Many climbers no longer have their first contact with vertical climbing outdoors on the rock, but indoors in the gym. So how can the transition to the rock - especially with children - be successful? We have a few important tips for you.
The gym is a great place to take your first climbing steps. Belaying and getting used to heights can be perfectly trained there. But sooner or later, everyone wants to climb outside on the rocks. Even with children, rock climbing is an experience and an adventure for the whole family.
We have a few tips for you to ensure that the move to the rocks is a success with children and remains a positive memory:
The right climbing garden
The choice of climbing garden is sometimes decisive in whether the enthusiasm for climbing continues outdoors. The criteria are a short, child-friendly approach, a flat entry area with no risk of falling and little or no risk of falling rocks. If there are also plenty of easy routes, there's not much standing in the way of a perfect climbing day on the rocks.
The following climbing gardens meet these criteria quite well:
Grubastiege and Grubaplatte at Achensee Tarrenz Walchenbach near Imst Flämenwandl, Leutasch in the Olympiaregion Seefeld
You can find even more family-friendly climbing gardens here.
Climbing with children - slightly inclined routes are very suitable for beginners, photo: Matthias Bader
The right equipment
In addition to the equipment in the hall, you also need the following on the rock
a climbing helmet (important: wear the helmet not only when climbing, but generally at the start below the wall), a rope approx. 70 meters long, approx. 15 quickdraws and possibly additional material for setting up a toprope.
Important: The equipment must fit the children and must not be too big or too small.
You can find out more about suitable equipment for children in the article "Uncompromising: Climbing equipment for children".
And also
Children should definitely try their first steps on the rock in a toprope. A second adult is recommended for setting up the toprope, as children cannot belay an adult.
Always let the children climb toprope first, photo: Matthais Bader
Various exercises help to get used to the rock. It is very difficult to find the holds and footholds, especially at the beginning:
Climbing many easy inclined routes, kicking and climbing is trained. Very important, especially on rock. Climbing with one hand Climbing without hands Climb blindfolded (only possible on easy inclined routes, not on steep routes) Organize a challenge: Who can climb higher? Perfect if there are other children with you.
Never overtax or push the children!
Even if they are already doing all sorts of things in the gym, climbing on rock is very different. Above all, it takes time to get used to it.
Don't forgeta snack and ice cream or pizza afterwards.
The children should have a positive experience to remember. Climbing is often not the main focus for children. Enthusiasm for climbing on the rock usually comes later on its own.
