KIDS ROCK CLIMBING ESSENTIALS
Rock Climbing Shoes
The first of our seven kids rock climbing essentials include rock climbing shoes. Proper rock climbing shoes are highly necessary, especially once your child starts to climb outdoors. They protect your feet while providing the friction you need to grip footholds. Most styles are quite versatile, but your child’s climbing ability and where they climb are both factors in choosing the correct shoe. Rock shoes should fit snugly but not painfully tight. Too much room around your toes leads to sliding inside the shoe and prevents you from being able to use your feet to the best of their ability.![Rock Climbing Essentials for Kids Rock Climbing Shoes](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0864/9218/4896/files/What-Gear-Do-Kids-Need-To-Start-Rock-Climbing-Rock-Climbing-Shoes.jpg)
Image Credit: momjunction.com
Harness
Another key kids rock climbing essential is the harness. The harness allows you to tie into the rope securely and efficiently. The type of rock climbing your child will be doing will determine what kind of harness they need. In choosing the one that’s right for your child, the key things to keep in mind are comfort and weight. Furthermore, you should be looking for a nicely padded waist band as well as comfortable leg loops. Very young children have a relatively high centre of gravity, due to a larger head–to–torso ratio, and should be outfitted with a full–body harness. Also, a child’s full–body harness is considered a type B harness and is designed for weights no greater than 40kg (88 lbs.). Full–body harnesses usually work best for children 5 and under. It’s very important that your child’s harness fits them correctly, is new and has no defects.![Rock Climbing Essentials for Kids Harness](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0864/9218/4896/files/What-Gear-Do-Kids-Need-To-Start-Rock-Climbing-Harness.jpg)
Image Credit: gearjunkie.com
Helmet
When climbing outdoors, your child should always wear a helmet made specifically for climbing. Climbing helmets are a kids rock climbing essential. They are designed to cushion the head from falling rock and debris, and some (though not all) are designed to provide protection in the case of a fall. They are generally not worn in a climbing gym since it's a controlled environment. Climbing helmets come in two main types, Hardshell Helmets and Shell Foamed Helmets. The type of helmet your child will need will depend on the type of climbing they are doing. A helmet should always feel comfortable, fit snugly but not too tight, and sit flat on your head.![Rock Climbing Essentials for Kids Helmet](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0864/9218/4896/files/What-Gear-Do-Kids-Need-To-Start-Rock-Climbing-Helmet-1024x683.jpg)
Image Credit: jwalkerphoto.com/climbing
Ropes
The most important kids rock climbing essential is the rope. No piece of gear is more important to a climber than the rope; although when your child is just starting out, the rope will likely be provided for them. However, as they progress, where and what they are climbing will determine which rope is best for them. All climbing ropes must pass the UIAA (International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation) tests. These tests regulate the number of falls a rope can hold, the impact force and the dynamic elongation.![Rock Climbing Essentials for Kids Ropes](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0864/9218/4896/files/What-Gear-Do-Kids-Need-To-Start-Rock-Climbing-Ropes-1024x683.jpeg)
Belay Device
Use a belay device to help the belayer (the person who controls the safety rope for the climber) to control the rope. A belay device increases friction on the rope. Which, helps the belayer catch a fall, lower a climber, feed the rope out gradually as the climber advances, or reel in slack smoothly. At first your child may not need to have their own belay device as it may be supplied by your climbing gym or guide, but it is one of the essential pieces of gear that they’ll eventually want to own as they get more involved in rock climbing.![Rock Climbing Essentials for Kids Belay Device](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0864/9218/4896/files/What-Gear-Do-Kids-Need-To-Start-Rock-Climbing-Belay-Device.jpg)
Image Credit: ukclimbing.com
Carabiners
Carabiners are strong, light metal rings with spring-loaded gates that connect the climbing rope to pieces of climbing protection such as bolts and nuts. Attach your gear to the gear loops on your harness. Again, there are different types of carabiners for specific climbing situations. However, the first carabiner most beginners use will be a locking carabiner. Use this design-type with a belay device.Chalk and Chalk Bag
The last piece of equipment from our rock climbing essentials that your kids will need is chalk and a chalk bag. Just like gymnasts, climbers use chalk to improve their grip. Your child’s hands can become quite sweaty while climbing, so the chalk will absorb the perspiration on their hands. They'll carry chalk in a small bag. Attach the chalk bag to the waist with a lightweight belt.![Rock Climbing Essentials for Kids Chalk and Chalk Bag](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0864/9218/4896/files/What-Gear-Do-Kids-Need-To-Start-Rock-Climbing-Chalk-and-Chalk-Bag-1024x683.jpg)
Image Credit: organicclimbing.com
It may seem that your child will need a lot of gear to get involved in rock climbing. However, remember that it isn't essential to purchase all the equipment above to start. You can add more equipment as your child becomes more advanced in the sport.