Climbing is a fantastic activity for teenagers. It’s exciting, social (and keeps them active off the pesky gaming consoles) and develops good balance, coordination and strength.

Teenagers have an ever-developing awareness of risk and self-preservation and whilst not officially adults until they turn 18, they are permitted to ride mopeds, drive cars and get married. This is developing 'self-awareness' is reflected within the climbing industry and most climbing centres have a progressive approach to teenagers.

Teenagers aged 14+ can work towards gaining unsupervised access and those aged 16+ have similar access to adults.

Our system is called a GREENCARD

TEENAGERS AT HIGHBALL

Aged 12 to 15 can:

Be supervised by an adult e.g. friend/family member

Attend a supervised session – see below.

Written consent from a parent/guardian (provided via the activity registration form) will be required before taking part, however, parents/guardians do not need to be present in the centre for the session.

Teenagers aged 14+ can register for unsupervised climbing once they have achieved their GREENCARD* (see below).

Aged 16 and 17 can:

Be supervised by an adult e.g. friend/family member

Attend a supervised session – see below.

Attend any of the adult courses where they can learn to climb independently and without supervision; effectively this is a fast track GREENCARD.

GETTING STARTED

We have a range of supervised climbing sessions suitable for teenagers, from one off ‘have go’ taster sessions, to pay as you go club sessions and ongoing coaching through our Youth Academy.

All these sessions can support the achievement of a GREENCARD.

Bouldering Club

£10.50 pp

Pay as You Go

Bouldering is climbing at a lower level (up to 4.5meters) without a rope or harness. Whilst the floor is covered in a soft mat, it does not make bouldering safe. Our instructors aim to maximise bouldering time whilst also reinforcing safe practice, promoting self-preservation and helping young climbers develop basic climbing techniques.

No previous experience necessary

GREENCARD - Yes

60 Min Group

Age 8-16 yrs

*ADVANCE BOOKING REQUIRED*

NO SESSIONS CURRENTLY

Intro to Bouldering

From £20 pp

Pay As You Go

The Intro to Bouldering is a supervised 60-minute group session which teaches you all the key information you need to get bouldering safely. It is the quickest and easiest way to get climbing independently - without supervision - and covers the risks & how to minimise them, best practice and climbing wall etiquette. These are suitable for teenagers with previous experience.

Previous experience necessary

GREENCARD - Yes

60 Min Group Session

Age 14+

*ADVANCE BOOKING REQUIRED*

BOOK NOW

THE GREENCARD

A GREENCARD allows teenagers aged 14+ to climb and/or boulder without the supervision of an adult. It is a privilege earned by displaying safe climbing under supervision and having an understanding and acceptance of the risks. Teenagers who wish to climb unsupervised must attend a course or a number of supervised sessions before taking the unsupervised access test in the presence of a parent or guardian*.

Note: A GREENCARD is a privilege, not a right. Young climbers who climb dangerously or behave immaturely could have their GREENCARD removed.

Greencard (Bouldering)

Teenagers aged 14+ who want to have unsupervised access to the bouldering walls will need to attend BOULDERINGCLUB.

Once the climber demonstrates a clear understanding of the risks of indoor bouldering and consistent safe bouldering and behaviour, the instructor will ask the climber to invite their parent/guardian to join them for the sign off briefing*. 16 & 17-year-olds can opt for direct access via the Bouldering Induction.

SIGN OFF:

You need to be aged 14+
Be aware of and understand ‘The Risks’ and how to minimise them
Understand how to keep yourself and others safe whilst bouldering – this will include safe use of all required equipment.
Displays consistently safe behaviour

Greencard (Climbing)

Teenagers wanting to use both climbing and bouldering walls without supervision will also need to demonstrate how to use a harness and belay device safely.

Once the young climber can demonstrate consistent safe use of climbing equipment and shows and understanding of climbing risks and how to climb safely, the instructor will then ask the climber to invite their parent/guardian to join them for the sign off briefing*. 16 & 17 year olds can opt for direct access via the Intro to Climbing Course.

SIGN OFF:

You need to be aged 14+ (16+ for lead climbing)
Be aware of and understand ‘The Risks’ and how to minimise them
Understand how to keep yourself and others safe whilst climbing and bouldering – this will include safe use of all required equipment.
Displays consistently safe behaviour