PORTSIDE
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Portside Boulders is primarily designed as an adult-focused climbing facility for those over the age of 18.
However, we do make efforts to accommodate younger climbers. We offer dedicated youth climbing programs designed to introduce younger climbers to the sport in a safe and supportive environment. See below for our Youth Programs.
Pebbles Class (4-8 yrs)
Program Snapshot
- Ages: 4-8 years
- Experience level: No experience needed
- Session length: 1 hour
- Locations: All Portside venues (O’Connor, Osborne Park, Willetton, Joondalup)
- Parent attendance: Parents must stay within the gym during class, but the coaches will supervise the children.
- What to wear: Comfy clothes they can move in. We provide all the gear (shoe and chalk hire is included)
What this program is
A fun and playful way for kids to learn bouldering. Pebbles Club teaches essential climbing skills through on-the-wall games in a safe, supervised environment.
What kids will do each week
A typical session includes:
- Warm-up games to get everyone moving
- Age-appropriate climbing skills taught through simple activities
- One-on-one guidance from our friendly coaches
- Supportive challenges that help kids try new things
Safety & Supervision
We design every session with safety front and centre. Our goal is to keep kids safe, supported, and excited to come back.
- Padded mats and age-appropriate climbs
- Close coach supervision throughout the session
- Clear rules taught in a gentle, easy to understand way
What’s included
- Climbing shoe and chalk hire
- Class entry for your child
- All Pebbles classes include a full-day pass for continued climbing after class (parent supervision required)
What to bring/know before you come
- Comfy clothes your child can move in
- A water bottle
- All climbing gear is provided
- Parent supervision is required outside class time
Timetable
Locations: O’Connor, Osborne Park, Willetton, Joondalup
Days: Saturdays & Sundays all year round
Time: 8:00am – 9:00am
Pricing
| Pack | Price |
| 10-Class Pack | $210 |
|
10-Class Pack (Direct Debit Members) Child must hold a membership |
$90 |
|
10-Class Pack + Concession 10-Visit Bundle Normally $210 + $150 |
$345 |
Ready to Book?
Book Now ↗
Bookings are essential – we keep a supportive ratio of coaches to kids per class.
FAQ
Q: My child can’t make a class, what do I do?
A: Your 10-Class Pack is valid for 10 consecutive weeks — but we get that life happens. If your child can’t attend, let us know and we’ll hold their spot.
-
- On Holidays?
- Email youth@portsideboulders.com.au at least 1 week in advance to skip a session.
- Feeling Unwell?
- Send a doctor’s note and we won’t use your pass for that week.
- On Holidays?
Q: What should I do during the class?
A: Parents don’t need to actively supervise but should stay at the gym. Feel free to stick around and hang out in the cafe area!
Q: What if my child is shy or nervous?
A: No worries at all! Our coaches are great at helping kids warm up slowly and find their confidence.
Q: Can beginners join?
A: Absolutely, most Pebbles kids start with no climbing experience.
Youth Club (9-17 yrs)
Program Snapshot
- Ages: We run two streams based on age:
Youth Club for ages 9-13
Youth Club+ for ages 14-17 - Experience level: No experience needed.
- Session length: 1.5 hours on your chosen days.
- Locations: All Portside venues (O’Connor, Osborne Park, Willetton, Joondalup). Please note Youth Club+ is not currently available at Willetton.
- Parent attendance: Not required.
What this program is
A term program for young climbers to learn, grow and get climbing.
Our Youth Club is a 10-week bouldering program for ages 9–17, designed to teach technique, build strength, and boost confidence on and off the wall. Each session is led by our experienced coaches, with a mix of skills-based drills, games, and climbing time.
What kids will do each week
A typical session includes:
- Warm-up games and movement activities
- Skill-based climbing suited to their age and ability
- Individual guidance from our coaches
- Supported challenges that encourage confidence and problem-solving
Safety & Supervision
Safety is built into every session.
- Padded mats and age-appropriate climbs
- Close coach supervision throughout the class
- Clear rules taught in a calm, easy-to-understand way
- Sessions designed to keep kids safe, supported, and keen to come back
- Parent supervision required outside class time for those under 15
What’s included
- Climbing shoe & chalk hire during class
- Class entry for your child
- Full-day pass after class (parent supervision required)
- FREE Portside Youth T-Shirt
- 10-week boulder coaching program
- 10-week gym membership: climb anytime during open hours (adult supervision required; shoes & chalk hire extra)
- 1.5 hr class on your chosen days
- 10% off in-store items over $20
- Bring 1 friend free for general climbing per month (not valid for classes)
What to bring/know before you come
- Comfy clothes your child can move in
- A water bottle
- All climbing gear is provided
- Active parent supervision is required if climbing outside class time
Timetable
Youth Club (Ages 9–13)
O’Connor
Mon, Wed & Fri – 4:00pm to 5:30pm
Sat – 9:00am to 10:30am
Osborne Park & Willetton
Tues & Thurs – 4:00pm to 5:30pm
Sat – 9:00am to 10:30am
Youth Club+ (Ages 14–17)
O’Connor
Mon, Wed & Fri – 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Osborne Park
Tues & Thurs – 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Sat – 10:30am to 12:00pm
Pricing (per term – 10 weeks)
| Classes per Week | Portside Members | Non-Members |
| 1 | $100 | $374 |
| 2 | $190 | $464 |
| 3 | $270 | $544 |
Ready to Book?
