School Climbing Walls

Climbing is the fastest growing sport in the nation. Children are very often natural climbers and, unlike many sports, in climbing no one is singled out.

“Who has never climbed before?” This question in a group of kids is sure to draw several hands. The truth is we all have climbed if we can walk. Children climb before they walk and climbing is really just vertical crawling. Many teachers know there is a direct correlation between crawling and reading.

What place does a climbing wall have in a school gym? Many kids who don’t excel in other, more traditional sports will find that they can succeed in climbing. In a world where the pressure to look a certain way or achieve a certain level of success reaches even to the very young, it can be hard for young children to find their own niche or identity. Climbing is a one on one sport. A person is challenged only by them self and the obstacle before them. Success is measured and controlled by setting attainable goals. School district 81 in Spokane has many P.E. teachers very pleased with the success of this new tool to help them build self esteem, confidence and physical strength in the children they serve.

Traverse Wall:

A Traverse Wall is a climbing wall, which runs horizontally along a wall rather than vertically. The length of the wall is determined by factors such as available space, budget, and necessity. Typical wall length is about 50 feet and 8 feet high. Other safety apparatuses such as ropes and harnesses that are associated with climbing aren’t necessary. The wall itself is constructed with 4x8 foot wall panels of high grade 3/4 inch A/C plywood. There are over 100 T-nuts per panel to provide the best possible variety of routes for all ages and abilities. The three colors of extremely durable textured paint looks great in gyms.  Included is a custom package of climbing holds to design routes that provide optimum success for EVERY CHILD.

What does research say?

Mental focus and concentration levels in young children improve significantly after engaging in structured physical activity (Caterino and Polak 1999). Children who engaged in vigorous aerobic exercise improved short-term memory, creativity, and reaction time (Michund and Wild 1991). Repetitive Gross Motor movement balances brain chemicals that clam behavior and elevates self esteem and self worth,  accommodates ADD/ADHD and strengthens secondary dendritic branching (Eric Jensen 1998). Raising the heart rate oxygenates the brain and feeds it glucose (brain fuel) at a greater rate. Body Kinesthetic is one of the three basic Multiple Intelligences (Howard Gardner 1991).  Lifetime physical activity grows new brain cells (Fred Gage 1999).  Reinforcing education through physical activity at an early age gives children a clear advantage academically.

Success for every child:

Anyone on the wall is active. Continual and exciting activity encourages the kids to challenge themselves and motivate others to succeed. Their development and successes are promoted and shared with their peers together. The traverse wall provides another source in which the P.E. programs can diversify their activities with.  Furthermore, the activities meet many of the Essential Academic Learning Requirements set forth by individual school districts. Such as; develop fundamental and complex movement skills, as developmentally appropriate, acquire skills to live safely and reduce health risks, and use social skills to promote health and safety in a variety of situations. These requirements, and many more, are a small piece of extensive and dynamic benefits that come with having a traverse wall.  Kids are now getting excited about health and fitness in a no pressure atmosphere.

Safety:

Because of the wall is only 8 feet, height is not a factor. The student can make the entire traverse just a few inches off few feet off the ground. There also is a 3 to 4 foot high line for beginners. Tumbling mats will also line the floor beneath the entire length of the traversing wall. When not in use the mats will be secured to the wall to prevent climbing and protect others, and possibly equipment, from impacting the wall. The sensation of risk taking is still present for the kids but the injury factor has been greatly reduced significantly.

The activities, games, or exercises that the children participate in are specific and controlled. Many of the movements in climbing are natural and instinctive and do not involve unnecessary impact or compression to the joints. Whereas a majority of sports and activity do. Climbing can be seen as a gentle progression of physical development that doesn’t require rigorous conditioning routines. Climbing allows children to work outside their own comfort zone in a safe atmosphere. The skills learned carry beyond the traverse wall and bring awareness and sensibility in dealing with challenges and decisions that may have been inherently dangerous. The children’s respect and understanding, coming from climbing, helps to develop a sense of cooperation vs. competition.  Ultimately, creating a safe and productive environment wherein everyone can thrive.

Wild Walls Inc creates and installs your climbing wall. Timon Behan, owner, has been a leader in the climbing industry for over 12 years. Wild Walls Climbing Gym is a world-class facility that has served over 70,000 customers in nine years. Wild Walls commitment to youth is always a priority evident in the hundreds of programs provided for kids and families. With integrity and commitment to inspire people to experience the sport of climbing Wild Walls features these wonderful climbing systems for schools.  Climbing is healthy, fun, and a sport for anyone. For quotes and further information please feel free to contact Timon Behan and staff at Wild Walls in Spokane, WA.

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