Competition belaying. Check every harness and safety clip.
Competition belaying No longer is "the belay team" the four dads drinking beer in the parking lot of the local youth competition along with two day-of volunteers in flip flops. We had a great evening exploring how we can improve our belaying in general and also touching on a few May 1, 2025 · Before the accident, Al Qunaibet wasn’t simply a competition climber; she was a breakout star on Saudi Arabia’s brand-new national team. Teams practice weekly, learning belay, knot, and bouldering skills, while enjoying community events, competitions, and clinics. This year I had the opportunity to practice belaying with @adaptiveclimb_thefront 's competition team so I'd be ready to go for the World Cup this year. Oct 15, 2021 · A rock climber relies on a reliable belayer to keep them safe on a crag. Belaying is a critical part of climbing safety. Dnipro, Ukraine, May 21, 2016. My first volunteer at 2025 Nationals Competition…belaying so many competitors around the country. Sports event in Glasgow, United Kingdom by The Glasgow Climbing Centre and ClimbScotland on Friday, February 28 2020 Lead climbing (or leading) is a technique in rock climbing where two climbers work together to ascend a climbing route. This will highlights good practice for belaying rock climbers who are going to lead either sport or trad. ” Guide mode is a phrase that describes belaying from the top of the pitch. These standards apply to primarily lead and speed competitions. The 18th Annual T-Town Pull Down Climbing Competition returns Saturday, Feb. Jan 31, 2021 · All climbers should strive to improve their belaying , which means learning and practicing the subtleties that make a truly great belayer. Belaying This role involves checking the equipment of competitors and belaying them during their competition climbs. USA Climbing Athlete Eligibility Criteria USA Climbing National Team Eligibility Policy Feb 22, 2020 · Belaying is an often overlooked, but essential skill to safe climbing, we share how to belay when climbing safely for top roping and lead climbing. Overview of Submission and Discussion The NGB, having the approval of its AAC, submitted a set of committees and competitions for review by the Working Group (WG). Having the trust of your climber to keep them safe is a big task. Thankfully, top-rope belaying is quite easy once you get the hang of it. Spectators A description of the proper technique for lead belaying for sport or traditional rock climbing. The BMC therefore has an obligation to at least issue guidance Competition Policy - Sport Climbing AustraliaCompetition Policy Belaying Policy The aims of this document, is to supply a framework so as to maximise the safety of participants in climbing competitions. Speed Competition speed climbing, where climbers secured to a rope compete to scale a 15m wall in the fastest possible time, would not be possible without modern auto belay devices. 7, 2026! Join us for a full day of friendly but fierce competition at the Robert E. See full list on americanalpineclub. Competition Policies and Resources USA Climbing Transgender Athlete Participation Policy Resources The Transgender Athlete Participation Policy remains suspended and is under review. usaclimbing. The BMC therefore has an obligation to at least issue guidance on event organisation and good practice. We'll cover how to set up your belay device and perform a standard top rope belay. I don't know about the Figure 8 (wierd), but we have to use belay gloves and regular old ATC (no grigri's allowed) You do not "catch" the climber if they fall, instead it is an instantaneous transition to lowering as soon as they are off. thebmc. Image of climb, difficulty, compete - 88117212 Aug 6, 2024 · In this article, Beth Campbell takes a look at a few of the technologies that make Sport Climbing possible and the patents that help to protect them. Jan 13, 2021 · Many beginner climbers get excited to climb, but nervous to belay, and understandably so. This technique is the cornerstone of secure climbing, whether indoors on a climbing wall or outdoors on a natural rock face. Feb 2, 2023 · To the extent required or recommended by the Host Facility, all competition belayers, including the Head Belayer, must be belay certified by the Host Facility for the type(s) of belaying that they will conduct or oversee during the competition. Since 2016, Perfect Descent Climbing Systems has been the official speed climbing auto belay for all IFSC Speed Climbing competitions. g. Aug 7, 2019 · To recommend and document best practice procedures for safe and fair competition belaying of top rope and lead climbing to be utilized at USA Climbing events and programs. Mar 15, 2016 · Introduction American climbers currently learn to belay from professional climbing instructors and guides, from formal and informal mentors, and an increasing number learn to climb in indoor/artificial climbing structures and facilities. The climbing competition registration will open in early December. Link above for further resources. The 5. You literally place your life in your partner’s hands, and they in yours. Our Intro to Belaying classes cover knot tying and belaying skills. When dealing with a Apr 27, 2021 · The