How we built it.
I have been evaluating and assessing my students for
the last several years in order to determine our strong and weak
areas. Every year, one of our students weakest areas is upper body strength.
For this reason, I am continually looking for ways to improve upper body strength.
Furthermore, I try to incorporate activities that are fun and
exciting to my students. I decided that I wanted to build a
transverse climbing wall. I decided on a transverse climbing wall ,
instead of a vertical climbing wall , for several reasons. First, I
knew money would be an issue and with the vertical wall you have the extra
expense of harnesses and belay systems. Secondly, I personally feel
that a vertical climbing wall is limited to just a couple of climbers at a
time, while others wait (Of course, this could be reduced by making the
climbing wall one of several stations), while a transverse wall will hold
several climbers at once, which allows for teamwork and cooperative
games. My third concern was insurance, with the transverse climbing
wall, we did not have to have any insurance adjustments (as long as the
wall could be locked up when not in use) click here to see my
solution.
The first thing that I did was to research all
that I could on price, type of wall and how to build it. To save
money, I decided that I would build the wall myself. With that being
said, let me save you some time by giving you my results. The best
price I found on climbing wall kits was at PALOS
SPORTS. Since my
gymnasium has block walls, I purchased the cinder block kit. At that
time each kit was 699.95 for a 8x24 foot wall. This kit included 216
anchors and 96 holds. I raised enough money to purchase 2 wall kits,
as I wanted a 40ft x 10ft climbing wall (don't panic when you see 10ft, I
only made it 10ft in a couple of peak areas for which I have special
mats).
After the kit we received was from Passe Montagne
and contained everything except for the drill and bits. To construct
the wall you will need a good percussion or hammer drill. We use a
large Hilty drill and it worked great. We also tried a smaller
hammer drill, but with little luck. Our district already had the
drill and bits so check there first. However, it would be worth the
renting one if your district does not already have one. So to build
you will need:
a good hammer drill
a 5/8 concrete drill bit I recommend a
small pilot bit (not necessary but I found it extremely helpful, and I
felt it reduced chipping of the block).
A Hammer
eye-protection I recommend a
small air compressor (not necessary but extremely helpful in removing
debris from the holes). Keeping the drilled hole clear of debris
will save you frustration with the anchors later. Actual construction:We
had 2 of us building the wall. We built 3 walls in 2
weekends. First, I will tell you what we did, then I will add a few
recommendations. We found it worked better if we had 1 person drill
and the other person set the anchors. The Hilty gun would drill a
hole in about 5-10 seconds, so if it is taking you alot longer you may
want to go get a bigger drill. Step 1 -
decide and mark (I used a magic marker) where you want the holes. I
also marked where I could not drill (see warning
below). I did not use their pattern exactly.
Personally, I did not drill the bottom 2 rows of block. The next row
up I drilled into the left side of each block (in most cases the
block has a left side and a right side which are hollow. drill to
the center of the hollow). The next row I also drilled the left side of
each block. I did this until I reached the height that I did
not want my students feet to exceed. about 40 inches (I teach grades
3-5, you may adjust for your levels). On the next 3 levels of block,
I drilled holes every other block, as I knew I did not want my students to have
foot holds here (I know you can paint a line but I like my way better for
two reasons): 1. it eliminates temptation to
climb higher and 2.
it saves me anchors and holds to make the wall longer or a little
higher). With that being said, I did drill some holes in case I
wanted to add holds there (when I allow them to go to the 10 ft mark or
when I give them low challenges). Now, after the 3 sparingly rows, I
continued to my designated height by drilling as described on the lower
levels. Drilling into the left side of each block. I did not
have enough anchors and holds to go 10 ft high, so I built (2) 10ft peaks in
my wall. Step 2 - One
person drilled (drilled several pilot holes with the smaller bit, then
changed bits and drilled the 5/8 holes) while the other person set
the anchors (following manufactures direction). When one of us would
tire, we would switch jobs.
WARNING - I
recommend avoiding drilling where I saw conduit in the block (in my gym I
could see where it entered from the ceiling and you know it has to travel
in a straight line down through the hollows. Look for the outlet
device to which it leads.) Step 3 - Buy
some of the small round insulation I believe it was 1/2 inch. Cut
these into about 1 inch lengths. Place these in the anchors when you
prep the wall for painting. You are now ready to prep and paint your
wall. I cannot give you more help here as I have yet to paint my
wall. However, due to the price of Gymtex, I am going to try
something different. I will let you know how it works. Step 4 -
Place your holds and have fun.
HELPFUL HINTS (Things I would do next
time): I would have used a few more volunteers to help with the
installing of the anchors. This was probably the most tedious part
of the wall building process. While they give you a tool to install the
anchors you can make more by using one of the bolts (if it is not long
enough, go to the hardware store a buy a couple) and a washer. Place
the washer on the bolt, insert the bolt and use the hold tool to install
the anchors as well. Related
pages:
Click Here to Visit Palos Sports
How we raised money
Activities and Game Ideas
*** I will
be adding pictures shortly to help with my explanation***
