Keeping family life exciting can be a challenge. Instead of the more traditional sports, why not try extreme adventure sports with the kids. These sports can be thrilling and perfect for creating family memories alongside boosting your health and family communication.
In this post we will explore the nation’s best extreme adventure sports for families alongside what equipment you will need and safety tips. So what activity is best for your family?
Rock climbing
From moving up indoor climbing walls to scaling cliff faces outdoors, rock climbing is an adrenaline-pumping activity that is excellent for getting kids fully engaged in sport. But where did it all begin? Rock climbing started to become a loved sport around the end of the 1800s, with the Lake District considered one of three, major ‘birthplaces of rock climbing’ (the others are in Italy and Germany).
Of course, as popularity for the sport grew in the 1940s and 1950s, so did the demand for safety equipment and climbing aids, which made the activity more accessible for younger people and families. From steel carabiners to nylon ropes, technology has helped to propel rock climbing into mainstream sport. Today, you can climb all over the UK — both at indoor venues and on outdoor walls — and the sport has grading system that rates the difficulty of a climb and the climber’s skill to help make the sport even safer — but still just as exciting!
Benefits of rock climbing for families
- Builds upper and lower body strength.
- Enhances problem-solving skills (i.e. considering the best route for reaching the top).
- Encourages concentration.
Rock climbing as a family
As we mentioned, there are plenty of places to rock climb with your family. If you’re just starting out, make sure you choose an instructing company with a high customer rating — especially for safety and teaching. The Association of British Climbing Walls is a good place to start if you’re looking for a climbing wall in your area.
In rock climbing, you’ll notice that you use your lower limbs more than your upper limbs — great to boost fitness and strength but may be tough for little ones at first. Although you and your family will improve in time, it may be worth opting for a few indoor sessions until you’re all confident with the height and physical strain. Once your family feels ready and has learned a few techniques, why not book an outdoor climbing session? There are lots of packages at popular landmarks across the UK and you can even make it into a weekend away.