Book Now
Bookings are essential – we keep a supportive ratio of coaches to kids per class.
FAQ
Q: My child can’t make a class, what do I do?
A: Youth Program is valid for 10 consecutive weeks — but we get that life happens. If your child can’t attend, let us know and we’ll hold their spot.
-
- On Holidays?
- Email youth@portsideboulders.com.au at least 1 week in advance to skip a session.
- Feeling Unwell?
- Send a doctor’s note and we won’t use your pass for that week.
- On Holidays?
Q: What should I do during the class?
A: Parents are free to stick around and hang out in the cafe area, but are also free to leave and come back once class is done.
Q: What if my child is shy or nervous?
A: No worries at all! Our coaches are great at helping kids warm up slowly and find their confidence.
Q: Can beginners join?
A: Absolutely, most Youth start with no climbing experience.
Holiday Classes (9-17 yrs)
Program Snapshot
- Ages: 9-17
- Experience level: No experience required.
- Session length: 3 hours
- Locations: All Portside venues (O’Connor, Osborne Park, Willetton, Joondalup)
- Parent attendance: Not required
- What to wear: Comfy clothes they can move in. We provide all the gear (shoe and chalk hire is included).
What this program is
School’s out. Let’s climb.
Our Holiday Classes are a great way for kids and teens to stay active over the break — learning new skills, making friends, and having fun on the wall. Each 3-hour session is led by experienced coaches and includes everything they need to get started, no experience required.
They’ll work on problem-solving, coordination and confidence in a supportive group setting. All gear is included, and no parent supervision is needed during class.
Spots are limited — book ahead to secure yours.
What kids will do each week
A typical session includes:
- Learn basic climbing skills and safety
- Build coordination, problem-solving, and confidence
- Make friends in a supportive, fun group
- Challenge themselves on a variety of boulders
Safety & Supervision
We design every session with safety front and centre. Our goal is to keep kids safe, supported, and excited to come back.
- Padded mats and age-appropriate climbs
- Close coach supervision throughout the session
- Clear rules taught in a gentle, easy to understand way
What’s included
- 3-hour coached climbing session
- Shoe and chalk hire
- Entry to the gym for the session
- 10% sibling discount — book together to save
No need for parents to stay during the session
Bookings apply to a single Portside location.
What to bring/know before you come
- Comfy clothes your child can move in
- A water bottle
- All climbing gear is provided
- Parent supervision is required outside class time
Timetable
O’Connor & Osborne Park
Mon, Wed & Fri – 9:00am to 12:00pm or 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Willetton & Joondalup
Tues & Thurs – 9:00am to 12:00pm or 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Sat – 9:00am to 12:00pm
Pricing
$35 per class
Includes:
- Entry to Portside (for the class only)
- Shoe + chalk hire
Book online to reserve your spot.
Ready to Book?
Book Now↗
Bookings are essential – we keep a supportive ratio of coaches to kids per class!
FAQ
Q: What should my child wear?
A: Comfy clothes they can move in. Shoe and chalk are provided.
Q: What should I do during the class?
A: Parents are free to stick around and hang out in the cafe area, but are also free to leave and come back once class is done.
Q: What if my child is shy or nervous?
A: No worries at all! Our coaches are great at helping kids warm up slowly and find their confidence.
Q: Can beginners join?
A: Absolutely, most Youth start with no climbing experience.
Q: Can my child attend multiple days?
A: Yes! Each session is self-contained, so kids can join multiple days for extra fun. Just make sure you book!
Youth Holiday Membership
Program Snapshot
- Ages: 9–17
- Experience level: All levels welcome
- Access: Unlimited climbing during school holidays
- Parent supervision: Required for climbers under 15
What this program is
This membership gives your child the flexibility to climb whenever they want during the school holiday period.
- No structured classes — climb freely in our gyms (with adult supervision)
- Freedom to choose what walls, routes, or challenges to try
- Encourages independence, confidence, and fun
Safety & Supervision
Even without a structured class, safety is our top priority.
