Friday, December 14, 2012

Adjustable Toddler Bouldering Wall -- A Tutorial

So I build a little climbing wall for my 14 month old son. I've had a few requests for information on how I built it so I thought I'd make a post with some beta. Fortunately I took photos along the way so you can see the step by step process.

First off, a couple disclaimers: Of course all forms of climbing are dangerous and climbing on this wall can also be dangerous. Always spot your child (doh, ignore photo below) and always make sure the wall is completely stable. Also, note that once built, this wall is a bit heavy (especially with holds) but can usually be moved by 2 people. I didn't try to cut weight in the design, but I'm sure a much fancier, lighter version utilizing cutting edge space materials would be lighter.

OK, I put this draft together a few months ago and still haven't gotten around to finishing with all the instructions. Since I'm super busy trying to finish my PhD in a month, I've decided to just upload this post with the pics and let you figure out the materials and the steps. Hopefully the pictures give most of the info needed. Maybe in the future, I will try to expand this post with more details.

Thanks to Rock Candy Holds for helping me outfit the wall with great indoor climbing holds!

















16 comments:

  1. Mountain climbing gear is one of the most important aspects of mountain climbing. It is vital to have the proper equipment when you do this exhilarating sport. But sometimes finding the right gear can be confusing.

    climbing tips

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    Replies
    1. hahahahaha munch on these crépes yo'ull bastard

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  2. I would love some written instructions! More so for measurements and how to properly secure it in the end.

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  3. This is a great idea. Maybe a pool noodle at the top would be a good idea. Also would like some more detailed instructions. For example how to secure it open and closed. this is a great idea and I will be getting my husband to build me one for the kids. Thanks for sharing.

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  4. This is a great idea. Maybe a pool noodle at the top would be a good idea. Also would like some more detailed instructions. For example how to secure it open and closed. this is a great idea and I will be getting my husband to build me one for the kids. Thanks for sharing.

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  5. I would not recommend building this. Climbing may be dangerous and requires disclaimers but the biggest danger is smashing little hands between the two sides if a bigger kid jumps on the structure. Notice the backup climbing rope in the picture to try to prevent this. It won't work. Climbing rope is dynamic, given sufficient force, the rope will stretch, the eye bolts will bend, the frame will rack... Nothing that collapses down like this will be safe.

    By all means, get your kids out climbing, make them fun structures with holds. Just not this one.

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  6. When we tested the safety of it, the eyebolts, and the screws holding the structure together failed. My wife and I nearly pinched our fingers in before we moved them out of the way.
    We used nine inch wood screws, and they were coming out due to the pressure. We also added 2 by 2 wood chunks to protect fingers of the little ones, and when we tested for safety, it once again failed, the pressure bent the screws in the 2 by 2's.
    She was so disappointed, she really was looking forward to our son climbing on that.
    Back to the drawing board.

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  7. Thanks for sharing this. you have shared an informattive content on your post. Keep sharing!
    Rock Climbing Holds

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  8. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  9. I read your blog on daily basis. This is really great and informative post. Thanks for sharing.
    Kids Climbing Holds

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  10. What is the weight of the bouldering wall

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  11. A very well instructions that we have been looking for our upcoming community building in the Himalayas region of Everest region

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  12. Nepal is, undoubtedly, a standout amongst the trekking destinations in the entire world. The nation isn’t just home to the world’s highest mountain- Mt. Everest (8848 m) but houses eighth of ten highest mountains in the world (8586 m), Annapurna (8091 m), Lhotse (8516 m), Makalu (8463 m), Dhaulagiri (8167m), Cho Oyu (8201m), and Manaslu (8163m).
    Trekking in Nepal

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  13. Manaslu Base Camp Larke La Pass trek is one of the famous trek routes in Nepal Himalayan region. It lies in Middle Western division of Nepal, in between Ganesh Himal ranges and Annapurna region. The Manaslu, known as “Japanese Peak” Manaslu Base Camp Trek is challenging trek in Manaslu Region. Mt. Manaslu 8165meters is best known Himal for trekking, hiking, difficult walking and an expedition which is also consider as adventure sport. It’s a recognized and well treasured but on the odd occasion visited trekking area. Manaslu Base Camp Trek (4850m) Larke La pass (5106m) trek stars from Arughat Bazzar or Sotikhola Village and following the Budhi Gandaki River, passes delightful Traditional Gurungs and Tibetans Villages. There are several routes but main Goals are crossing the Larke La pass and explore the Manaslu Base Camp.
    Manaslu Base Camp Trek

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  14. such an incredible blog, Great tip, as always. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. keep sharing, your positivity is infectious.
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  15. Hey there, greetings. Thanks a lot for sharing this information with us.
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