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Watch: Toddler rock climbing without a harness

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A US mother posted a video on Facebook last week of her 19-month-old daughter climbing an artificial rock wall without a harness.

In the almost two-minute long clip, the toddler is seen choosing various handholds and slowly navigating her way up the wall.

Mrs Rachel Lee Farmer wrote: "I had to drag her out of the gym today, even after an hour of play she didn't want to stop climbing! 

"I love how she takes the time to work through the crux and top it out."

According to Facebook, they live in Arizona.

 

 

People have been asking for a new climbing video that has more diversity in the movement... well, the Little Zen Monkey has delivered! I had no idea until recently but her last climbing video had over a half million views and was also somehow shared by a few climbing gyms and Deuter packs (the company of that cute little backpack she was wearing). I'm glad others enjoy watching kids climb as much as I do. She's 19 months here. The wall is vertical to start and transitions into a slab towards the top. I had to drag her out of the gym today, even after an hour of play she didn't want to stop climbing! I love how she takes the time to work through the crux and top it out.

Posted by Rachael Lee Farmer on Saturday, June 20, 2015

 

The Mirror reported that the clip caused controversy, with some voicing concern about the girl's safety.

Facebook user Virginia Eaton wrote: "I'd feel better if she had a harness..."

Mrs Farmer replied: "She was perfectly safe, safer than if she were in a harness and on a rope."

She added: "We always have a spotter on her even if you can't see it in the video."

Said Mrs Farmer, who is a fitness buff: "I am far from a novice climber myself and would never put my child in danger.

"That said, I will push her to be independent and strong just as she is in this video."

The proud mother wrote in a separate post: "I encourage her climbing and try to make it as fun and creative as possible."

 

 

Zak Farmer I wish you could have joined us! We'll have to take you back there.

Posted by Rachael Lee Farmer on Friday, June 19, 2015

 

 


Mrs Farmer's daughter did not learn to climb overnight, of course. Here are other videos of the toddler in action.

 

 

I thought I'd share her progress :) Zak even got her to down climb the entire wall yesterday.

Posted by Rachael Lee Farmer on Tuesday, May 19, 2015

 

 

 

 

Posted by The Little Zen Monkey on Tuesday, June 23, 2015

 

 

 

Figuring it out a little more...

Posted by The Little Zen Monkey on Tuesday, June 23, 2015

 

 

 

Learning her new wall.

Posted by The Little Zen Monkey on Monday, June 22, 2015

 

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