Top rope belaying
Top rope belaying is an essential skill in climbing, and you must become certified before top rope belaying at our wall. Certification is achieved by successfully passing our top rope belay skills test. This is typically done after participating in our introductory belay class, but climbers who already know how to top rope belay have the option to test directly.
Learning how to belay
Our introduction to belaying class is perfect for aspiring climbers who want to belay and top rope independently at our wall. This two-hour training introduces fundamental top rope belay skills necessary for top rope climbing. Topics include:
- Proper use of basic climbing equipment
- Tying the figure 8 knot
- Pre-climbing safety checks and commands
- Effective top rope belay technique
There is a one-time $10 fee for the class and pre-registration is required. Upcoming classes are advertised at the rock wall, but you can also find and register for them online.
Becoming certified
Participants will need to take and pass our belay test in order to become certified at our wall. To pass, proficiency must be shown in the following areas:
- Ability to put on a harness and properly tie into the harness using a figure 8 follow-through knot.
- Ability to properly load a GriGri belay device and attach to a ground anchor.
- Ability to demonstrate a complete systems check.
- Ability to demonstrate sound top rope belay mechanics and catch a fall.
- Ability to use proper belay commands.
We do not provide skill assessment screening, coaching, instruction, or practice outside of the top rope belay class. If the skills test is failed the top rope belay class must be taken. For climbers who have taken our introductory belay class, up to 2 practice tests are allowed before the certification assessment. Participants must wait at least 24 hours after the class and/or practice test before attempting to become certified.
Belay certifications last one semester, and each semester your skills will be re-tested. It should be noted that our belay certification is only designed for our facility; it does not transfer to any other facility and is not intended to introduce all skills and topics relevant to outdoor climbing.