A climbing day as a Christmas present

Every year I hear the same thing in the lead up to Christmas: "They've already got everything." Socks, candles and another bottle of something nice are all fine, but a day outdoors trying something new tends to stick with people a lot longer. That's why a climbing session makes a good present, whether it's for a partner, a mate who's been talking about trying climbing for years, or the whole family.

Why an experience works as a gift

A climbing day isn't something you unwrap and put in a drawer. It's a few hours in the Perth Hills on real rock, with a guide looking after the ropes and the safety side, so the person you're giving it to can simply enjoy it. And if you book it for two or more, you get to do it together, which is half the fun.

It also suits a wide range of people. Sessions run with up to 4 climbers per guide, and they work for complete beginners through to people who already climb at the gym. You don't need to be especially fit. If you can walk 20 minutes on a bush track, you can do a session, and we pace it to the group.

The best presents are the ones people talk about for months afterwards. A morning on the rock with your favourite people is one of those.

Which session to give

• Taster (3 hours): a relaxed first go at outdoor climbing for 2 or more people. Great if they're curious but not sure yet.
• Go Outdoor Climbing (5 hours): our most popular session, from $220 per person. Belaying, knots, technique and plenty of climbing.
• Bang for Your Buck (7 hours): from $255 per person, with more time to practise and more attempts on climbs.

Prices are per person, and the more of you there are, the less it costs each. If you're not sure which one suits, the Taster or the 5 hour session are both safe bets for someone who has never climbed outside.

How to give it before vouchers launch

Gift vouchers are coming soon, so you'll be able to buy one online and have it emailed straight away. Until then, the easiest way is to get in touch at hello@wootadventures.com.au and tell me who it's for and roughly what you're after. We'll sort something out together, and you'll have something to pop in a card on Christmas morning.

If you'd rather just pick a date, you can book a session online now and tell them on the day. Each climber fills in their own form and signs their own waiver before the session, so they'll get a link by email once the booking is made. For anyone under 18, a parent or guardian completes the form.

Climbing in summer

One thing to keep in mind: from December to February we don't run midday starts. Summer sessions start early in the morning or later in the afternoon to stay out of the worst of the heat. Sessions run Saturday, Sunday and Monday, so check the booking calendar for dates that suit everyone.

Whoever you're shopping for, a day on real rock is a gift they won't need to find room for. Merry Christmas from all of us at WOOT.