Lesson 5: Partner Checks & Communication

Welcome to Lesson 5 of your outdoor rock climbing journey! You’ve got the basics of outdoor climbing, essential gear, the figure-eight follow-through knot, and belaying down. Now, it’s time to focus on keeping yourself and your climbing partner safe through clear communication and thorough safety checks. This lesson covers partner checks, climbing commands, and how to build trust with your partner. Let’s make safety a foundation of your climbing journey!

Checking Knots, Harnesses, and Belay Setups

Before every climb, you and your partner must perform a head-to-toe partner check to ensure everything is setup properly. Here’s a clear, step-by-step checklist to keep you safe:

1. Helmet Check:

   • Confirm your helmet fits properly, covering your forehead and sides of your head.

   • Ensure the chinstrap is buckled securely and the helmet feels snug without wobbling.

2. Harness Check:

   • Verify your harness is snug around the waist, with all buckles doubled back (refer to your harness manual for specifics).

   • Check that the rope is tied to the harness’s hard points (tie-in loops), not gear loops.

3. Knot Check:

   • Inspect the figure-eight follow-through knot to ensure it has five pairs of parallel strands, is tight to the “Hard Points” of the harness, and has at least 6 inches of tail.

   • Have your partner double-check your knot.

4. Belay Setup Check:

   • Ensure the rope is correctly threaded through the belay device and attached to a locking carabiner.

   • Confirm the belayer’s locking carabiner is clipped to their harness’s belay loop and fully locked.

5. Anchor Check (Basic):

   • Verify the top rope anchor (bolts, slings, or natural features like trees) appears secure. If anything looks off (e.g., rusted bolts or frayed slings), do not climb—consult an experienced guide or climber.

   • The Top Rope should run through two locking and opposed carabiners at the top of the route, with no twist or tangles in the rope. Ensure it feeds smoothly through the anchor.

Safety Note: Never rush a partner check. A thorough 30-second check can prevent accidents. If anything feels wrong, stop, fix it, or seek help from an experienced climber.

Common Climbing Commands

Clear communication prevents accidents and keeps climbing smooth. In top rope climbing, you and your belayer (the person managing the rope) use standard commands to stay in sync. Here’s what you need to know:

• Climber: “On belay?” (Asking if the belayer is ready to secure you.)

• Belayer: “Belay on!” (Confirms the rope is through the belay device and they’re ready.)

• Climber: “Climbing!” (Signals you’re starting to climb.)

• Belayer: “Climb on!” (Acknowledges you can start.)

• Climber: “Take!” or “Tension!” (Asks the belayer to pull the rope tight if you need to rest or fall.)

• Belayer: “Got you!” (Confirms the rope is tight.)

• Climber: “Lower!” (Signals you’re ready to come down.)

• Belayer: “Lowering!” (Confirms they’re lowering you.)

• Climber: “Off Belay!” (Signals the climber is safely down and holding their own weight)

• Belayer: “Belay is Off!” (Confirms the belayer is no longer belaying)

• Either: “Rock!” (Yells to warn of falling rocks or objects—don’t look up and protect your head with your helmet.)

Safety Note: Speak loudly and clearly, especially in windy or noisy crags. If you can’t hear each other consider walkie-talkies. Using each other’s names before each command can also help with communication.

Partner Checks & Trust Building

Climbing is a partnership, and trust is key. Here’s how to build a strong connection with your belayer:

• Be Honest: Share any fears or inexperience with your partner before climbing. If you’re nervous about belaying or climbing, say so.

• Practice Together: Start with easy climbs to get comfortable with each other’s style and communication. Use a backup belayer if unsure.

• Stay Focused: Belayers must keep their hands on the rope and avoid distractions. A climber can fall at any moment without warning!

• Encourage Each Other: A simple “You’ve got this!” or “Nice job!” builds confidence and camaraderie. Climbing can be scary and difficult and knowing when to encourage and when to support your partner can go a long way.

Safety Note: If you or your partner are unsure about the setup, ask an experienced climber or guide for help. Never climb if you’re not fully confident in your system.