Rock climbers need enough strength to support their body weight and hoist themselves upwards, and they also need enough endurance to keep climbing once they have started on a rock wall. Additionally, rock climbing can feel less like exercising than traditional gymming or running, although it still trains the muscles in much the same way, which can be the perfect activity for kids who are less keen on conventional exercising. In fact, rock climbing is easily one of the best activities for full-body strength training, since you need every part of the body for a successful climb – whether it is holding on to the rocks, pushing yourself upwards, or avoiding a slip. It is not uncommon for experienced rock climbers to engage in strength and stamina training outside of rock climbing in order to improve their performance on the rock wall. The earlier your child begins rock climbing, the better they can train their strength and endurance which will serve them well for years ahead.
Rock Climbing Trains Coordination
Nothing says coordination like having to place each hand and foot in the best spots to have a clear path forward. Climbers need to be aware of the obstacles ahead and mentally calculate how they can reach their destination. They have to be alert and change course if they realise they are unable to continue up a particular path. There is plenty of hand-eye coordination at work in rock climbing, whether it is tackling a rock climbing wall or belaying a fellow climber. Additionally, climbers may often find that they have to execute different motions with each limb, requiring advanced coordination that has to be slowly developed. The best thing is that hand-eye coordination can also be used not just in other sports, but also in everyday movement.
Rock Climbing Builds Confidence
One of the most important but overlooked aspects of rock climbing is the confidence it requires. Starting from the ground can feel daunting and impossible, but this can be one of the earliest life lessons to teach your child about conquering their obstacles. Rock climbing fosters determination and perseverance in your child even when the going gets tough. Furthermore, rock climbing is a highly individualised sport, where you typically compete only with yourself. This can eliminate the pressure some children may experience from peer competition while allowing them to discover their strengths and learn what it means to improve themselves. Nothing beats the feeling of achievement when your child finally makes it to the top of the wall after hours of grueling practice!
Rock Climbing Builds Teamwork
Although rock climbing is an individual sport, it also requires a good amount of communication and teamwork. Rock climbing is usually done in pairs, comprising of one climber and one belayer, who usually take turns switching roles. The climber needs to communicate to the belayer whether they plan to move up or down, if they need more slack on the rope, or if they want more tension. Meanwhile, the belayer often has a better view of the wall and keeps a lookout for any obstacles or difficulties in the path. It may take some time to get used to working with a partner, but this is the perfect pairing to teach kids about teamwork, as neither would be able to succeed without the other. Plus, you get bonus points if you pair up with your child to form this team!
Bond with Your Children
Just like other sports, rock climbing is for everyone. Don’t miss out on that precious bonding time with your children while they practice rock climbing. Whether it is climbing the wall alongside your child or belaying them while they climb, we believe that no other activity can instill as much trust in each other as rock climbing. Besides, involving yourself in the activity alongside your child makes you a role model to them and spurs them on to keep trying!