Belaying climbing. Belaying for competition is a specific type of belaying and is very Jun 23, 2024 · There are different belaying techniques depending on the type of climbing, such as top rope belaying, lead climbing belaying, and multi-pitch belaying. Jan 20, 2014 · When Tommy Caldwell or Mayan Smith-Gobat work a free climb high on El Capitan, the crux may be finding a belayer willing to put in days of duty in an isolated and exposed location. Mar 5, 2025 · A coach nearly killed a professional climber last year due to improper Petzl GriGri use. We break it down with this guide to belaying and climbing on the sharp end. Perform the the PBUS belay method. The result is a comprehensive comparison-tested review, and some Nov 14, 2024 · Belaying: The Backbone of Climbing Safety Belaying is the essential technique that ensures a climber’s safety while ascending, pausing, or descending. Or better yet, take our lead climbing class and impress your friends by setting up the route for them! See our LESSONS page for more details! Learn how to belay. Emphasis is placed on the skills needed to belay in a controlled environment. Mar 27, 2023 · “Aside from knowing how to safely operate the belay devices, giving a soft catch is the most important, and least understood, aspect of great belaying. Many climbing gyms will ask to see your belay certification or do a test before you are allowed to belay. Jun 5, 2025 · When you’re rock climbing, it’s important that you be able to communicate with your belayer. This offering is currently not running. We cover gear, setup, safety, communication and technique. Jul 19, 2022 · You might be lighter than your partner, but you can still belay with confidence. This article covers everything from setup to lowering the climber, so it's perfect for beginners and experienced climbers alike. Dec 28, 2022 · How you hold the rope is just one aspect of the belay—no more or less important than vigilance, rope management, how and where you stand, and communication. Feb 22, 2020 · Belaying is an often overlooked, but essential skill to safe climbing, we share how to belay when climbing safely for top roping and lead climbing. ” Dec 15, 2021 · Belaying from above is also common when trad climbing on routes with natural anchors, even on single-pitch climbs. When you're attached to the anchor, you'll need to choose a method to belay your partner. This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step process to ensure safe and effective rope management, allowing climbers to support their partners while minimizing risks. Try out the NEOX and fine tune your belay technique! May 6, 2012 · Sometime in the early 2000’s a new belay method came into vogue called the Hands Down or the PBUS. Topics include better lead climbing techniques, dynamic belaying, and mental approaches to combating stress and fatigue on the wall. L. ” With that in mind, problems in a belaytionship often stem from elsewhere in the relationship. This method is now the standard for climbing gyms, climbing schools and guide companies to teach. In climbing, it refers to controlling the rope while your partner climbs, so you can help prevent them from falling very far when they lose their grip on the wall. Jul 24, 2025 · If you’re climbing a lot or belaying someone on their project, your neck will definitely start to feel it. Mar 24, 2016 · Hanging belays suck. Jul 21, 2018 · Tell leader if they back clip (more of an issue when sport climbing, not a concern with long runners). In this class you will learn how to lead belay (w/ Gri-Gri and ATC Pilot), communicate and check gear, properly clip, and fall as safely as possible. Having Learn how to belay a follower from above on a trad climb or multi-pitch sport route. Often, the solution is to go alone, rehearsing the key pitches by solo toproping. Mar 12, 2025 · The Petzl NEOX solves the critical issue with most assisted braking belay devices — unwanted rope locking when feeding slack. Nov 2, 2021 · The word belaying originates from an old nautical term meaning to stop or desist from. The belayer should also consider whether a mobile anchor, or Ohm is appropriate, to prevent being pulled too Feb 1, 2022 · Transitioning from top roping to lead climbing can be a big challenge. Aug 2, 2023 · Lead climbing and belaying effectively involve many nuances. Climbers spend half of their time belaying—make sure you know all of the nuanced tips on how to belay in every situation. The author shares tips from decades of climbing and guiding. The fundamental belay commands that initiate a climb to the instructions needed to create a safe, efficient, and enjoyable climb. It’s interesting, therefore, to see how little agreement there is about the Learn the essential techniques and steps for belaying in rock climbing. Climbing harnesses feature belay loops that attach, via a locking carabiner, to a belay device. Jun 26, 2023 · Belaying, in essence, is a sophisticated method of controlling a rope to ensure a climber's safety. Prismatic lenses allow belayers to watch their climber closely without straining their neck. This creates a continuous loop that protects the climber in case of a fall. Sep 21, 2023 · After months of testing, our avid rock climber and resident expert found the best climbing belay devices of 2023. Pricing: Free for Members Apr 8, 2020 · It's an eternal debate among climbers: When it comes to comfort versus practicality, are belay glasses worth it? May 28, 