It’s the climb

It may not seem like the obvious sports for kids, but children as young as five can get to grips with climbing – and they love it. Here, Jo Caruana discovers this fantastic family activity.

We all know that staying active has to be high on our agenda. We may still be stuck in the depths of winter – and a pretty bitter one at that – but we need to step away from the telly and head outdoors.

Kids love to climb. It’s a fun, exciting, fantastic way to explore natural curiosities

Meanwhile, parents are well aware that they need to include physical fitness in their children’s routines as this will help develop their strength, endurance, coordination and flexibility.

So could climbing be the ideal sport for you all to get involved in together?

“Absolutely!” says Xavier Hancock, chairman of the Gozo Climbing Association. “Children love to climb… trees, buildings, fences and play equipment; you name it, children love to climb it. After all, it’s a fun, exciting and a fantastic way to explore natural curiosities.”

As he explains, climbing rocks is simply the next progression. And, like any sports, it is healthy and builds confidence while getting those involved out into nature – which is equally important. And even more good news? Children are usually fine to climb as early as five years old.

“If you want to take things seriously, it would be ideal to get your little ones proper climbing equipment. This includes a pair of rock-climbing shoes, a climbing harness (for children less than 30 kg a full body harness is recommended), and a helmet.

“That said, most climbing companies running courses will supply all the relevant equipment, so a pair of tight-fitting trainers will generally be enough to start with until your child wants to get more involved.”

And getting involved may well be easier than you think, as there are now three climbing clubs – the Gozo Climbing Association, the Malta Rock Climbing Club and the Malta Climbing Club.

Each offers plenty of great advice and organises regular climbing activities. Meanwhile, specialist company Gozo Adventures also offers a full climbing course you can follow with your children.

“The Gozo Sports Centre, as well as the Sliema Scouts’ Club, also have indoor bouldering walls that are accessible to the public, and they are both ideal for beginners who have limited equipment,” Mr Hancock explains.

“They are safe to use under adult supervision, and both host regular climbing sessions that promise to be the perfect introduction to climbing.”

But despite the fact it is generally safe, Mr Hancock makes it clear that the sport must not be taken lightly.

“We do warn everyone who wants to climb that there is always the possibility of injury. Your safety solely depends on you, and only you.”

Therefore, it is vital to take responsibility for getting proper climbing instruction, employing a guide for a day, or going out with experienced climbers as their rock apprentice.

Your judgment is your responsibility. In fact, climbing safety is all about good judgment; you and your children will be safer when you go climbing if you both know and understand the limitations of your knowledge and experience. If you have any questions about climbing, you should ask an experienced climber.

Hancock highly recommends that, if you are serious about climbing and being safe, you hire a guide or instructor to learn the ropes from until you become proficient in the sport.

“If you have any doubts or misgivings about any aspect of climbing, then do not attempt it. It is better not to do it than to do it wrong. Your life, and that of your child, depends on it. That said, with proper training and experience it is a very safe sport.”

So with that in mind, it really may be the ideal sport to take up with the family as spring shows up.

“It is not all hard work, and there’s a great social aspect to climbing too,” Hancock adds.

“When you climb it is often very relaxing and exciting because you get to visit locations very few people pass through. Families can enjoy each others’ company while encouraging one another to get to the top of a climb, which is often brilliant for bonding.”

Where to climb?

If you’re thinking of giving climbing a go, there are fantastic spots to explore.

Two localities that are ideal for beginners and for families are Mġarr ix-Xini in Gozo and Wied Babu, Żurrieq.

Both of these inland climbing crags have good walking access and climbs to suit all abilities.

Meanwhile, the two indoor climbing walls are a great place to start.