Kids at Gecko

Bouldering and rock climbing are excellent activities for kids as they promote physical fitness, problem-solving skills, and confidence in a fun and engaging way. These rules, big or small, ensure that children and young people can participate safely in the sport.

1. Kids and Supervision

  • Children under 10: must be actively supervised at all times under a supervision ratio of 1 adult to 2 children. When supervising, only 1 child
    must be on the wall at a given time. 1 to 1 wall
    supervision is required.
  • Children 10-14: must be actively supervised under a supervision ration of 1 adult to 4 children. Adults must keep a clear line of sight with all children & may climb together by taking turns — children at this age are expected to follow the safety rules & be mindful of the people around them & fall zones.
  • Children under 14 years of age are not allowed to clip and un-clip themselves from an auto-belay. They must be clipped in and out of the auto-belay carabiners by their supervising adult.

Supervisors must be at least 18 years old.

2. Demonstrate safe landing

Before you climb, you must learn how to fall safely. As a supervisor, it is important to assist the child in following the technique:
  • climb down when possible, use any holds — the grey holds are there to help.
  • practice landing from a low height to gain confidence.
  • land on both feet evenly — bend your knees & roll onto your butt.
  • avoid rotating your body or using your arms when landing.
  • let the mat absorb your impact.

3. Age Limits

  • Kids can start rock climbing at Gecko from age 3, provided our harnesses fit and the child weighs at least 16kg.
  • Kids under 14 must be clipped on and off the auto-belays by a supervising adult.
  • Kids must be ages 6+ for bouldering.
  • The Training Area at the northern end of the gym is stricly ages 16+.

4. NT Sports Voucher program

  • Gecko Climb is a registered supplier under the NT Sports Voucher Scheme. Information on the scheme and how to apply can be found here.
  • Sports Vouchers can be redeemed at Gecko Climb for the following:
    • Youth Memberships
    • Coaching sessions
    • Climbing retail equipment incluidng climbing shoes and harnesses.

5. Child safety statement

Gecko Climb is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people and has zero tolerance for child abuse. Gecko Climb acknowledges that each member of its staff and of the community broadly, have a responsibility to understand the important role they play as individuals, and collectively, in developing and maintaining a child-safe culture and an environment that ensures the empowerment, wellbeing and safety of children and young people.

Gecko Climb is committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, the cultural safety of children with diverse backgrounds, and to providing a safe environment for children with a disability.

Gecko Climb takes all allegations and concerns of child abuse very seriously and responds to them in accordance with our policies and procedures. Gecko Climb is committed to providing the resources and support to its staff and the community so that child safety underpins our operations on all levels.