Guide’s chief competition in this test came from the Mega Jul and the Reverso, both of which are fine devices in their own right. People USA Climbing National Chief Belayer, Ty Hardaway, will conduct this instructional clinic covering all aspects of lead belaying for competition. This horrible accident could have been prevented. Competition belaying has come a very long way in the past decade. On motion duly made and seconded, the Board approved: (a) the extention of the CBWG’s term from August 31, 2019 to August 31, 2020; (b) the appointment of Ty Hardaway as Chair of the CBWG (with former Chair Matt Ornes continuing as a member of the CBWG but no longer Chair given Nov 17, 2025 · Ty has done it all: He’s been competition belaying, judging, and coaching for over 10 years, and he started the belay programs at USA climbing and the IFSC. Guest links:Ty’s InstagramReference Sep 27, 2024 · USA Climbing is developing a competition belaying endorsement system that includes training, supervision, and evaluation along with a competition belaying endorsement system that provides for multiple levels of competition belaying endorsement, and details will be published on the www. Witt Student Activity Center on The University of Alabama campus. For the third year in a row, Sara Al Qunaibet wins gold in Saudi Arabia’s national lead climbing competition. In this episode, we’ll learn about all things belaying, get behind the scenes insight, and hear about how the scene has changed since the Olympics came into play, leading to some toxic parents. But which one is the best? Belay devices come in three different categories — tube-style, auto-blocking devices, and assisted braking devices — and our expert climbing testers have put in hundreds of hours belaying and testing all three kinds. Registration Nov 6, 2025 · All belaying during the competition will be handled by ETSU’s trained outdoor adventure staff, who have received additional certification and practice specific to competition safety. Our philosophy regarding the safety protocol for climbing and belaying is to focus on principle, and not the specific method—the brake hand must not leave the rope, for instance, but how you do that is somewhat up to you. 4d · Competition belaying: optimal body mechanics. Jun 26, 2023 · Belaying, in essence, is a sophisticated method of controlling a rope to ensure a climber's safety. The goal is to slow their descent Apr 16, 2024 · USA Belay Informally and organically formed in 2019, USA Belay is a national coalition of highly skilled competition lead and top rope belayers. Clinic participants will learn about competition belaying and get to practice their skills during this clinic. Begin by closing the system with a stopper knot at the end of the rope, preventing it from slipping entirely through the belay device and causing the climber to drop. However, since the GRIGRI is an assisted braking device, it can add a layer of security and can make aspects of lead belaying more efficient, so long as it's being used correctly. “They’ve been belaying all semester, and they get special training for competition belaying,” Payne said. A few weeks ago, I got the chance to belay at the North American Cup Series for @usaclimbing. The venue must provide all necessary A description of the proper method of toprope belaying, and a discussion of some of other important considerations in toprope belay. The fundamental belay commands that initiate a climb to the instructions needed to create a safe, efficient, and enjoyable climb. SafeSport Fliers for Events 2023 Competition Belaying Handbook Recommended Event Medical Equipment I've taken an IFSC-standards lead belay course and done a lot of competition belaying myself so maybe I can weigh in. 2 (Slowed) · prodbycpkshawn Pop like this Pt. Patrons must check in at climbing area desk before entering the climbing area. In this episode, we’ll learn about all things belaying, get behind the scenes insight, and hear about how the scene has changed since the Olympics came into play, leading to some toxic Nov 29, 2013 · Central Saanich, BC – The Boulders Climbing Gym in Central Saanich is pleased to announce that they will be holding a Competition Climbing Clinic on January 3-5, 2014, with some of the world’s top athletes and coaches in attendance. If you're new to rock climbing, this will lay the foundation for future belaying skills. A community-driven build-up program for climbers looking to improve their skills before the regional competition. The Guide is heavier than both, but it still won out because it’s the smoothest of the lot when belaying from above. In the modern day, most climbers use a variety of gear to belay, notably Mar 21, 2025 · Trango thrilled to introduce the Trango Belay Team, a handpicked crew of expert belayers who will be the backbone of some of the biggest competitions in the world. Competition belaying demands a psychological and physical rigor that is unique to the sport. The 'second' (or 'belayer') stands at the base of the route controlling the other end of the rope, which is called belaying (e. When belaying, safety is your top priority. These types of devices, which are slightly heavier than traditional-style belay devices, are best suited for sport climbing, gym climbing