Be a Good Belayer

As a belayer, you are responsible for someone’s well-being. It’s no joke and every year bad belaying results in injuries. Don’t stand where you will be in the way of the climber’s first few moves. Once the leader has clipped the first bolt, position yourself where you can safely feed slack, take in slack and catch a fall. The climber/belayer setup is a counter-balance system, so be sure as the belayer that if you are catching someone who is heavier than you that you are anchored to the ground. Belaying well takes practice. Learn how to catch falling climbers so no one gets hurt. Using an auto-locker such as a Gri Gri increases everyone’s safety. Don’t text or talk on the phone and always be watching.