Climbing can seem overwhelming when first getting into the sport. There’s tons of terms, different types of climbing, specific techniques, and what seems like a million different types of gear. Not to mention you’re dealing with all the adrenaline from those big, tall walls, which can make anyone nervous – it’s a seemingly never-ending mountain of info to manage!
At The Front, we love to help break things down and ensure that you are feeling your best with each and every amenity we offer. While we have tons of classes for all types of climbing (and non-climbing) activities, sometimes it just takes practice to smooth out all the bumps and to feel confident and efficient when climbing.
Even if you have the basics of belaying down, there’s always room for improvement – growth mindset, baby! Let’s chat about everything from neck problems to third wheeling, you’ll learn so many tips that your friends will call you the belay QUEEN! (Or King. Or Monarch.)
The belay tips below are not a substitution for a full belay lesson with a professional – they are written with the assumption that the reader has previous belay training and experience. So, if you don’t have your belay tag rainbow yet, we suggest you take one of our fun classes that will get you up to speed! These classes include our Top Rope Orientation and Intro to Climbing.
OUCH! My Neck Hurts!
Have you ever seen someone craning their neck so hard that they’re about ready to fall over backward? While it can make for some good yoga training, generally standing in this position too long during belaying can cause some major neck soreness.
The number one easiest way to prevent this neck craning is to use belay glasses – belaygles, if you will! These mirrored lenses help you see your climber while standing like a normal human. They do take a little getting used to, but once you get the hang of them, they’re priceless.
If you aren’t keen on glasses, changing your positioning when you belay can help as well. Sometimes moving to the side or backing up a bit can help depending on the angles of the wall your climber is on, but be aware of your surroundings when doing these things!
OUCH! Maybe It’s Actually My Back (or Something Else) That Hurts Instead!
Similar to your neck hurting, you may be straining other parts of your body as well with bad belaying posture. If you’re sitting, squatting, straining, or feeling like the rope just will NOT be managed, do your best impression of a 50’s etiquette teacher. Shoulders back, spine straight, deep breaths through the belly. It’s also okay to tell your climber to slow down or stop if you need to catch up.
If your posture is suffering because of something like a weight difference, try out an Edelrid Ohm! This nifty device can help disperse the weight differences and allow you to not be so tense while belaying.
Alternatively, maybe it’s your hands that hurt, especially near the end of a big climbing session. The skin on your hands may just be super sensitive after your last pitch, or maybe the rope is just too rough on your skin. Using fingerless belay gloves can help protect fatigued skin. We think they’re pretty fashionable too – emo has been coming back in a big way, after all.
Getting To Know All About You(r climber)
Whenever you’re climbing with a new partner, it’s good to know their preferences. Do they like to be kept tight on top rope? Do they like to be lowered EXTRA slow? Don’t risk a panicky climber; get to know their climbing style and belay needs before tying in!
Maybe they’re super freaky and like to be short roped on lead. No judgement… however, if they’re a normal person and like their slack while clipping, look into the new Petzl NEOX. It’s great for lead belaying as it allows the rope to be fed more easily while still keeping the assisted braking feature.
It’s also important to know where your climber stands on beta and encouragement. It’s good to get ground rules sorted while still on the ground, or risk your partner yelling “I KNOW THAT, GOSH!!!!” down at you mid-climb.
Groups of Three, Rest Like Me
Climbing is social! If you’ve got a third wheel, trade out so everyone gets the chance to get equally pumped. This also allows for ample rest as whoever just got done climbing doesn’t have to hop right back on to belay.
Take time in between climbs to shoot the breeze – remember, eyes on your climber, yappers! There’s a time and place for chatting, and that’s when you’re looking for the next climb and telling your buddy that the route they just picked looks too soft. Make their plateau your problem!
Okay to be super clear we are joking about grade-shaming your climber. Come as you are is in our slogan after all! But if you want to go home stronger and are looking for a social way to practice and improve, we have weekly clubs for top rope, bouldering, and lead climbing hosted by one of our smart, caring, kind, and intelligent instructors (best ones around!) who would love to help you with your projects. Check out clubs at SLC, Ogden, and South Main next time you climb!
Get to Know Your Gear BEFORE Getting on the Wall
Just got a cool new piece of gear but don’t feel too comfortable using it right away? If you need help deciphering the infographics included with your new equipment, sign up for our top rope orientation class, or even bring your gear to chat with our knowledgeable retail staff at the front desk.
Our instructors want you to be super skillful with your tools as much as your climber does not want to find out you’ve never used a GRIGRI after they’ve already gotten halfway up the wall.
Keep it Tidy
Having all your gear nearby can be super convenient, but it can also be dangerous. It’s always good to clear the area of any water bottles, climbing shoes, backpacks, and other items prior to belaying.
When we belay, we tend to move around, and we can easily trip over items in our area. If we have our gear out in the open, it’s not only a tripping hazard for others, but your gear can also get stepped on or broken. We have lots of cubbies around the facility that make it easy to store belongings, and we also offer things like rope bags, which make it easy to move your rope around more easily. It’s also important to remember to empty out your pockets when you belay or climb as well. We don’t want anyone to get smacked with someone else’s phone falling from 60 feet above.
I Leave You (Until Next Time) With One Last Tip
If you’re a Front member in the market for a new device or other belay accessories, you can get 30% back on belay devices, ropes, rope bags, stick clips, belay goggles and carabiners through February. This means you can buy a device, receive some member bennies, then use those member bennies to buy something else.
If you ever need a belay refresher or are ready to take one of our classes and learn how to belay, let us know during your next visit – classes are included with your membership!