- Padded mats
- Clear rules and guidelines taught for safe climbing
- Adult supervision is a must for climbers under 16
What’s included
- Unlimited climbing across all Portside gyms during school holiday period
- Shoe and chalk hire included
✘ Does not include access to holiday classes
What to bring/know before you come
- Comfy clothes for climbing
- Water bottle
- All gear provided
- Adult supervision required for climbers under 16
Pricing
- $40 per week
- Valid during school holiday periods only.
How to sign up
Available in-gym only at Front Desk.
Ask staff for more details when you arrive – it’s quick and easy to get started.
YOUTH
HIGHER TRAINING
Portside has dedicated coaching programs for young climbers looking to advance their skills to higher levels, and even enter the competition circuit. See below for what we offer.
Dev Squad (Higher Training 10-17 yrs)
Program Snapshot
- Ages: 10-17
- Experience level: Intermediate to Advanced
Session length: 1.5 hours - Locations: All Portside venues (O’Connor, Osborne Park, Willetton, Joondalup)
- Parent attendance: Not required
- What to wear: Comfy clothes they can move in. Gear hire is available, but at this level own gear is expected.
What this program is
Smaller groups. Bigger gains.
Development Squad is for climbers aged 9–17 who’ve progressed beyond Youth Club and are ready to take things further. These sessions focus on refining technique, building strength, and setting goals – with personalised coaching and a tighter group format to support individual growth.
It’s ideal for motivated young climbers looking to step up in their climbing journey, whether they’re working towards comps or just want to push their own limits.
What kids will do each week
A typical session includes:
- A team leader or head coach to coach this class (our most experienced coaches)
- A full assessment of the athlete so we can develop a customised training program
- A team of highly motivated athletes who are dedicated to growing together
- Access to the youth access fund to help with competition access
- Goal-setting and progress tracking each session
- Strength, movement, and technique drills tailored to individual ability
What’s included
- Class entry
- Gear hire is available, but at this level own gear is expected.
- 10-week advanced level boulder coaching program
- 10-week gym membership: climb anytime during open hours (adult supervision required; shoes & chalk hire extra)
- FREE Portside Youth Tee
- 10% off in-store items over $20
- Bring 1 friend free for general climbing per month (not valid for classes)
What to bring/know before you come
- This will be covered in the onboarding process once you have been accepted into the Development squad.
Timetable
O’Connor & Osborne Park
Mon, Wed & Fri – 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Willetton & Joondalup Tues & Thurs – 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Sat – 10:30am to 12:00pm
Pricing (per term – 10 weeks)
| Classes per week | Portside Members | Non-members |
| 2 | $230 | $504 |
| 3 | $330 | $604 |
Ready to Book?
FAQ
Q: How is this different to Youth Club?
A: Development Squad is for advanced climbers ready to train in a smaller group with personalised coaching. Focus is on technique, strength, and progression rather than general play or exploration.
Q: How can my kid be involved?
A: We run Performance Pathway tryouts Annually, although spots are always up for review. This is the perfect time for your child to try out for these programs and see whether they are suitable.
Q: Do kids need to compete?
A: No. While competition prep is included, the program is equally suitable for those aiming to improve personal performance.
Q: What equipment is needed?
A: Shoes and chalk can be provided during sessions but at this level, we strongly recommend purchasing your own high-level shoes. Climbing clothes should allow free movement.
Q: Can kids attend extra days?
A: Yes! Development Squad members can climb outside class during open hours with adult supervision (shoes & chalk hire extra).
Q: What age/skill level is suitable?
A: Ages 10–17 who have progressed beyond Youth Club or have equivalent climbing experience.
The Squad (Higher Training 12-17 yrs)
Program Snapshot
-
- Ages: 12-17
- Experience level: Elite
- Session length: 2 hours
- Locations: O’Connor only at this point
- Parent attendance: Not required
- What to wear: Comfy clothes they can move in.
What this program is
High-level coaching for high-performing climbers.
The Squad is our elite program for youth climbers who’ve progressed beyond Development Squad and are focused on competition-level performance. With capped class sizes (max. 6 per group), each athlete gets personalised coaching and structured programming to keep their progression on track.
It’s a space for serious climbers who are committed to refining their craft and performing at the highest level.
What kids will do each week
A typical session includes:
- A team leader or head coach to coach this class (our most experienced coaches)
- A full assessment of the athlete
- A customised online delivered training program
- Strength, movement, and technique drills tailored to individual ability
- Goal-setting and progress tracking each session
- Working with a team of highly motivated athletes who are dedicated to growing together
- Access to the Youth Access Fund to help with competition access
What’s included
- Gear hire is available, but at this level own gear is expected.
- 10-week advanced level boulder coaching program
- 10-week gym membership: climb anytime during open hours (adult supervision required; shoes & chalk hire extra)
- FREE Portside Youth Tee
- 10% off in-store items over $20
- Bring 1 friend free for general climbing per month (not valid for classes)
What to bring/know before you come
- This will be covered in the onboarding process once you have been accepted into the Squad.
