Saturday, May 10, 2014

5 Safety Tips for Kid Rock Climbing

Many kids have been “climbers” since they first learned to pull-up and walk. So it only seems natural that when they are confronted with a rock wall they feel the need to conquer it! Rock climbing is a fantastic activity for children and they often show their competitive nature when climbing with others. It is also a popular activity for play dates, birthday activities, or family outings. If your kid hasn’t tried it, take them to a park, gym or other venue and watch them have a blast with this activity. Below are a few safety tips to keep in mind for kid rock climbing.

Orientation
It’s quite possible you could end up some place with a rock wall and your kid wants to climb, having never tried it before. However, if you anticipate your child climbing, you might consider introducing them to a few safety tips before their initial attempt. Videos are available online.

Safety Harness
A safety harness is a must. Some rock walls can be as high as 30 feet or more. Attendants at the venue should ensure children are properly fitted and harnessed. This provides protection in case they accidentally slip while climbing. A harness will also help ensure kids don’t flip over in the event they slip.

Closed Toe Shoes
Closed toes shoes should always be worn during climbing. This helps prevent scrapes or injuries to the feet and toes. It also provides a more stabilized footing for climbers.

Avoid Loose Fitting Clothing
Skirts, dresses, or other loose fitting clothing are an obstruction to climbing. Climbers typically wear clothing that allows them to move up and down walls without hindering mobility.

Helmet
Indoor climbing venues often do not require climbers to wear helmets; however, outdoor climbers should always wear a protective helmet.

Click here to learn more about kid rock climbing.

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