| The belayer is a very important individual on a | | | | with a top rope when operating the direct belay. |
| climb. | | | | A semi-direct belay is the most common method |
| Belaying is the act of controlling the weighted | | | | of belaying in rock climbing either traditional or |
| rope in a fall or lowering. There are three types | | | | sport climbing. This method incorporates the tying |
| of belaying in climbing. | | | | to anchors from the front of the harness and |
| This stuff is kinda boring, but really important so | | | | belaying from the rope tie-in loop. |
| pay attention. | | | | In a fall, the weight is transferred through the |
| There is direct belaying, semi-direct belaying and | | | | belay device and the rope to the anchors. The |
| indirect belaying. The belayer must be attentive at | | | | belayer will only experience a small proportion of |
| all time and feed rope at an appropriate pace. The | | | | the load. |
| belayer must anticipate when the leader needs | | | | The indirect belay is when the belayer takes the |
| slack or the rope tightened. | | | | load in the waist but the belayer is supported by |
| In a fall, the climber is not always able to give a | | | | the anchors. This method is also used if you |
| warning and the belayer must be ready at all | | | | attach to the anchors from the back of the |
| times. | | | | harness and belay from the front. This system |
| In direct belaying, the load of a fall is transferred | | | | can be uncomfortable for the belayer as they |
| to an anchor without the weight being taken by | | | | take the whole load in their waist. |
| the belayer first. This is common when the | | | | This is commonly used when the anchors are |
| belayer is above the climber such as after the | | | | weak. |
| leader has reached the summit and the second | | | | Most climbers use the semi-direct belay method, |
| climber is coming from below. | | | | but their may be some cases when you need to |
| Whatever anchor is used must be one hundred | | | | use a different method. The person belaying |
| percent safe. A sling on a solid spike, rock or tree | | | | should be very comfortable doing so and |
| is commonly used. Do not use a tree or rock if its | | | | experienced with the method that is used. |
| sturdiness is questionable. A friction device such as | | | | They also need to have full concentration on the |
| an Italian hitch is better in a direct belay. | | | | belayer, there is nothing more frightening to a |
| A belay device may not work from this angle. | | | | leader who feels like their belayer is not paying |
| The belayer is positioned in front of the anchor | | | | attention to them as they climb a route. |