Timetable
O’Connor + Osborne Park
Mon, Wed & Fri – 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Willetton & Joondalup
Tues & Thurs – 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Sat – 10:00am to 12:00pm
Pricing (per term – 10 weeks)
|
Classes per week |
Portside Members |
Non-members |
|
3 classes/week |
$450 |
$724 |
Ready to Book?
Squad entry is by application only.
Trials are available — just fill out the form linked below and we’ll be in touch to chat next steps.
FAQ
Q: How is this different to Youth Club?
A: The Squad is for elite climbers only, ready to train in a smaller group with personalised coaching focused on competition-level performance.
Q: How can my kid be involved?
A: We run Performance Pathway tryouts Annually, although spots are always up for review. This is the perfect time for your child to try out for these programs and see whether they are suitable.
Q: Do kids need to compete?
A: To fit in with the rest of the team’s goals it can be a good idea to be competition focused, but it’s not a fixed requirement.
Q: What equipment is needed?
A: Shoes and chalk can be provided during sessions but at this level, we strongly recommend purchasing your own high-level shoes. Climbing clothes should allow free movement.
Q: Do Squad members have Portside membership included in their classes?
A: Yes, Squad members have membership included in their term fees.
YOUTH JOURNEY
Not sure about which program will suit your child? Ready for higher training, but not sure where to start?
Check out our Journey map below. Our pathways indicate where Youth can move to once they have progressed past a certain class.
YOUTH CLIMBING POLICY
(4 – 15 years old)
For the safety and enjoyment of all climbers, please ensure you adhere to our policies. You may be refused entry if these requirements are not met.
- Climbers must be at least 4 years of age.
A child is considered anyone under the age of 16. - All children and supervising adults must complete our waiver and safety induction.
- For every 2 children, there must be at least 1 adult supervising at all times.
- All climbers must wear climbing shoes.
- Bookings are required for groups of more than 4 children, and must be approved by the gym ahead of time.
- Important: Strictly NO kids birthday parties. Our facility is not suitable for kids birthday parties, and we therefore do not allow them at Portside.
ACTIVE SUPERVISION means ‘within arms reach or within a few steps away’. It is also imperative that no running, cartwheels or similar types of activities be undertaken by the child in the climbing area (or adult for that matter) as it significantly increases the risks of injury.
YOUTH BOOKING POLICY
(11 – 15 years old ONLY)
- 4 – 10 years old – NO group bookings allowed – we suggest that you check out our Pebbles or Youth program.
- 11 – 15 years old – group bookings are possible, but MUST be booked with a coach, plus the below:
- Bookings will not be accepted for groups that include participants under 11 years old.
- We have a STRICT policy of one (1) adult supervisor/ participant for every four (4) children.
OLDER KIDS
(16-18 years old)
Youth aged 16-18 do NOT require a supervisor to climb with us.
Once someone is 18+ they will be able to supervise others, but they must not be climbing at the same time.
One adult may not be responsible for more than 2 youth (15 and under).
Before climbing, participants under 18 must have their waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Anyone supervising youth will need to be inducted and have a waiver completed with Portside.
You can now apply for an exemption to our supervision policies for children aged 14 and older who are currently enrolled in our Youth Programs. If successful they would be able to climb without a supervisor.
We will base our decision on these applications on the behaviour, attitude, and sense of responsibility of the youth during classes.
Finally, climbing unsupervised is a privilege. If the application is granted but exempt youth exhibit unsafe behaviour, they will risk losing this privilege. Any Portside staff member reserves the right to revoke an exemption if unsafe behaviour is observed.
If you would like to begin an application you can do so here.
YOUTH
ACCESS
FUND
The Portside Youth Competition Access Fund aims to support young Portside climbers’ access to the competition circuit both nationally and internationally. 100% of your donation will go towards this goal with all associated administrative labour being undertaken by volunteers!
The fund has two main sources of contribution:
1. Donations made to Portside Boulders by members/casuals during various competition and/or fund raising events.
2. Donations made by members, casual climbers or other people to the fund directly.
We also have local businesses such as Climbit Physio, who hold stalls at our events and offer all proceedings to our Youth Access Fund. Thank you, Climbit!
So your contribution matters!
YOUTH ACCESS
FUND – ELIGIBILITY
Portside Boulders Youth Access Fund has a strict set of eligibility criteria to ensure it goes to those who are most in need.
Check out the PDF in the button below.
Youth Nationals,
Markus (O’Connor)
2023
Youth Nationals,
Ashlee B. (Osborne Park)
2023
Youth Nationals,
Sport Climbing Western Australia
2023