6 Cool Rock Climbing Trends + DIY Climbing Walls (GALLERY)

Want to give your kids the enjoyment of rock climbing without the fear of them falling from great heights? Well, with relatively low expense and construction experience maybe you can. Popular Mechanics shows how Jon Popham, of Vancouver Island, Canada, built a 12’ high backyard climbing wall in about 20 hours for as little as $700 in materials.

The complete instructions can be found on popularmechanics.com. PM emphasizes, “As a general rule, don’t build a wall any higher than you are willing to let your kid fall.”

I would also suggest an old mattress or plenty of sofa cushions at the base!

Not up for a build it yourself project? Here’s some other cool rocking climbing themed ideas from Trend Hunter:

Inflatable Iceberg

(TREND HUNTER) Are there any others out there that think an inflatable iceberg would be a blast?  I’m looking at the rock climbing wall and thinking of how much more fun it must be to fall into a pool.  This looks sweet!… [More]

Rock Climbing Treadmill - Climb Forever on a ‘Treadwall’ (GALLERY)

(TREND HUNTER) I have tried indoor rock climbing a few times and it, excuse the pun, rocks. I’ve also often wished I could have a ‘wall’ in my backyard. Theoretically now I could, that is if I had the $10,000 to… [More]

AquaClimb - Rock Climbing in a Pool

(TREND HUNTER) Last September, Trend Hunter discovered an Inflatable Iceberg for your pool.  Now there’s another invention for wall climbing in your pool. AquaClimb provides rock-climbing in the pool. You can get… [More]

Interior Design Meets The Gym - A Climbing Wall That Uses Picture Frames, Mirrors And More (GALLERY)

(TREND HUNTER) In Japan the ultimate climbing wall for the fashion loving, cool hunting, trend setters has been designed. [More]

Vibram Fivefingers Climbing Shoes

(TREND HUNTER) Vibram has released its latest climbing shoe / sandals which include separate slots for each of your toes.  As Vibram states, “Go barefood - without leaving yourself exposed” [More]

Extreme Hotels - Luxury For Adrenaline Junkies + Building Itself is a Climbing Wall (GALLERY)

(TREND HUNTER) The Extreme Group, which is one of the ‘fastest growing youth focuse brands,’ has launched its first Extreme Hotel.  The hotel, located in Capetown is an ultra hip 130 bedroom hotel that features a 5 star… [More]