Fidget Ladder

This rope ladder challenge tests participants’ physical coordination, balance and mental fortitude as they face an unstable structure. Fidget Ladder requires strategically shifting body weight to maintain stability while ascending vertically. The difficult balance activity develops confidence, risk assessment skills and determination while providing an excellent opportunity for group members to practice effective spotting techniques. Perfect for adventure education programs or physical education settings, this individual ropes course activity offers appropriate challenges for adolescents and adults.

Fidget Ladder – Rope Ladder Challenge

1. Assess your group’s physical abilities and spotting skills as required for this exercise.
2. Objective: Challenge one person at a time to use their hands and feet to climb the rope ladder from the bottom to the top without it flipping over.
3. For safety purposes, team members can position themselves as spotters on both sides of the ladder and next to the support structure at the upper end of the ladder.
4. Alert your group that the ladder may flip rapidly, in which case the:
   – Participant must hold onto the ladder tightly and allow their feet and legs to drop to the ground; and
   – Spotters must watch for and protect themselves from moving rungs.
5. Instruct the participant to not lie across the ladder, ie only their hands and feet may be in contact with the ladder.
6. Allow as many attempts as possible (for each person) within your allotted time frame.
7. Process your group’s experience at the conclusion of the task.