Top Rope Belay Setup Overview

Video: Top Rope Overview

Attire

The climber and belayer must wear a harness designed specifically for rock climbing. The harness should fit snugly above the hips, with the buckles for the waist and leg loops doubled back. Climbers are also required to wear shoes designed specifically for rock climbing. If the climber is wearing a helmet, it should be properly fitted and secure.

The components of a rental harness include the 1: self-locking buckles, 2: belay loop, and 3: tie-in loops — Climbers should know the components of the harness they are using

The harnesses that the wall rents out are comprised of simple webbing straps sewn together, incorporating:

Self-locking buckles which should be doubled back
A blue or black vertical belay loop, for clipping carabiners to
Two blue horizontal tie-in loops, also known as hard points, for tying rope to

Tying in the Climber

Choose the strand of rope closest to the wall, to keep the two strands from rubbing against each other. The climber needs to be attached to the rope with a solid connection that cannot come undone during the climb. At LCC we require the climber to tie in with a Figure 8 Follow Through, a knot which can withstand a great amount of load and yet be untied relatively easily after the climb. Follow the harness manufacturer’s specifications on where the knot is tied, typically through both tie-in points. The knot should be tied within 6” of the harness and tightly dressed.The remaining tail must be a minimum of 6” long. Tying off the extra tail is not required for safety,but may be done to keep it out of the way.

Retracing a Figure 8
Picture of Steps	Description of Steps
	Tie a Figure 8 knot about 3’ from the end of the rope. Now thread the end through both tie-in points.
	Retrace the original knot, pulling through completely to cinch the knot close to the harness.
	Continue to retrace, being sure not to cross over the strand you are following.
	Complete the retrace, tucking any crossed strands back in place.
	A properly dressed knot has no gaps and no crossed strands, with at least 6” of tail remaining.

Basic Climbing Knots Video

At 3:02 we review how to tie a Figure 8 and then the Figure 8 follow Through.

Setting up the Belay Device

The belayer’s strand of rope is threaded through the belay device according to the manufacturer’s specifications and attached to the belayer’s belay loop on their harness using a locked carabiner. Tube style and Assisted Braking devices are both acceptable for top rope belay at LCC. For a basic tube style device, feed a bight of rope through either opening and clip both the bight and device’s keeper loop, with the brake strand feeding out of the bottom of the device. Once clipped, there should be no twists in the system or stands wrapping over each other. Verify the carabiner is locked by performing a squeeze test.

A properly clipped belay device with the brake strand feeding out below the climbing strand — Clip both the device loop and the rope, such that the brake strand is below the climber's strand, then lock the carabiner.

Consider an Anchor

A ground anchor is not required for most climbing at LCC, but should be considered if the climber outweighs their belayer by 50 lbs. or more. To use the fixed ground anchors, attach an additional locking carabiner to your belay loop, below the belay device, and then clip to a loop on the anchor so that it is relatively taut. Mobile sand anchors are also available, and must be used when climbing at “Classic Lindseth.”

A belayer has clipped the ground anchor to their belay loop, below the separately clipped belay device — Consider a ground anchor if the climber is significantly heavier than the belayer.

Tie a Stopper Knot

To close the system, tie a stopper knot below the belay device. At LCC we request a Double Overhand stopper knot be tied, with at least 6” of tail remaining. A single overhand knot is not acceptable. While stopper knots are rarely necessary in the gym environment, they are essential for outdoor climbing and are a good habit to get into. A properly dressed barrel knot is identified by the symmetrical "X" on one side and "=" on the other.

A correctly tied stopper knot — Know how to identify a correctly tied stopper knot.

Basic Climbing Knots Video

At 11:13 we review how to tie a Double Overhand stopper knot.

Partner Check

Once the system has been setup, the climber and belayer should run through each component of the system together to verify everything is in order. For newer climbers this is a good opportunity to learn about the system; for experienced climbers it is also important to ensure mistakes are not made though complacency. Now is a good time to remove any slack in the system.

Establishing Communication

The following are standard commands used at LCC. Because the climber and belayer are separated, brief commands are used in place of compete sentences. Regardless of the commands used, it is important that both the belayer and climber share a common vocabulary for effective communication. The belayer is expected to review these commands with their climber before the climb.

Belay Commands
Who Says It	Command	What it Means
Climber	ON BELAY?	Is the system set up correctly? Are you ready to protect me?
Belayer	BELAY ON	I have verified the system is set up correctly, and I am now ready to protect you (even if you start climbing right away).
Climber	CLIMBING	I am ready to start climbing.
Belayer	CLIMB ON	(Even though I was already prepared) You may now climb. Have fun!
Climber	TAKE!	I want to let go, please increase the tension quickly!
Belayer	GOT!	I have removed any slack and am ready to hold you in place. You may let go with confidence.
Climber	UP ROPE	The rope is not tight enough, please increase the tension.
Climber	SLACK	The rope is too tight, please release the tension.
Climber	ROCK!	Something is falling to the ground!
Climber	READY TO LOWER	I have let go of the wall and want to be lowered to the ground.
Belayer	LOWERING	I will now lower you in a controlled manner. Sit back and relax.
Climber	BELAY OFF	I am safe and no longer need you to protect me.
Belayer	OFF BELAY	I have removed the belay device from the system.

Note: The Climber initiates the Belayer’s actions. Once the “Belay is ON,” the belayer should be focusing on removing slack in a timely manner, responding to the climber’s needs, and being prepared to catch a fall at any moment. A belayer should not TAKE, LOWER, or go OFF BELAY without the climber’s direction. However, words of encouragement during the climb, or gratitude after, are welcome!

For those who must use non-verbal communication at the wall, here is a video of ASL Signs for Indoor Climbing from a deaf community climbing group based in Washington, D.C.

Belay Technique - PBUS or Bust!

The following are the standard motions we require at LCC for safe belay technique. The sequence we follow is PULL, BRAKE, UNDER, SLIDE (PBUS). The brake hand must grip the brake strand at all times and the system must be in brake position when sliding the brake hand up. Waterfall technique, where both hands remain on the brake stand the entire time, is also accepted. Excess slack or crossing over or switching brake hands while belaying, are not accepted. Slip, Slap, Slide technique is not accepted.

PBUS Technique
Picture of Motion	Description of Motion
	The brake hand maintains a firm grip on the brake strand, a few inches below the belay device.
	The device becomes unlocked with the brake hand above it, allowing you to floss the rope slack quickly.
	Immediately bring the brake hand down to allow the device to catch an unanticipated fall.
	With your non-brake hand, reach below the brake hand and grip the rope firmly.
	Relax the brake hand grip and slide it up towards the device, leaving a few inches of space to keep from getting pinched by the device. Tighten your grip with the brake hand,and reset your other hand above the device.