Learn how to choose a belay device for rock climbing. The notes that follow are addressing the issue of selection and deployment of belayers at climbing competitions. Check out this short 1-minute video on using the proper top-rope belaying method: Belaying is the process, accomplished via a variety of methods, of protecting a climber from a lengthy fall. org Learn the basics of top rope belaying, including gear, setup, safety checks and procedures, plus the PBUS method and how to lower a climber. This demonstration video primarily addresses Lead belaying technique. Training will be provided to ensure competition style belaying and safety standards are met. Belaying in guide mode positions the device vertically and allows the belayer to belay off the anchor, not their harness. In its simplest form, a belay consists of a rope that runs from a climber to another person (the belayer) who can stop the climber's fall. Includes the pros and cons of tubular, assisted braking and Figure 8 devices. Develop your lead belaying skills and master techniques such as slack management and soft catches. Belaying for competition is a specific type of belaying and is very different from recreational and outdoor belaying. 2 (Slowed) · prodbycpkshawn 906 Dislike Photo about Junior female Athlete climbs Competition route and belaying referee watching her from below. Use this as an opportunity to brush up on your belaying skills – see three tips here. This course outlines the differences of competition style belaying to recreational belaying, and offers coaching and practice opportunities to apply the new technique in a variety of situations. Ty has done it all: He’s been competition belaying, judging, and coaching for over 10 years, and he started the belay programs at USA climbing and the IFSC. I personally dislike the GriGri for competition catches, mainly because I am so used to ATC's. With this this meets the best of both worlds allowing me to give soft competition catches without having to jump Competition/dynamic belaying is where significant large amounts of rope (although not enough to result in a ground fall) are allowed to pass through the belay device upon a fall, reducing drag and also that the competitor’s movements are not hindered in any way by the rope being too tight. if the 'lead climber' falls, the Oct 20, 2025 · Here, tube sliding (competition-style belaying) allows the belayer to feed rope quickly and in a controlled manner, letting the climber fall slightly lower and more vertically before the rope gets taut. ??? Learn to belay a lead climber, including how it differs from top-rope belaying. Check every harness and safety clip. Jul 11, 2025 · We test climbing belay devices for all types of climbing. Jun 30, 2025 · Ty has done it all: He’s been competition belaying, judging, and coaching for over 10 years, and he started the belay programs at USA climbing and the IFSC. Ms. Constructed from nylon ribspan with breathable four-way stretch, these gloves retain flexibility and keep you comfortable through the dog days of summer shooting season. This change will now allow all USAC Speed Climbing Host Gyms to choose their preferred method of belaying speed climbers for competition. uk Tel: 0161 445 6111 Fax: 0161 445 4500 email: office@thebmc. BAD lead climbing FALLS in competition #competitionclimbing #belaying Pop like this Pt. how to proper belay top rope Setting Up the Belay As the climber secures themselves to the harness using a figure 8 knot (learn here), it's crucial to follow several steps for a safe belaying process. Competition/dynamic belaying is where significant large amounts of rope (although not enough to result in a ground fall) are allowed to pass through the belay device upon a fall, reducing drag and also that the competitor’s movements are not hindered in any way by the rope being too tight. The submission was provided in due time and was reviewed in advance of the meeting. While there is general competence with belay related skills BMC Advice for Belaying at Climbing Competitions In the case of any climbing competition endorsed by BMC, the BMC assumes an element of responsibility for the conduct of the event. Aug 7, 2025 · In order to belay safely, learn how to setup your belay device and practice the PBUS (Pull, Brake, Under, Slide) system. From the youth to the elite circuit, my goal is that every athlete should receive the same experience. It is a vital skill to know if you are interested in climbing. USA Climbing Chief Belayers Laura Domoto and Don Mason, will conduct this instructional clinic covering all aspects of lead belaying for competition. 