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What We "Really" Mean to Our Students
Portage Public Schools
Indoor Rock-Climbing has become increasingly popular over the past several years across the United States. Locations that lack the natural mountainous formations now have the ability to challenge the most experienced adventurers. Fitness clubs and recreational facilities are putting in climbing walls; they are even appearing in school gymnasiums everywhere.
When you consider the expense and liability factors associated with indoor climbing, many physical educators shy away from pursuing installation of a climbing wall. However, this task is not as expensive or dangerous as you might think. My wall at Lake Center Elementary in Portage was installed for under $1500, and will accommodate every student in my building. I have a traverse wall with dimensions of 8 feet high by 24 feet long. I will cover the basic construction parameters regarding installing and indoor wall, general costs of the project and a basic climbing curriculum that one could implement.
Wall Specifications:
An indoor climbing wall has three basic parts, a frame, panels and holds. A climbing frame is generally constructed with 2"x 6" lumber and fasteners. Frames may be built flush or flat against the wall, or can have positive or negative angles branching out from the wall. Wood screws are used to hold the frame together and depending on the surface you attach it to regulates the hardware needed. My wall is fixed to a masonry block wall with bolts called "drivers". Holes are drilled through 2x6 boards and the wall, and the drivers are pounded into the wall. The hardware has a plastic sheath around the screw that mounts into the block. When the screw has to be removed it is done so with a screwdriver. Once the skeleton of the frame has been attached to the wall, panels can be installed.
Panels are traditionally made from 1/2" or 3/4" plywood. Holes are drilled into the panels and T-nuts are driven into the back of each hole. The panels are most often painted with special texture paint to give them a natural look and to preserve the wood. Panels are affixed to the frame using deck or wood screws. The holds are attached to the holes with bolts that are usually supplied with the holds or T-nuts. Holds may me moved or rotated by the instructor at anytime, this is done with hex or T-wrench. Hold installation takes 20-30 seconds per hold. This type of construction provides a very secure wall, suitable for children and adults.
Cost:
The climbing wall at my building was funded through two grants that I as awarded, a $1000 MAHPERD grant and a $500 Detroit Free Press Innovation fund grant. I was able to purchase, 12- 4'x 4' panels, 7 sets of holds and a 4' x 5' x 5" climbing wall mat. The framing lumber and construction labor was provided by Portage Public Schools.
I was required to purchase pre-made panels due to product liability requirements of my school district. If you do not have this requirement, a lot of money can be saved by making your own panels. A sheet of _" plywood generally runs between $40-50, a gallon of texture paint cost around $45 and T-nuts are not expensive. You can make a textured 4' x 8' panel for less than $70! If you check suppliers, these same panels sell for upwards of $250-450, not including the shipping. My panels cost $60 each, but are only 4' x 4', the shipping from Seattle alone cost close to $200. I was able to purchase my holds at wholesale. A set of holds (7-50 holds per set) will run anywhere from $ 30-$125.
If you inquire with the suppliers of this equipment and tell them you are an educational institution, they will usually give you a price break. Another thing I would recommend is to contact the owner of any local climbing gyms in your area. These people are extremely knowledgeable about the sport and can offer some very useful information regarding construction and climbing ideas.
Curriculum and Activities:
Rock climbing is not really done as a unit itself. I integrate rock climbing with other rope and net climbing activities. Rock climbing is also a part of circuit training and station work that K-5 students participate in throughout the year. This activity goes far beyond a focus on physical development. Rock climbing involves goal setting, problem solving, team building, and trust.
The low height of my wall does not require the use of any harnesses or ropes. I do have 5" pads that extend 10 feet out from the wall for safety reasons. Each student's feet are never much higher than 3 feet off the ground. I do not use spotters, (students standing behind each other). I feel there is more risk for injury to the climber or the spotter with them in that position. Students are allowed to jump down from the wall if they perform a half turn on the way down. They are facing away from the wall upon landing, preventing their head from hitting the wall.
Getting Started:
Once the wall has been installed students are brought together and instructed as a whole group about rules and safety precautions. Once those factors are covered, general climbing skills are taught. There are two basic forms of climbing, static and ballistic. Static climbing involves slow, deliberate movements, while ballistic climbing involves quick, powerful movements. Most of my focus is placed on static moves and traversing. Different types of grips and foot placements are also taught. It really does not take much time to instruct students about climbing basics; they are able to independently work on the wall after two sessions of instruction.
Basic up and down climbing is addressed first, then traverse climbing, group activities and partner games are done. Climbing is great because each student is given an opportunity to challenge him or herself, based on their ability and experience.
Climbing Activities:
There are many individual, partner and group activities that may be done with students while rock climbing. I will outline a few activities I have tried.
Individual activities:
Partner and Group Activities:
Climbing Resources:
Panel manufacturers and suppliers
Vertical World
Rich Johnston-Owner
Seattle, WA
1-206-784-2846
Grip-it Climbing walls
PO Box 5003
Lutherville, MD 21094
1-877-510-2084
US Games
PO Box 117028
Carrollton, TX 75011-7028
1-800-327-0484
Hold manufacturers and suppliers:
Entre Prises USA, Inc.
Pat Carr
20512 Nels Anderson Place
Bend, OR 97701
1-800-580-5463
Metolius
63189 Nels Anderson Place
Bend, OR 97701
1-514-382-7585
Nicros
1-800-699-1975
Stone Age
1-888-325-6560
References:
Hinson, C. (1998). Rock climbing 101 (tips from the trenches). Teaching Elementary Physical Education, 9 (6), 20-21.
Hyder, M. (1999). Have your students climbing the walls: The growth of indoor rock climbing. The Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 70 (9), 32-39