2024 · We test climbing belay devices for all types of climbing. When belaying the second up to your stance, as the second approaches the anchor, the belayer tells them two things: 1) where to clip and 2) where to stand. Apr 24, 2023 · An auto belay is a mechanical device that is used in rock climbing to provide an effective and efficient way of lowering a climber to the ground after they have completed their climb. These fundamental principals run from the most basic belay to the most advance. Sep 19, 2024 · Learn the definition of "on belay" and its importance in rock climbing, including common mistakes to avoid and benefits of proper belaying. This is also known as belaying the second (i. PRACTICAL | Easy to use, hardcase with carabiner, neck strap, microfiber glasses cloth and spare screws included Correct belaying methods allow a belayer to hold the entire weight of the climber with relatively little force and easily arrest falls. Fortunately, you can use basic, universal commands that are easy to remember. A Beginners guide to basic belays for rock climbing. Seven tips—to work on now and, as climber and belayer, continually. I first saw the dangers of belaying a heavier climber back when I started rock climbing in college. In climbing, a belayer holds a lead climber’s rope and feeds it out as the leader advances upward. Learn the basics of top rope belaying, including gear, setup, safety checks and procedures, plus the PBUS method and how to lower a climber. How to pass a belay certification? Mar 15, 2016 · Belay Devices Unlike the terrain or body belay techniques used historically in rock climbing, a modern belay device introduces a more consistent and functional supply of friction to a belay system. We give a few tips for effective belaying, assembling This 2-hour class is designed to give you the tools to advance and improve your lead climbing and belay skills to the best of your abilities. Learn to belay a lead climber, including how it differs from top-rope belaying. Climbing Nomads How to bottom rope belay in a safe and efficient way is a vital skill for any climber. Nov 1, 2021 · Understanding proper belay technique is of critical importance —the link between climber, rope, and belayer is what keeps us alive. In a standard top rope setting, the belayer stands below the climber as they ascend, controlling Apr 28, 2025 · Learn the safest methods for toprope belaying. An in depth step by step guide on how to belay plus information and explanations to answer the question of what is belaying? Lessons Interested in taking your rock climbing to the next level? Well, why not learn in the controlled, safe environment at Stoneworks, where one of our professional instructors will show you the ropes. Aid climbing gloves are great for belaying too. Don’t forget, you still have time to skill up for that outdoor climbing trip you’re taking! Sign up for one of our top rope belay classes and be able to give your friends a belay on some routes. These articles explain how to belay using a top rope system and how to climb safely at an indoor climbing wall. The belay line is a vital part of the belaying process and the way it works varies depending on what belay style and device are being used. U. Rope climbers must pass our belay certification test prior to top rope climbing (the tall walls). Belaying ensures that if the lead climber falls, they will One of the first skills you need to master once you start climbing is how to belay. Belaying is an integral part of top-rope climbing inside and outside the gym. Belay lessons often fill up, so reserving a spot prior to your first visit is recommended. Needless to say, the climber stopped climbing for quite a while. Climbers have been belaying for as long as they’ve been using ropes. This means that belayers are much Slack Management and Catching Falls Setting Up the Belay As we mentioned, the belayer's supportive role begins on the ground - flaking the rope in an appropriate place, being mindful of other climbing parties who may intersect with the chosen route, and doing a thorough partner check. Lead Belaying: These articles explain everything you need to know to safely climb at any indoor wall. These rock climbing belay commands and forms of communication ensure that the lead climber always keeps the belayer up to date with his process of climbing the rock. What is Belaying in Mountain Climbing? Belaying is a technique used in rock climbing, whereby one person (the belayer) takes in the slack rope through a device attached to their harness, while the other climber (the lead climber) climbs. What’s a Belay Device? A belay device is climbing equipment that gives a belay to a climber. the second climber). In the modern day, most climbers use a variety of gear to belay, notably Mar 16, 2022 · Belaying may be the most critical skill you need to participate in the sport of rock climbing safely. This will allow you to safely communicate with your belayer during your climb. An in depth step by step guide on how to belay plus information and explanations to answer the question of what is belaying? Correct belaying methods allow a belayer to hold the entire weight of the climber with relatively little force and easily arrest falls. We use some type of belay in almost every roped climbing context—it is the essential skill that unites all disciplines. Whether you’re an active first ascensionist or just want to do some laps after work without a