rock climbing for boys

Question
Dear Mr. Jeff Vargen

My grandson who is just 8 has a passion for rock climbing. Will you please give us advice as how to proceed without getting into too much of technicalities for a young boy like him? He must acquire preliminary training skills and so what schedules you will recommend? Thanks

Deshpande

Answer
Your grandsone is young, but not too young to begin climbing. The advantage of the very you is they do not share the fear adults have, therefore they are able to get very good very quickly when learning to climb.

Of course actual climbing is much more than just scaling the rock. It involves tying knots, belaying and safety procedures.
Much of this he may be too young to comprehend fully, but that's ok.

I would suggest he take a beginners course at a local climbing gym. Then he can move up the list of courses. If yu can find an outdooor school that will take kids his age I would encourage that as well.  I have taken many young kids climbing and they have done great and I have had a great time. The important thing is that he enjoy it, and he have instructors who are safe and encouraging.  

I started when I was 14 and I am in my 30th year of climbing. The equipment, instruction and oppoprtunities are greater now than ever before.

Good Luck

Jeff