Fear and confidence
Ready when: Top-rope belaying, step by step (i3) started.
What the coach teaches
Sitting back in the rope just above the floor; sitting in the rope at half height and choosing whether to go on; move-by-move guidance for anxious climbers; letting go on command; good holds so strength is not the limit.
At home, safe only
Talk about what felt scary and what helped; no pushing.
Ask the club
How they handle fear; never force a child higher.
What you can see from the side
The child lets go and sits in the rope without panic.
Self-check what the coach confirms
The child decides their own top for the day and reaches it.
Stop and get a coach when
Tears or freezing high on the wall; lower slowly.
Intermediate is done when the child can climb a course using different techniques, tie in and climb a 5 m top rope of their choice, or passes the gym's belay check.
awiseathlete.com/sports/sport-climbing/sport-climbing-i4