Let’s break down all you need to know as a parent to ensure you’re well-prepared to start your kids in rock climbing and foster their lifelong love for the sport.
3 Things to Know When Getting Started with Kids Rock Climbing
1. Programming Options and Commitments
Climbing gyms offer two main options: classes and youth teams. Kids’ classes are the entry point for those looking to try climbing with low commitment. Classes are typically held once per week and grouped by age or ability. There is room to progress to higher-level classes as the child ages or their climbing ability improves. Classes may run continuously or in six or eight-week cycles, depending on the gym. Class curriculum will vary depending on the gym and the kids enrolled, but the main goal is to teach basic climbing skills and safety.
The level above classes is youth teams, often tiered by ability rather than the climber’s age. Many programs offer an intermediate or training team and an advanced or competitive team. Both have more commitments than classes, with the competitive team being the most involved. Teams hold tryouts, unlike classes, where you sign your child up based on availability. Depending on the program, tryouts may be held annually, biannually, or on a rolling basis. Training teams often serve as feeder programs to the competitive team, mimicking the training structure of the competitive program with a greater emphasis on improving skills rather than competing. Competitive programs will demand the most significant commitment, with coaches and structured practices aligned to help the climbers succeed in USA Climbing’s Youth Competition Series. Looking for the next extracurricular for your kid to try? One that will provide physical and mental benefits, surround them with a wonderful community, and (most importantly) keep them off technological devices. Consider signing them up for rock climbing. There are ample opportunities today for kids to rock climb as the sport has grown rapidly in the last decade. Rest assured, climbing is a safe sport when practiced in a supervised environment with proper safety measures in place.
However, the recent rise in popularity may mean you are unfamiliar with the demands of the sport or what it will entail for your kid(s). As a parent, you’ll want to know what options exist for youth climbing, the financial investment facing your bank account, and the benefits your child may receive.
2. Costs of Youth Climbing
Climbing is not a cheap sport. In addition to the cost of classes or youth team memberships, you’ll need to buy your kid climbing gear. The amount of gear will depend on the program and the amount of climbing they’ll be doing. Kids’ classes and youth teams may include rental gear needed to participate in the cost. However, as your child’s ability advances, they’ll find the rental shoes limiting and the rental harnesses uncomfortable. A climbing harness is inexpensive and can last multiple years, depending on how fast the kid grows. Climbing chalk is also affordable. The real kicker is climbing shoes, ranging from $80 to $200 per pair. Shoes may need to be replaced frequently depending on how fast the rubber wears down or how fast your kid’s foot grows.
It’s important to note that competitive youth climbing has additional costs outside of gym fees and gear. To compete in USA Climbing’s Youth Competition Series, athletes must have a USA Climbing membership ($110 annually), pay competition entry fees ($35-$65 per competition), and travel to competitions. These costs can quickly add up, especially the more your kid becomes involved in the sport. Understanding these financial commitments is crucial when considering youth climbing for your child.
3. Benefits of Youth Climbing
With the options and costs laid out, what can you expect your child to get from participating in a kids’ rock climbing program? The benefits of climbing are three-fold: mental, physical, and developmental. Mentally, rock climbing builds resilience and fosters self-confidence. On average, climbers spend more time falling than finishing a climb. To some, this is a failure. However, a climber learns to embrace the process and builds the resilience to continue showing up and trying despite the outcome. Your child’s self-confidence meter will increase when they finally send a climb they’ve been working on.
Rock climbing is a physically demanding sport that engages all muscles. It’s also relatively less intense than contact sports or sports requiring repetitive motions. The diversification of climbs and movements develops a strong, agile body. As your child develops their physical strength, their confidence in their climbing ability will grow, which carries over into their confidence to tackle challenges.
Finally, rock climbing provides developmental benefits in problem-solving skills and the management of emotions. Every climb can be considered a problem you have to solve. Sometimes, figuring out how to reach the top will be easy. Other times, it’ll take weeks or months to figure out how to reach the top. Frustration, anger, sadness, and fear may emerge when the solution doesn’t come quickly. These emotions can hinder performance, so learning how to manage them is critical. Youth climbing programs often focus on fostering a safe space for kids to problem-solve and work through emotional moments.
Starting your kids in rock climbing can be a great decision, providing many mental, physical, and developmental benefits. It’s also a sport that they can enjoy for life. As a parent, knowing the options, whether classes or youth climbing teams, and the time and monetary commitments each requires can help determine where to start your kid. Your local climbing gym staff are an excellent resource if you have specific questions or are unsure about your child’s current level. Remember, the skills and values they learn from climbing will stay with them long after they’ve left the gym.