Learning the Ropes in Squamish, B.C. By Debbie Bowman

"Try reaching for the hold above your right hand," I shouted up to my twelve year-old daughter Amanda as she clung to the cliff five meters above me.  "I can't reach it Mom - and I can't find a good foothold either," said Amanda, frustration evident in her voice. "Dad made it look so easy." "Hang in your harness for a bit if you need a rest," I called as I belayed her from the ground.  "I know you can do this." We were climbing at the Smoke Bluffs in Squamish, B.C. on a cliff named Burgers and Fries...yes, that's right, Burgers and Fries - and just like the popular dinner, it's also a favorite with our kids.   We were climbing on our own for the first time using skills we learned one week earlier when we took an all day rock-climbing lesson.  Specifically, we learned to climb using top-ropes, a comfortable and safe way to get into the sport of climbing.  We were having a wonderful time together, confident in our knowledge and eager to try top-roping on our own.    You don't have to be a jock or a thrill seeker to get into climbing.  Since it's humble beginnings over one hundred years ago, the sport of rock-climbing has become accessible to people of all ages and abilities, from toddlers to senior citizens.  In fact, climbing is becoming increasingly mainstream every year as more and more people learn about the physical, psychological, and social benefits of climbing - benefits that are especially advantageous for children. The physical benefits of climbing for children are hard to beat.  When a child climbs he uses all of his major muscle groups.  And since he uses his own body weight to scale the cliff he develops a balanced muscle structure as well.  Climbing also builds incredible balance and even improves posture.  And as for calories burned, climbing is near the top.  In fact, your child will burn more calories per hour climbing than bicycling, swimming or even running.  Simply put, kids are pretty tired after a day of climbing.  Kids feel good about themselves after a day spent climbing too.  That's because climbing is great for boosting a child's self-esteem.  There's nothing like attempting a hard climb, thinking you can't do it part-way up, and then overcoming the obstacles anyway to eventually complete the route.  The proud smile that covers a child's face when he comes down from a difficult climb is unmatchable. Rock-climbing also improves a child's ability to focus as well as his problem-solving skills.  The child has to practice a lot of mind over matter type thinking when he is climbing.  He has to focus on the task at hand, not the distance he is from the ground.  He also has to figure out how he can make it to the top, slowly inching his way higher and higher toward his goal.  Climbing gives the child a healthy perspective of his day to day problems.  In other words, seemingly insurmountable obstacles may not look so huge after a day spent conquering cliff faces. Climbing will also benefit your child socially.  That's because climbing is a social sport.  Specifically, climbing not only increases a childs trust in himself but it also increases his trust in others.  When an individual climbs using top ropes, the belayer holds the ropes that keep the climber from falling.  Basically, the belayer has the climber's well-being in his grasp - literally.  To make it to the top of a climb the child has to trust the belayer as well as himself.  Your child may climb the rock face with his own strength but he needs the belayer on the ground to keep him safe.  As a result, rock-climbing is a team effort that encourages a strong bonding experience.  Climbing is an especially positive activity for families.  Families who climb together spend time outside enjoying nature, and most climbs involve some hiking to get to the cliff face.  In addition, climbing families will enjoy the adventure of solving problems together, conquering fears, and sharing amazing experiences.  Rock climbing is a sport that everyone should try at least once.  It's a wonderful activity, not only for the physical, psychological, and social benefits, but mainly because it's great fun.  And that fun is contagious.  When you're near a climbing wall you'll hear lots of laughter and encouraging words - and you'll see lots of smiles and high fives all around.  Don't you want to join in? "Touched it!" shouted Amanda excitedly as she tapped the anchor at the top of the route.  "Great job Amanda!" I said as I lowered her down to the ground.  "That was a tough one."  "Thanks Mom," said Amanda, beaming from ear to ear.   "I didn't think I could do it  - but I did!" "I want to try it next," said my son Alex, in his harness and ready to go.  "This climb looks like fun." Just another great day climbing together as a family.  We don't want to leave you hanging - so here's more information to get you started: To find out about family or individual lessons talk to Colin at Squamish Rock Guides - www.squamishrockguides.com . For information on climbing routes to top-rope in the Smoke Bluffs of Squamish, B.C. visit www.matthewbuckle.net/climb/beta/squamish/smokebluffs.php. To estimate the costs for your own climbing gear visit the Mountain Equipment Co-op site - www.mec.ca/Products/product_main_climbing.jsp. For a more in-depth description of top-roping visit en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top_roping. Debbie Bowman is a writer who hangs out in Vancouver with her family and on the ropes in Squamish whenever she can.