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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]DC is getting into rock-cliimbing at the encouragement of exDH.  I'm fine with climbing as a sport for DC, but a little puzzled about the logistics.  My understanding is that rock climbing requires a partner to belay.  Gym staff do belaying only on the weekends at a cost of $30 for 3 climbs.  DC wants to climb more than just occasionally, so the $30/3 climbs is getting old.  I encouraged exDH to take a course and learn how to belay for DC.  ExDH tried, but for a variety of reasons that is not working out.

How do other families manage this?  DC doesn't seem to climb well enough to "make a team" which would provide climbing partners or supervisory staff.  The instructional opportunities that provide belay partners or instructors seem fairly limited - 6 weeks, very basic -- and seem like DC would outgrow this quickly, yet class seems like a natural place to find other kids who could be climbing partners outside of class.

DC is 13 y.o.  Can he just show up at the gym and magically some other customer will offer to belay him?  DC has taken a course, is quite big and strong for his age and could, in theory, belay for someone else... but, do you just let anyone belay you at the gym?  I mean, I'm not sure I'd look at any 13 yo and think, "I trust you to stop me if I fall."  Conversely, do you think it's safe to tell a 13 y.o., "go to the gym and hang out and see what strange adults will play with you..."  Clearly, since I don't climb, I don't understand the social and safety dynamics at work in this environment.

If you are a rock-climber or you have kids who climb, please recommend your location (we are in Upper NW/BCC area), classes, how you found a reliable belay partner or any other wisdom about how to help a kid spend time and develop in this sport.

Thanks![/quote]

He can boulder by himself[/quote]

Thanks!  I suggested that, but he rejected it, and I don't understand why.....  Is it less cool?  Is there something special equipment in order to do it?  We just bought his own harness, but he doesn't have climbing shoes yet.  Does he need a different kind of lesson to be able to do it successfully? [/quote]

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