Biking and Climbing 101

» Biking & Climbing101

Make learning safe and fun

Coasting down the street on a shiny two-wheeler is a rite of passage for most kids. Adults may remember the rattly training wheels and anticipation of falling to the side, but nowadays training wheels are a thing of the past. Beginners learn to kick, coast and balance on specially made coaster bikes or on bikes with pedals removed. This new method helps children learn to balance and adjust their bodies to the two-wheeled apparatus beneath them.

Here are some tips for your new learner’s first unwieldly bike rides.

Time and space. Kids need time to get used to pedal-less bikes. Make sure your beginner has a chance to try their coaster on the driveway, at a park or in an empty school parking lot. Sit and glide, steer and push. . . the more time spent on the bike, the more comfortable it will be.

When to pedal. Once your child has mastered coasting for 10 seconds, without touching their feet to the ground, it’s time to put the pedals on or get a bike with pedals. First, allow your bike rider to experiment with the pedals and get used to placing their feet atop them. If it doesn’t work out the first few times, take the pedals off or switch back to the coaster and try again another time. Practice. Aha, your beginner has mastered balance and pedaling. Now let them practice as much as possible to learn steering and braking. All these elements work together to create an enjoyable experience.

Family bike rides. Now that your little learner is confident in their ability to wrangle a two-wheeler, make it a treat to travel with the family. Before taking a bike ride around the block, though, go over traffic and safety rules. Parents should run the route ahead of time, preparing for any challenges along the way.

Safe places to pedal for first-time bikers:

Roxhill Park 2850 SW Roxbury St., Seattle 98126

Genesee Park and Playfield 4316 S Genesee St., Seattle 98118

Powell Barnett Park 352 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Seattle 98112

Cascade Playground 333 Pontius Ave. N, Seattle 98109

Wilmot Park 17301 131st Ave. NE, Woodinville 98072

Bothell Landing 9919 NE 180th St., Bothell 98011

Rhododendron Park 6910 NE 170th St., Kenmore 98028 3

Big Finn Hill Park 8106 NE 138th St., Kirkland 98034

Cottage Lake Park 18831 NE Woodinville Duvall Rd., Woodinville 98072

Ready to Rock

Rock climbing is an amazing sport for kids. They challenge themselves mentally and physically, build confidence and trust in others and acquire the skills to experience nature in a unique and intimate way. However, the dangers are real. Here are some tips to get your little climber started.

1. Start by bouldering. Bouldering is a type of climbing that’s close to the ground and doesn’t require a rope. It’s the simplest way to start, because all you need is a pair of climbing shoes and a chalk bag—which you can rent from most gyms. Choose a gym with an extensive space dedicated to beginners and children.

2. Rope climbing. Parents should learn first! Some rock gyms offer rope climbing as well as bouldering. If you want to rope climb with your child, you will need to learn to belay. Ask whether your climbing gym offers belay classes. Better yet, enroll in a climbing course at The Mountaineers (mountaineers.org).

3. Learn and follow the safety rules. Climbing can be dangerous. Parents and children should learn the basic safety rules and follow them without question. For example, don’t let children play or climb under other climbers—even from only a few feet up, a falling human can cause serious injury to someone below.

4. Keep it positive and lowpressure. Let your children set their own limits. If they are freaked out and want to quit, let them. They can always try again another time. Furthermore, this is not like swimming or riding a bike—not every kid needs to be a proficient climber.

5. Learn the ropes yourself. Climbing is an activity the whole family can learn and enjoy together. The best way to get everyone to enjoy this sport is for YOU to lead the way. Once you learn the basics of climbing, you will feel more comfortable and your kids will, too.

Visit these gyms to get started:

Seattle Bouldering Project Poplar 900 Poplar Place S, Seattle 98144 seattleboulderingproject.com/ poplar-location

Vertical World North 12300 Beverly Park Road, Lynnwood 98087 • north.verticalworld.com