partner, solo toproping is a handy Jul 3, 2019 · COMFORTABLE | Comfortable belay glasses for rock climbing with perfect vision on the climber and surroundings while belaying STURDY | Only high-quality materials (zero defect BK7 prisms) are used and a strict quality control is applied. What is sport climbing? Sport climbing is a form of rock climbing that may rely on permanent anchors fixed to the rock for protection, in which a rope that is attached to the climber is clipped into the anchors to arrest a fall (top rope / lead climbing), or that involves climbing short distances with a crash pad underneath as protection (bouldering). Oct 15, 2021 · How Does Belaying Work? Belaying works by controlling tension and friction on a climbing rope so that it can support the weight of the climber without pulling the belayer into the rock face. *To schedule a class, please call the gym (503-644-3517) or register in person. Jun 19, 2023 · The following article is reproduced from the 2016 edition of Accidents in North American Climbing. Identify all The Lead Climbing Class prepares climbers for the sharp end. Conclusion Belaying someone heavier than you top rope is not a problem if you keep these tips in mind. An internal rotating wheel reduces friction between the rope and the rope-pinching mechanism, making it easy to feed out slack to a leader without activating the assisted braking function. Problem is, it can be easy to mistake a leader’s jerky movements or tugs for slack as the off-belay signal. To avoid being overly confusing, we’ll only look at the two most popular types, each of which will be discussed in step-by-step guides below: Oct 16, 2023 · What Are Belaying Commands? In rock climbing, as you might have already noticed, we use all sorts of different jargon and language. I doubt, always wear some extra weight and try to tie yourself to the ground, wear gloves, and consider getting an assisted-braking resistor. USA Climbing competition belaying requires qualities above and beyond excellent belay skills. Read on to get started. Mar 28, 2025 · The crucial equation in alpine climbing —efficiency equals speed, which equals safety—means that every second saved at a belay transition is another second you can spend getting to the top. TOP ROPE BELAYING / CLIMBING Adrenaline Climbing has 3 Top Rope stations on our center pillar. All Top Rope stations feature pre tied knots with a triple locking carabiner for connecting the climber, and a triple locking carabiner and Petzl grigri for the belayer. Competition belayers must provide a consistent and professional experience, allowing competitors to achieve success based on their abilities and preparation while never compromising the safety of our athletes and support personnel. Gloves are also used for aid climbing, where you spend longer holding on to the rope and gear than you would free climbing. Jan 12, 2017 · In top rope and lead climbing, the belay line is a rope and provides the same "safety net" function as in the auto belay, but the rope is controlled by the belayer at the ground level. Find out how to pick the right one, use it safely, and keep it in top condition for your climbing trips. Uneven rocks, loose water bottles, piles of gear, and wandering dogs can LEARN THE ROPES Belaying is the process of managing a climbing rope to protect your climbing partner in the event of a fall and to lower them back to the ground after they complete their climb. Belaying a heavier climber is always tough. However, it’s normal for them to struggle to hear you in a loud rock climbing gym or out in nature. If you know how to tie a figure-8 knot follow through and are familiar with the P. Learn the essential techniques and steps for belaying in rock climbing. Just sit back and enjoy the definitive guide on how to belay. Keep reading to learn about belay devices and how to pick the right one based on your climbing experience and the style of climbing you enjoy. Whether you’re climbing indoors or on an outdoor cliff, mastering belay techniques, understanding equipment, and May 20, 2022 · But the thing about climbing quickly is that it’s not necessarily about the climbing —it’s more about doing everything else efficiently. The belayer is responsible for managing the slack in the rope and providing a controlled descent for the climber. The goal is to have your team in synch, with both climbers working together to get the leader moving. Mar 16, 2022 · “To belay” is a term with nautical origins that involves securing a rope around another object, for example, a cleat, to stop it from moving. It’s interesting, therefore, to see how little agreement there is about the “best” belay techniques, how distracting our assertions about belaying tend to be, and how rigidly dogmatic we can be Jun 23, 2024 · In sport climbing, belaying is the act of securing a climber with a rope in case of a fall. Belaying includes running one end of the rope through a metal device that helps control the speed of the rope running through the device using friction. But before learning about each method, let’s Jul 26, 2023 · From placing/removing gear and proper belay techniques, to how to make an anchor and manage a stuck rope, Intro to Trad Climbing takes the guesswork out of exploring traditionally protected climbs. Top Rope Belaying Top rope belaying is a common technique used in traditional climbing, especially for beginners. Before top roping, lead climbing, or using the auto belay