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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Is a climbing wall fun for one child?

40 replies

Patchoomi · 27/10/2022 08:31

That really. I've never done a climbing wall and don't intend to. My 12yr son has done one a few times with various clubs and wants to do it again however it would be by himself and I'm concerned he would be disappointed that it's not so much fun. He's not a serious rock climber or anything like that.

OP posts:
SpongeBobJudgeyPants · 27/10/2022 08:32

My DD always enjoyed it.

NatMoz · 27/10/2022 08:32

I think you usually need a partner at the bottom holding the rope. Would you be going too?

Original poster
Patchoomi · 27/10/2022 08:32

I'm asking this thrilling question because it's quite expensive and his birthday trip (his 12th bday).

OP posts:
LIZS · 27/10/2022 08:33

Won't he need someone to belay him? Are there any group sessions for his age group?

Original poster
Patchoomi · 27/10/2022 08:33

I'd be holding the rope but I won't be climbing.

OP posts:
Wafflefudge · 27/10/2022 08:33

Climbing walls often have clubs for different age groups. He could ask any friends if they wanted to go to a weekly session.

Wafflefudge · 27/10/2022 08:34

Do you know how to belay?

JardinsduBasil · 27/10/2022 08:35

Or do bouldering instead? Mine quite like it as they can freestyle more (there's an open kids session at our local one and they do little games like retrieving a ball or moving sideways through a hoop).

Original poster
Patchoomi · 27/10/2022 08:35

It's a one off trip. I can't take any friends with him. The site says at his age he can climb alone but I'm happy to go with him but I won't be climbing.

OP posts:
Wafflefudge · 27/10/2022 08:35

For his birthday it would be better to book a session with an instructor for him and a friend or couple of friends. More fun probably.
Does the wall do bouldering?

NerrSnerr · 27/10/2022 08:36

I don't think you can just turn up and belay. I had to do 2 hours with an instructor to be signed off as competent to belay my daughter.

Do they offer any sessions? If not, if he wants to do rope climbing you may need to hire an instructor (it's £30 an hour where we are). He should be able to do bouldering though.

Beamur · 27/10/2022 08:36

Most climbing walls now have clip and climb or self belay devices so you can climb alone. Or bouldering areas where you are not roped.
It's quite possible to go alone if he is good at challenging and entertaining himself. But maybe a friend with a similar interest would make it more fun.

NerrSnerr · 27/10/2022 08:37

Or is it more of a clip and climb? If so they're auto belays and they usually have staff knocking around ensuring safety.

Original poster
Patchoomi · 27/10/2022 08:37

I've no idea what bouldering is but the place has various walls.
It's a one off and I can't take any friends.

So from what I can gather with all the replies suggesting alternatives, it's not going to be much fun for him?

OP posts:
Beamur · 27/10/2022 08:38

As NerrSnerr says though, walls are potentially dangerous places and they will have strict rules about age/skill requirements. Check before you go.

Octomore · 27/10/2022 08:38

He'll need someone to belay - unless it's a bouldering wall?

The clip and climb places are expensive and less good compared to a normal climbing wall.

Original poster
Patchoomi · 27/10/2022 08:39

It's a clip and climb but whenever we've been in the building before there are always lots of staff about.

OP posts:
OneFrenchEgg · 27/10/2022 08:39

Our dc aged 13-15 took dn to a booked session on the fun walls locally - the instructor made it fun and there were a few friendly kids.

NerrSnerr · 27/10/2022 08:39

Can you tell us which climbing centre it is, then we'd be able to give better advice about what he can do and what would be better for him?

PauliesWalnuts · 27/10/2022 08:40

If it’s clip and climb he can do it on his own. If it’s a normal bouldering wall he’d have to be belayed by someone signed off as competent. Maybe look at 1-2-1 taster sessions - the instructor would belay, suggest suitable routes (different coloured holds identify grades of routes), and teach techniques. Awesome Walls in Stockport and Manchester Climbing Centre are both great if you’re in that area.

Octomore · 27/10/2022 08:40

To go on your own (not as part of a class) you usually need to demonstrate competence, show the staff that you can tie in safely etc. His belayer would also need to demonstrate competence.

Bouldering walls would be easier, and I find bouldering lots of fun on my own.

Original poster
Patchoomi · 27/10/2022 08:40

Ha! As you can see I've no idea what I'm talking about which is why I asked. It's definately a clip and climb though.

OP posts:
NerrSnerr · 27/10/2022 08:40

Ignore my last message, clip and climb is fine. I'm sure he'll have lots of fun.

Octomore · 27/10/2022 08:40

If it’s a normal bouldering wall he’d have to be belayed by someone signed off as competent.

I assume this is a mistype - you don't get belated at a bouldering wall

Octomore · 27/10/2022 08:41

^ belayed

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