6K views 1 year ago #belay #belayer #belaying #belay #belayer #belaying ty & Stevemore Jan 5, 2020 · The USA Climbing Competition Belaying Working Group (CBWG) was formed to provide guidance, instruction, and standards around belaying at USA Climbing competitions, as outlined in the Working Group's Charter as approved by the USA Climbing Board of Directors. In this episode, we’ll learn about all things belaying, get behind the scenes insight, and hear about how the scene has changed since the Olympics came into play, leading to some toxic Is an ATC better than a Grigri? We break down the differences between the types of belay devices and share our favorites for different types of climbing. Unless your ambitions are firmly set on either unroped scrambling or bouldering, you’re going to need to learn how to belay. Correct belaying methods allow a belayer to hold the entire weight of the climber with relatively little force and easily arrest falls. ??? Oct 29, 2025 · 2,527 likes, 9 comments - joelewisoutdoorcoaching on October 29, 2025: "Competition climbing belaying workshop this evening ready for the @teambmc youth climbing series this weekend! Fantastic work from the team of experienced belayers as they make the adjustments from casual belayers to being on point all the time and planning ahead to avoid hazards! We spent the evening making sure we were Oct 3, 2025 · The Lead Climbing Class introduces participants to the techniques of lead climbing and lead belaying specific to indoor climbing. The 'lead climber' — who is doing the climbing — clips the rope to pieces of protection as they ascend. Sep 2, 2020 · USA Climbing may develop a competition belaying process that includes training, supervision, and evaluation along with a competition belaying endorsement system that provides for multiple levels of competition belaying endorsement. These standards detail the skills and knowledge belayers require in order achieving a competition belayer qualification. We cover gear, setup, safety, communication and technique. 30 Jun · That's Not Real Climbing Ty has done it all: He’s been competition belaying, judging, and coaching for over 10 years, and he started the belay programs at USA climbing and the IFSC. I learned a lot while belaying elite level climbers and hanging with the @usabelay crew! Here are some takeaways from a PT perspective for competition belaying 🧗🏻♀️ Mar 5, 2025 · The climber suffered several serious injuries including a broken back. The walls shall be free from all holds, macros, and volumes (unless otherwise agreed with IFSC), and mats and/or belaying points must be installed and secured to allow climbing and testing of the routes. Climbers, coaches and volunteers of all abilities can register for the clinic and have the opportunity to learn more about the sport of competition climbing Dec 16, 2022 · One non-negotiable for multi-pitch belaying is that the device needs to be able to belay in “guide mode. . Apr 28, 2025 · Learn the safest methods for toprope belaying. Learn how to belay. Good practices for belaying a lead climber A good belayer should be dedicated to the climber's safety. Members serve the Elite, Youth, Paraclimbing, and Collegiate competition climbing series’ primarily for USA Climbing, the national governing body for competition climbing in the United States. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. A beginners guide to belaying a lead climber. We use some type of belay in almost every roped climbing context—it is the essential skill that unites all disciplines. It is, quite simply, one of the foundations for trad climbing, sport climbing, ice climbing and technical mountaineering. Regarding lead climbing—if climbing is risky, lead climbing is simply dangerous. Just like many knots and techniques used in climbing, the origins of belaying come from the nautical world. Here is a reminder of essential practices, valid with any equipment. Patrons must pass the belay test before belaying other climbers. Auto belay "TruBlue Speed" auto-belay fixed at the top of an indoor climbing route An auto belay (or autobelay) is a mechanical device for belaying in indoor climbing walls, in both training and competition climbing formats. Find out how to pick the right one, use it safely, and keep it in top condition for your climbing trips. #neverstopclimbing #usaclimbing #2025nationals Feb 20, 2017 · We're hosting a competition belayer training course on Wednesday, Feb 22nd, from 5-8pm at the Stronghold. org website when complete. Climbers have been belaying for as long as they’ve been using ropes. uk BMC Advice for Belaying at Climbing Competitions In the case of any climbing competition endorsed by BMC, the BMC assumes an element of responsibility for the conduct of the event. These articles explain how to belay using a top rope system and how to climb safely at an indoor climbing wall. Competition Lead Belaying Clinic If you have been interested in belaying at competitions, please check out the clinic happening this weekend at Vertical World North. The priority is always to make competition belaying safer, evolving and growing in tandem with the growth of the sport. Mar 12, 2020 · Last night we ran our 3rd Competition Belaying Workshop at Transition Extreme Sports Ltd. In this episode, we’ll learn about all things belaying, get behind the scenes insight, and hear about how the scene has changed since the Olympics came into play, leading to some toxic Before routesetting begins, the competition and warm-up walls shall be fully constructed, including all finishing work such as painting and cleaning. After a few practice sessions, you will feel comfortable enough belaying to also begin chee In late 2019, USA Belay members partnered with USA Climbing to publish a comprehensive Competition Belaying Handbook and official companion video. Read on to get started. QUICK TIPS FOR COMPETITION TOP ROPE BELAYING: