By Sharael Feist
2003
Mike Fyten, manager of Planet Granite climbing gym in Belmont, CA, says the best thing you can do to stay safe while climbing is to learn to communicate with your partner.
Here is a list of climbing commands that should be said while beginning a climb:
- Climber: “On belay” (asking if the belayer is ready)
- Belayer: “Belay on” (belayer is responding that he is ready)
- Climber: “Climbing” (telling the belayer that the climb is beginning)
- Belayer: “Climb on” (the belayer is acknowledging the start of the climb)
If climbing outdoors, Fyten also strongly recommends wearing a helmet to protect your head from falling rocks. Follow these suggested rules and safety tips and you should be on the right road to a safe climb.