on your own, you must take and pass the required test or orientation first. Belay and rappel gloves help keep your hands clean and in control of the rope, while crack gloves are designed to protect the backs of your hands when you’re jamming them in cracks. This technique is the cornerstone of secure climbing, whether indoors on a climbing wall or outdoors on a natural rock face. In top rope belaying, the climbing rope runs from the belayer’s belay device to the anchor point at the top of the climb and back down to the climber’s harness. If you're new to rock climbing, this will lay the foundation for future belaying skills. Picking the right climbing gloves can be a challenge, depending on Feb 22, 2020 · Knowing which belay device to use for every occasion and how to operate the device properly is key for safety and success when it comes to climbing ropes. But selecting one of the modern tubular or assisted style belay devices is a great place to start. Learn to lead climb, top rope and lead belay safely. Dec 5, 2024 · The Petzl Neox easily feeds slack while lead belaying, and also provides a secure catch, making it our favorite belay device for belaying a leader and single-pitch climbing. Expect a significant amount of lead fall practice. Climbing off the ground When in fourth-class terrain, high off the ground, or on a multi-pitch route, climbers should always have a solid anchor. Clip the free locking carabiner to your belay loop. Dec 16, 2022 · Instead, it’s figuring out which belay device is best amongst the myriad of belay devices on the market. Happy climbing, top rope is so much fun for newbie climbers, and make sure to read my other articles about building good top rope anchors and climbing Aug 23, 2022 · The difference between lead belaying and toprope belaying To really know how to lead climb, it helps to understand how the system works from a belayer’s perspective. Aug 7, 2025 · In order to belay safely, learn how to setup your belay device and practice the PBUS (Pull, Brake, Under, Slide) system. Jan 16, 2020 · Belaying is arguably the most important skill in climbing so learning how to belay— and how to belay well — is essential! You’ll need to be able to demonstrate your ability to safely and effectively: Tie in correctly with a figure-8 follow-through knot backed up with a safety knot. Belay glasses can save your neck, but how do you know which pair to choose? Here at The Adventure Junkies, we’ll help you find the best belay glasses for you and those long days at the crag. Explore tips from the World’s Best Belayer alongside our top athletes and put them into practice at a Belay Experience Tour event near you. 3 Methods Of Belaying From Above There are 3 methods of belaying from the top. May 5, 2025 · A belay device is essential for catching falls anytime you're climbing on a rope. Nov 2, 2021 · Belaying is a crucial climbing safety skill that involves managing the rope to protect climbers from falls. When swinging leads on a multi-pitch route, the belay transitions are often the biggest time suck. Knowing how to belay from above is an important skill for a climber. Sep 20, 2024 · Learn the essentials of belay techniques, safety precautions, and climbing etiquette to ensure a fun and secure climbing experience. Mar 21, 2024 · Before you get your top-rope belay certification, make sure you know these 10 essential things to ensure a safe and successful climbing experience. Here are a few of my favorite tips: 1. We will announce when classes Dec 10, 2020 · Using leather gloves means you’re more comfortable and safer on rappel. Jun 1, 2021 · We’ll discuss whether rock climbing solo is safe or not, some common solo climbing activities, and how to find climbing partners. Payments are due at time of booking and are non The lesson covers knot tying, belaying, rope management skills, the use of technical equipment and climbing commands. With the NEOX, Petzl is introducing a belay experience like no other. Jul 24, 2025 · Hands are perhaps a climber’s most important tool, and climbing gloves protect them whether you’re belaying, rappelling, or crack climbing. Belay glasses improve belayer comfort and increase climber safety. "Belaying" refers to a variety of techniques used to keep tension A. Dec 15, 2020 · About to take the belay test at the gym but not sure where to start? Relax. Jan 31, 2021 · All climbers should strive to improve their belaying , which means learning and practicing the subtleties that make a truly great belayer. Acting as the climber’s lifeline, the belayer manages the rope to protect against falls, secure rests, and control descents. Many trad climbing areas are established with a leave-no-trace ethic, meaning no pre-installed anchor points at the top of climbs. Reservations must be made at least 1 week prior to class. The lead climber is attached to the rope, which passes through an anchor at the top of the climb. However, there are a number of actions you can take to add another layer of safety while belaying. Correct belaying methods allow a belayer to hold the entire weight of the climber with relatively little force and easily arrest falls. These techniques from multi-pitch masters will make any hanging belay at least a little less miserable. Check out this short 1-minute video on using the proper top-rope belaying method: Aug 7, 2025 · Belaying is a technique of managing slack in a climbing system to safeguard a climber and prevent the climber