Milagros

An earlier post talked about climbing with Mila at the Portland Rock Gym. On the advice of another Papa, we made a family outing to The Circuit Bouldering Gym this week. Mila LOVED it!

The Circuit is bouldering only. The goal of bouldering is to work on climbing technique on a boulder or small outcropping rather than on a cliff face. The goal is not so much getting to the top of something but rather linking a series of moves through a “problem” - in effect you are solving the problem of how to climb a section of rock.

The Circuit is basically an artificial, indoor boulder field.* Since the moves are typically on an area close to the ground, there are no ropes or harnesses involved - which was the part of climbing at the Portland Rock Gym that Mila did not like.

Are kids welcome there? Absolutely! The Circuit is definitely kid and family friendly, there appears to be no age limit. Among the many features is a boulder with especially kid friendly climibs where Mila could “top-out” and then come down a slide. And for adults? There are definitely more than enough challenges for my very, very rusty technique there.

Equipment? For bouldering, kids can do it in their socks or shoes (Mila wore some old Robeez). You have the option to rent climbing shoes but in my opinion there is no point for a child who is not a active climber or younger than 7. I let Mila use an old chalk bag of mine (with a Bison Ball) but this was more of cool extra for her, not at all a necessity.

Is it safe? Although bouldering is close to the ground, don’t get lulled into thinking it is completely safe. Supervision of your little climber is still a must. It is especially important that your little climber does not climb directly above or below any other climbers. If your little one starts climbing below another child (or adult!) and that child falls, it will be the equivalent of having a child-sized rock fall on your kid. Not pretty.

Cost? Climbing Gyms aren’t a cheap family outing when compared to other potential kid entertainment. However you don’t need to purchase an adult day pass at The Circuit or the Portland Rock Gym unless you will be climbing as well.  A child day pass at The Circuit is only $6 and will be increasing to $8 on 1/1/2007 (so go there NOW!). If you child is a fan, you can cut future costs by getting a 10-punch card.

The best part of the day for me was that Mila did not want to leave (yes, I will endure tantrums from kids who don’t want to quit climbing!) We will be back and picked up a 10-punch card for Mila and Papa just to make sure. Before you know it, you can check for us at a crag near you!

*The Portland Rock Gym also has a bouldering area but children 7 years old or younger are not allowed in that area.

With a new baby brother in the house much of my focus has been on taking Mila on various outings to allow Jen an opportunity to rest. Yesterday we headed to the Portland Rock Gym for Mila’s first experience with indoor rock climbing.

I worked as a climbing guide for Outward Bound and managed my own guiding service for a few years as well but this was my first experience with a 4-year old.

We rented a full-body harness for the day ($3) and paid for Mila’s day pass ($7).  Until age ten (or they out grow it), I recommend a full-body harness - rather than a seat harness - for young climbers.  A seat harness may not keep a very young climber secure if he or she falls upside down, which can happen more often than you think.

Mila scrambled up some of the bouldering walls and real took to the whole experience EXCEPT for the rope. For whatever reason she would gladly scamper the the top of the wall in the bouldering area but once a rope was on her she just didn’t feel comfortable.

Of course my expectations of the day was one of Mila climbing and swinging from the rope, learning what “on belay” means, etc., etc. So I had to let go of MY plans let Mila enjoy the day her way and just enjoy the experience with her - which I did.