How to Use Climbing Commands Properly

Communication between partners is very important for climbing safety. Both partners must know exactly what each climbing command means, and what to do when they hear the command.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Walkie-talkies
• Climbing Gear
• Climbing Harnesses
• Climbing Helmets
• Climbing Ropes
• Climbing Shoes
• Climbing Slings
• Racks Of Lead Climbing Equipment (optional)
• Walkie-talkies

1. Use command "on belay, climb when ready" when belayer has belay set and is ready to provide security. From the instant you say "on belay," you must mind the belay - your partner's life depends on it.

2. Say "climbing" if you're the person tied to other end of rope, just before leaving ground or ledge to begin climb.

3. Use command "climb on" to assure climber that belayer is minding the belay.

4. Say "take" when belayer takes slack out of system and holds climber's weight with the rope.

5. Say "lower" if climber wants to lower to ground.

6. Use command "off belay" when climber has secured himself to an anchor at the top, and no longer needs the security of a belay from his partner below.

7. Say "belay off" when belayer has dismantled the belay, followed by "up rope," which is the top climber's cue to take in the slack on the rope.

8. Use command "taking in" as top climber (and soon to be belayer) takes up the slack.

9. Say "that's me" if you are the ex-belayer, now waiting your turn to climb, when slack has been pulled up.

Tips & Warnings

• Know what you expect to hear from your partner, as high winds or a roaring river can make communication impossible.
• When two partners have experience together, very little verbal communication is necessary. They can tell from the behavior of the rope what the other, perhaps unseen above, is doing. This is the goal to strive toward.
• Warning commands can save lives.
• Say "Watch me" when climber is in a tight spot and may fall.
• "Falling" is the lament of an airborne climber.
• Yell "rock" when climber sees a falling object.
• Yell "rope" before throwing a rappel rope down a cliff face.
• Climbing is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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on 11/22/2005 Unless a command has a set response (eg. On belay/belay on, climbing/climb on, lower/lowering) respond with "thank you" or "OK" to any commands so your partner knows that you heard.

on 11/22/2005 If you climb a lot with your partner, you develop a kind of ESP (Extra Sensory Perception). You can tell when they are about to fall or want to take a break.

on 11/22/2005 If you are in a rock-climbing gym with many people shouting out commands, say your partner's name after each command. This makes for very little confusion and less chance of injury.