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donbcivil
Jan 11, 2007, 5:25 PM
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Registered: Jul 8, 2006
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My daughter got the two of us into climbing last year (for which I'll be eternally grateful) by suggesting we try an REI climbing wall. She has her own shoes but we're looking at getting her a harness soon to complete her gear.
Can anyone recommend a good climbing harness for a 12 year old? Her physique is tall and skinny: at a guess about 5'2", 90ish pounds. I've been toying with taking her to the Seattle REI this weekend but it'd be nice to have recommendations in hand...
Thanks in advance!
Don
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gblauer
Moderator
Jan 11, 2007, 6:00 PM
Post #3 of 13
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Hey...My daughter outgrew her harness...hardly ever used. (She boulders).
I will send it to you for free...PM me with your address.
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donbcivil
Jan 11, 2007, 7:00 PM
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In reply to: I will send it to you for free...PM me with your address.
Thanks so much, I seriously appreciate this. I'd be very glad to send you some bucks for the harness and/or postage!
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photonicgirl
Jan 12, 2007, 11:41 PM
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Registered: May 19, 2003
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One comment:
My daughter started climbing at around five, she's 11 now, 5.3, 110 lbs. I had her in a chest harness up until last year when she grew six inches (!!!). Double check at your climbing gym and make sure they are satisfied that the harness fits snugly. Kids have a way of doing things like flipping upside down for fun etc and she could skinny hip right out of her harness if it's not super snug and of course, you know, doubled back. I have a great friend who climbs with her daughters in the Gunks, www.cliffmama.com, check her out. And welcome, Mom!!!
Jules
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donbcivil
Jan 13, 2007, 12:53 AM
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In reply to: Double check at your climbing gym and make sure they are satisfied that the harness fits snugly. Kids have a way of doing things like flipping upside down for fun etc and she could skinny hip right out of her harness if it's not super snug and of course, you know, doubled back.
Good idea! Elise isn't the type to turn upside down intentionally but accidents can happen..
In reply to: I have a great friend who climbs with her daughters in the Gunks, www.cliffmama.com, check her out.
Cool! I grew up in Western NY but didn't climb then, look forward to stopping at the gunks some day.
In reply to: And welcome, Mom!!!
Does that mean I'm an honorary mom? Cool. 
(That was sincere, not sarcasm. The kid and I do a lot of stuff together. )
Don
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valygrl
Jan 13, 2007, 1:19 AM
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She could try on the Mammut Focus in XS. I've only had mine a little while, but it's been just fine in the gym, and the XS is pretty small and has adjustable leg loops. Cheap, too, and waaaay more comfortable than the BD Bod.
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photonicgirl
Jan 13, 2007, 2:32 AM
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Registered: May 19, 2003
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I got a small for my daughter ... I think an extra small is a good idea if she's only 90 lbs...the key is to have it fitted by someone who climbs.
as for honorary mom, don, i apologise, i didn't look closely at your profile so didn't realize you were a guy.
either or, moms and dads are cool. climbing with kids is the absolute best. glad another parent is taking his girl out on the rocks. we use helmets and are very safe, safety first, i'm sure you will be careful out there.
jules
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donbcivil
Jan 13, 2007, 6:00 AM
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In reply to: as for honorary mom, don, i apologise, i didn't look closely at your profile so didn't realize you were a guy.
Not at all, it was funny!
In reply to: either or, moms and dads are cool. climbing with kids is the absolute best.
Agreed, totally!
Don
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fotovult
Jan 18, 2007, 9:23 PM
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Registered: Jul 18, 2006
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Climbing with kid rocks - but our little scaler is 4 years old and +/-30lbs. We've had her in 2 different full body harnesses (latest is petzl), but nothing seems to fit her peanut frame comfortably. The body harness is super secure, but I think her legs/waist are too small.
She's only climbed in a gym, and last time she went she made it to the top (25' with a super smile on her face - I was beaming with pride) of a beginner wall. Only problem is the lower off, as the harness slips into her crotch area and really pinches her. Quite a drag to lower her off crying after she made the top the first time.
She did some bouldering around after she shook it off that night - but I fear the harness will be a while away.
I was thinking of having the leg loops sewn with pipe insulation or some other padding to alleviate her discomfort - anyone have any similar problems?
I certainly don't want to push her on the wall, but she was having a great time, and came so far in overcoming her fears of the harness to finally try it and totally kicked a** while climbing to the top.
thanks
foto
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photonicgirl
Jan 18, 2007, 9:58 PM
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Registered: May 19, 2003
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I think padding will help a lot. Good idea. My daughter had the same problem but once she was a little bigger it improved. You could try using foam padding too.
Jules
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donbcivil
Jan 20, 2007, 8:40 PM
Post #13 of 13
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Registered: Jul 8, 2006
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In reply to: Hey...My daughter outgrew her harness...hardly ever used. (She boulders). I will send it to you for free...PM me with your address.
I just want to thank Gail for sending us her daughter's harness and a pair of shoes.
They arrived yesterday and we're very grateful for your generosity!
Thanks again, Don
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