from taking a dangerous fall. method of belaying, the lesson may not be required. Are you taking a belay test soon and wondering how to pass your belay certification? Learning how to belay is an important skill for any climber. Even on single-pitch trad climbs, there’s a good chance that if you can walk off the top, then that’s what you’ll need to do. Author: Ron Funderburke. Jun 19, 2023 · Discover the basic principles of belaying, and how they can be applied to top-rope belaying and to skilled lead belaying—including catching lead falls. The climber fell almost the entire height of the rock wall before the belayer caught her. Jan 1, 2022 · All climbing, belaying, and rappelling exercises and activities must be supervised by a mature and conscientious adult rock-climbing instructor, age 21 or older, who has completed BSA Climb On Safely training and who understands the risks inherent to these activities. Sep 23, 2024 · Earn your belay certification to elevate your climbing skills. This video breaks down the accident and includes comments from the victim. We'll cover how to set up your belay device and perform a standard top rope belay. Feb 6, 2019 · In the sport of rock climbing, “on belay” is the first climbing command used by a rope climbing team at the base of a route, as well as at both the beginning and end of a pitch higher up the cliff. Belaying is a critical part of climbing safety. Belaying is the heartbeat of climbing safety, the invisible force that keeps climbers tethered to their dreams. The best way to pass this test is to take a belay lesson. But which one is the best? Belay devices come in three different categories — tube-style, auto-blocking devices, and assisted braking devices — and our expert climbing testers have put in hundreds of hours belaying and testing all three kinds. An in depth step by step guide on how to belay plus information and explanations to answer the question of what is belaying?. Learn the gear, techniques, and steps needed to pass your gym's belay test. Do some minor housekeeping around your belay zone. The term is also used when rappelling--the sport of using ropes to descend down a steep cliff face in a series of hops or jumps. Here are some … Feb 22, 2020 · Nowadays, many climbing gyms have incorporated a useful device to help individuals climb without a belay partner - the auto belay. Belaying devices There are a range of belaying devices on the market, and the main types and brands are helpfully described here: Belay Device Types for Climbing and Mountaineering. Its importance cannot be overstated, serving as the ultimate guardian against the unknown. When belaying, safety is your top priority. Three of the most common belaying methods are described below. Direct belay – this is the recommended method by climbing schools today Redirected belay – this is the method used for many years and is still common today Indirect belay These 3 methods differ in how the belay devices are being set up and how the belaying is done. e. Why use belay commands? Jan 20, 2022 · The second then gives three affirmative tugs back before unplugging the belay and climbing. Dec 10, 2024 · Even if you only see your belay partner during climbing sessions, I’m willing to bet that your conversations between pitches go much deeper than “belay on, climb on. Mar 2, 2016 · Our five favorite belay puffies that proved warm, cozy, and perfect for even the coldest of cragging days. In its simplest form, a belay consists of a rope that runs from a climber to another person (the belayer) who can stop the climber's fall. Perform the correct lowering technique with a belay device. When the lead climber reaches the top, he needs to belay up the climber who was belaying at the bottom. S. All Top Rope Belayers must either take a Top Rope Belay Class and/or pass a Top Rope Belay Test prior to Top Rope Belaying at Jan 4, 2024 · Top rope climbing is a beginner-friendly style of climbing where the rope runs from the climber's harness up to an anchor system at the top of the route and back down to the belayer on the ground. This method caught up to and made better use of today’s belay devices by using a hands down method that keeps the your hands below the belay device. Smoother belaying means better climbing. For more of our top climbing gear recommendations, check out the Best Belay Devices. Our one-hour belay lesson will teach you the essential climbing and rope work skills which will empower you and your climbing partner to tackle our 55-foot tall climbing walls. Improve your belay experience and musculoskeletal health by using Belay Specs. Learn the basics of top rope belaying, including gear, setup, safety checks and procedures, plus the PBUS method and how to lower a climber. In this REI Expert Advice video, we show you how to prepare to belay, per Jan 9, 2024 · We'll explore "How to Belay: The Ultimate Guide to Belaying" in this extensive guide, with a particular emphasis on the tube-style device. “To belay” is a term with nautical origins that involves securing a rope around another object, for example, a cleat, to stop it from moving. They eliminate the need for a climbing partner who belays the climber, belaying is manually controlling the rope to hold the climber… What is Belaying? Belaying is a means of managing the rope while a person is climbing so if they fall, the rope will prevent them from hitting the ground. ddd pxqq jpex srqv rlpbbh mfdny gcenoi bnt vovgzs ewqzr