Eric's Question:

Eric Dyer
Harvard, MA

Alice's Answer:

Eric,

Since I'm not an avid climber, I posed your question to GORP's new Climbing Expert, Don Mellor, who has more than 25 years of climbing experience under his harness.

Don's advice:"Yes, a full-body harness is required for a very young climber because childrens' hips are just too narrow to keep a kid in if he or she falls upside down. Several manufacturers offer such a kid's harness."

Don's daughter just turned nine, and he has just now decided the extra-small regular seat harness is safe for her.

Before putting your child in a regular, Don warns, buckle him in and tip him upside down. Before moving beyond the full-body harness, be absolutely certain that the child will not be able to slip out of the seat model.

Don adds some food for thought for any parents taking their child climbing: "Remember that kids don't see climbing the way we do. They don't care about grades, nor do they see climbing as a personal test of merit. It's just fun. Make sure you don't impose your adult motivation on a child who simply and innately will enjoy scrambling around, swinging on the rope, or stopping mid-route to examine that little ant climbing nearby."

Check out GORP Family Climbing for more help getting your kids started.

Have fun, Eric, and tell us about your adventures!

Return to Top