There’s a reason why youth climbers are incredibly strong: climbing is in their DNA. Think of everything you’ve ever seen a child climb – whether or not the structure was safe for climbing. Chairs, couches, cribs, beds, playground structures, you name it, a child has probably scaled it. While weight doesn’t determine what you can and can’t climb successfully, having a high strength-to-weight ratio generally makes the sport more accessible. Children’s strength-to-weight ratios are remarkable. Their small hands can turn even the tiniest hand holds into easy grips. This natural inclination to climb is not just fun; it’s also an excellent way for children to build physical strength and coordination. Rock climbing is a full-body workout that engages all major muscle groups, improves cardiovascular health, and enhances flexibility and balance.
Climbing gyms worldwide recognize the inherent benefits the sport offers children. Capitalizing on this opportunity, most have chosen to provide kids with classes, camps, training, and competitive teams. Every youth program aims to empower kids physically and mentally while teaching them proper safety. Climbing is inherently risky for everyone who participates. However, with stringent safety measures in place and proper guidance, the risks are significantly mitigated, ensuring a safe and enjoyable climbing experience for all.
In addition to being natural climbers, kids are sponges. They absorb everything you tell them and have the ability to learn quickly. Starting kids in a rock climbing program as early as possible, where they will learn safety etiquette, will ensure their ability to keep themselves safe in future years. While rock climbing is a sport that can be enjoyed by children of all fitness levels, it’s beneficial for children to have a basic level of strength and flexibility. Encouraging your child to engage in activities that promote these physical attributes, such as regular exercise and stretching, can help prepare them for their rock climbing journey.
Children’s natural inclination to climb, their love for play, and their ability to learn quickly are all factors that make them ideal climbers. But what makes rock climbing particularly beneficial for children? Beyond the physical advantages, the sport fosters cognitive skills, from problem-solving to communication. For instance, climbing requires spatial awareness and the ability to plan and execute strategies, which are crucial cognitive skills. Read on to explore each of these benefits in detail.
- Problem-solving
Rock climbing is all about figuring out the most efficient way for your body to reach the top of the wall. Upon first glance, the path to the top may seem obvious, but once climbing, the holds may be worse than they looked. Or, the climber’s anatomy doesn’t lend itself to certain body positions. Either way, they must evaluate their strategy and devise a new plan.
- Patience
Alongside problem-solving comes patience. Kids may quickly scale some climbs but find themselves stuck on the first move of other climbs. To eventually send the more challenging climbs, they must learn to be patient during problem-solving and training. The physical battle is only one component of success. A positive and patient mindset is critical to staying calm when you’re high up on the wall or struggling to make progress.
- Screen-Free Stimulus
In an increasingly digital age, children’s well-being benefits from stimulation away from a screen. Aside from training boards (e.g., Kilter, Tension, Moon, and Grasshopper Boards) that use LED light systems connected via Bluetooth to an app interface, climbing is a screenless activity. This aspect of rock climbing is particularly beneficial as it provides a healthy alternative to screen time, allowing children to engage in physical activity and interact with their environment in a way that is not possible with digital devices.
- Outdoor Exposure
Commercialized climbing with youth programming often occurs in indoor climbing facilities, but many also offer outdoor climbing trips as part of camps or group outings. While challenging, outdoor climbing offers the exhilaration of being in breathtaking natural locations, breathing in fresh air, and disconnecting from technology. This unique experience can ignite a sense of adventure and appreciation for nature in children, making their climbing journey a thrilling one.
- Peer-to-peer interaction
Whether in classes, summer camp, youth teams, or climbing for fun, kids will experience the power of the climbing community and positive social interactions. Youth programs often involve interactive activities and drills that require kids to work in pairs or groups. As they learn to top-rope or lead climb, they’ll have to belay their peers and ask for belays if they want to climb. This environment encourages children to interact with others their age in a kind and productive manner, fostering valuable social skills that will not only benefit them in climbing but also in all aspects of life, building lasting friendships and a sense of community.
- Communication skills.
Communication in rock climbing is as much a part of peer-to-peer interactions as it is a part of safety. Involving kids in rock climbing will develop their communication skills. Before attempting a roped climb, they must discuss with their belayer and ensure both parties have secured themselves correctly and that the belayer is paying attention to the climber. When bouldering, kids may have to advocate for themselves, politely asking other climbers in the fall zone to move or inquiring for problem-solving help to finish a climb.
Is rock climbing good for kids? Yes, and in more ways than one! It will physically challenge them, providing a controlled environment for them to unleash their inner monkey. The benefits continue beyond physical. Participation in rock climbing will develop kids’ problem-solving abilities and patience, provide screen-free stimuli, expose them to nature, encourage peer-to-peer interactions, and hone communication skills. Most climbing gyms offer flexible scheduling options, with programs ranging from a few hours a week to full-day camps, making it easy to fit climbing into your child’s schedule. Check out your local climbing gym’s website to find the best way to start the kiddos in climbing!