My husband, Alex, and I (Lani) had always wanted to climb. We had been canyoneering for a while and had also done just about every other outdoor sport when we finally decided it was time to climb. We felt climbing would be a great fit for us as a couple, but it didn’t actually happen until AFTER we had our first daughter.
As a birthday gift for Alex, I bought harnesses, a dynamic rope, 12 quick draws, mythos climbing shoes, and an ATC. After opening his presents, Alex immediately bought a Falcon’s Guide: How to Rock Climb and we began our studies, throwing around climbing lingo at the dinner table. Using books and videos to study and practice skills at home was a wonderful way to learn with a young one around. When we were ready, we picked up a few more needed items, downloaded Mountain Project on our phones, and hiked up Rock Canyon in Provo, Utah. We found a short easy place location to safely practice our skills and that was it, we were hooked.
That was 5 years ago and we’ve been climbing ever since. I am now leading 5.12b! We did all of this while raising 6 children (we currently have 6 climbers under the age of 6 at home!) and working. Alex works as a Fiscal Analyst for the Utah Legislature, having obtained a Masters of Public Policy from BYU. I’m a licensed attorney in both California and Utah.
We’ve learned so much over the past few years of where to go, what to do and what NOT to do that we felt inspired to put together a comprehensive guide to climbing with kids, specific to Utah as of now, for other families. That way, you can learn from our experiences and mistakes and build upon that. Check it out at: www.CheerioinMyChalkBag.com
Common Climber Articles
As a birthday gift for Alex, I bought harnesses, a dynamic rope, 12 quick draws, mythos climbing shoes, and an ATC. After opening his presents, Alex immediately bought a Falcon’s Guide: How to Rock Climb and we began our studies, throwing around climbing lingo at the dinner table. Using books and videos to study and practice skills at home was a wonderful way to learn with a young one around. When we were ready, we picked up a few more needed items, downloaded Mountain Project on our phones, and hiked up Rock Canyon in Provo, Utah. We found a short easy place location to safely practice our skills and that was it, we were hooked.
That was 5 years ago and we’ve been climbing ever since. I am now leading 5.12b! We did all of this while raising 6 children (we currently have 6 climbers under the age of 6 at home!) and working. Alex works as a Fiscal Analyst for the Utah Legislature, having obtained a Masters of Public Policy from BYU. I’m a licensed attorney in both California and Utah.
We’ve learned so much over the past few years of where to go, what to do and what NOT to do that we felt inspired to put together a comprehensive guide to climbing with kids, specific to Utah as of now, for other families. That way, you can learn from our experiences and mistakes and build upon that. Check it out at: www.CheerioinMyChalkBag.com
Common Climber Articles
- Climbing through Family Stages (by Lani Wilson) - Tips for climbing through pregnancy, toddlers, and beyond. Having children doesn't have to stop you - find out how to keep going!