UKH

My 12 yr old son has been doing the nicas indoor climbing for about a year and as he is starting to do some trickier routes the instructor suggested getting his own climbing shoes (with a bit of curve) and a harness.

Any suggestions for type or brands? I'm completely clueless.

Thanks

You'll need to check both the harness and shoes for fit , so the best thing to do is good to a shop with a decent range of both, explain to the staff there what you're after and they'll be able to help.

OK, thanks, will do that. Do Cotswold Outdoors do this, or not specialist enough? Or would something like 'Rock On - Climbing' in London (quite a bit further, but doable) be better?

Thanks again

Decathlon do a simple range and small sizes of both shoes and harnesses. Good value. 

Cotswold would probably be fine.

Rock On would give you great advice and have much more choice. I would go there if you are able to.

One tip. At 12 he might be growing out of the larger of the kids harnesses and the small mens harnesses might be too big. If there is a model you like then the ladies version will go to a smaller size often without much difference in fit.

Great! Yes, the instructor said to try ladies x small for the harness.

Also, can I just ask which forum you think would be best to ask about this: I know he would love to try actual outdoor climbing. He's apparantly a v good climber, but the issue is that he has autism and needs a 1:1 instructor at the moment. I don't know how to find out if there are any options.

Thanks