Kids climbing

[sandhlunn]

Hi everyone,

Last year I made the decision to bring my wife and 3 children to Korea for a new experience. My 2 daughters (Sophie - 8 years old and Danielle- 7 years old) love climbing. They have done a bit of indoor rock climbing and were excited to try climbing "real rocks". Thanks to a post by "skinsk" we found the climbing gym in Masan and the kids started a rock climbing course with the Masan Climbing Club.

However, I am not a climber and I was wondering if anyone would be interested in helping the 2 girls learn about climbing or take them climbing at suitable spots. I would like the girls to learn about safe climbing but I also want them to have a lot of fun- I am open to any suggestions that people might make.

Cheers,
Stephen

[ricardo]

Hi Stephen!
out of all the crags I've been to in Korea, there is no place more suited for beginners than Halmei Bawi (http://www.koreaontherocks.com/climbing/areas.php?area_id=1&q=area_city%3D35%26sort%3Dname%26). there is one comment on that page about a bolt pulling out of the rock, but that was only a couple of months after the route was put up. many people have fallen there since and have "cleaned" it up. plus, when resting they can watch some of the more hardcore climbers a few routes away. Maisan (http://www.koreaontherocks.com/climbing/areas.php?area_id=7&q=area_park%3D34%26sort%3Dname%26) is another place with many 10a's and below, but the rockfall hazard should keep you from bringing your daughters there (though it does have the most unique temple I've seen in Korea).
Let us know when you're thinking about trying this out and I'm sure you'll find folks more than willing to show your girls the ropes. sooner is better because weather will turn south after June.
cheers!
-rick

[sandhlunn]

Hi Rick,
Thanks for the suggestions. The kids were very excited about doing some climbing. I have been checking the calendar. This weekend is free but on the 2nd and 3rd of June the kids will climb with the Masan Rock Climbers and the 10th of June is out. Otherwise any weekend after that is fine. However, as we do not have our own car so we just need to know exactly how to get to the climing area and what equipment we need to bring- at the moment the kids have harnesses, shoes, helmet, a couple of carabiners and a daisy chain.

cheers,
Stephen