Climb On: Rock Climbing as a Fully Inclusive Activity

Rock climbing is a perfect activity for all ages and disabilities. Brent Kuemmerle, an amputee and accomplished outdoor rock climber and snowboarder said, “The benefits of rock climbing indoors or outdoors are an accomplishment that builds confidence, strength, and self-esteem." Climbing also increases focus, attention, inventiveness, social interaction, trust in others, muscular strength and endurance, and coordination. Indoor rock climbing is a great way to get started in the sport and there are many ways to adapt for any type of disability.

 

Studies show that rock climbing can “increase spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination and balance.” Mentally, rock climbing can aid in learning about “advanced planning, problem solving, and goal-setting stills” used throughout their lives. The article “Rock Climbing for Children with Disabilities” thoroughly explains different climbing techniques for those with different disabilities, including techniques called a para pull-up, single amputee procedures, and the process of how to handle someone with a visual impairment.

These adaptations are:

·         A “para pull-up” is a technique used for a climber with little or no use of their legs. This type of climb has a person attached to a belay and an ascender which is attached to a chest harness.  

·         Another adaption is called the “single amputee”. With this variation, a climber with an amputee will rely on their stronger limbs to help raise themselves to the top of the wall. This type of climb does not require any special equipment to climb, however it does require careful consideration for each move and be cautious of their balance as they scale the wall.

·         A climber with a visual impairment does not technically have an adaption but they must thoroughly understand how to communicate with a partner helping from the ground. In many situations, someone with a visual impairment is advised to use a clock-type system to propel upwards. Understanding where the hands are on a non-digital clock is imperative to successful climbing and communication.

Just because someone has a disability and needs an adaptation, they should never be set out of an activity. Whether it is out of fear of the unknown or not educated enough to know how to adapt, it is never acceptable to sit someone to the side because they “do not know what to do with them”.  

 

Indoor rock climbing is a great activity for everyone because there are many ways to adapt for any type of disability.  Not only is rock climbing challenging, but it is fun and can forever change someone’s outlook on their own disabilities. It can prove to others, and themselves, that anything is possible if they set their mind to it!