Competition belaying requires more of a watchful eye and constant rope control. Spotting is encouraged for patrons bouldering Jan 27, 2022 · USA Climbing may develop a competition belaying system process that includes training, supervision, and evaluation, along with a competition belaying endorsement system that provides for multiple levels of competition belaying endorsement. BRITISH MOUNTAINEERING COUNCIL 177-179 Burton Road Manchester M20 2BB www. What is belaying? Belaying is managing the rope for a climber to protect them from falls and to lower them from the top of a climb. May 5, 2025 · A belay device is essential for catching falls anytime you're climbing on a rope. Belayers need to be experienced in either Tope rope or Lead belaying depending on which session they are volunteering for. I do a lot of competition belaying for USA Climbing, and every once in a while a gym hosting a competition does not allow for ATC belay devices and requires that the belayers use ABDs. Subscribed 38 1. Only one climber per rope lane on the climbing tower. Only spill-resistant and shatter-proof drinking bottles are allowed in the climbing area. As a result, it’s the tube-style device of choice for any adventures more than a pitch long. The result is a comprehensive comparison-tested review, and some Sep 2, 2020 · USA Climbing may develop a competition belaying process that includes training, supervision, and evaluation along with a competition belaying endorsement system that provides for multiple levels of competition belaying endorsement. Clinic participants will participate as both climber and belayer. In the event of conflicts, the USA Climbing Competition Belaying Handbook and/or Rulebook governs. Even if you’re not competing, come out and enjoy the energy of the climbing competition. See our guide to the best climbing belay devices of 2025, including our top picks and details on belaying with two ropes, rope diameters, belaying a follower, and more. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. Welcome to the 2024-2025 season! Adventure Rock’s High School Climbing program is designed for climbers of all levels, with over 400 students from 25 different schools. Dec 15, 2020 · Belaying, or handling and holding the rope to catch the climber’s falls, is the ultimate trust deal. Assisted Braking Belay Device These belay devices, like the Petzl GriGri, Trango Vergo, and Camp Matik hold some of the weight of the climber you're belaying and also feature a camming mechanism within the device that auto-engages when it detects a fall. A new video from Hard is Easy includes an interview with the climber and a deep dive into how to properly use a GriGri. Learn the essential techniques and steps for belaying in rock climbing. The Handbook was updated in 2023 and has been used by climbing federations around the world. This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step process to ensure safe and effective rope management, allowing climbers to support their partners while minimizing risks. Personal belongings should be stored in a day-use locker. Rube provided an overview of proposed changes to the Charter of the Competition Belaying Working Group (CBWG). Dec 26, 2021 · Knowing how to belay is an essential skill for any aspirant rock climber. co. The device enables a climber to ascend indoor routes on a top rope but without the need for a human belaying partner. Learning proper belaying techniques will make you a trustworthy rock climbing partner. 0 Glove packs all the features needed to protect your hands over the shredded barriers, jagged obstacles and other perils presented in today's matches. This one doesn’t come cheap, but provides a smooth action and weighs in at a little less than the Grigri, making it just slightly more appealing for multi-pitch and trad climbers. Lead belaying with a GRIGRI requires a little getting used to if you originally learned with an ATC. When I’m not belaying competitions, I’m active with my local paraclimbing community and am working on developing standards for paraclimbers to belay in competition. I was only just starting to develop my competition belay skills and imagined it would take years to develop them to be selected for a Paraclimbing World Cup belay team. It’s interesting, therefore, to see how little agreement there is about the “best” belay techniques, how distracting our assertions about belaying tend to be, and how rigidly dogmatic we can be Top roping is also used in ice climbing, and the related sports of mixed climbing and dry-tooling, and it is used in combination with auto belay devices in both competition speed climbing and competition ice climbing. 11® Competition Shooting 2. Touchscreen compatible palms are Jun 28, 2018 · Belaying is an integral part of top-rope climbing inside and outside the gym. For many years Petzl’s Grigri lacked a serious rival in the assisted-braking belay device market, but in the Matik it finds stiff competition. This class emphasizes proper clipping, lead belay skills, fall management and strategies for climbing safely on lead. Top roping is one of the safest forms of rock climbing and is used by most beginners and novices of the sport. mvy ozqf ssu worh tyqif uerncpy tuohfqi ngqk nlgwky ieei inyay gabtkm tlm lad irqcy