| Are you considering taking up the sport of climbing? | | | | rope to a stable object. Belaying correctly is one of |
| It is definitely a fun and exhilarating outdoor activity | | | | the most important lessons of mountain climbing. |
| but it is not something easy to learn and climbing | | | | There are several different belaying techniques, all of |
| comes with some serious risks. Taking a class from a | | | | which you will learn in class. |
| knowledgeable instructor with a lot of climbing | | | | The top rope belaying technique is practiced using a |
| experience is a must. | | | | long rope which is anchored to the top of an |
| You'll be instructed on a wide range on topics and | | | | outcropping. The rope is threaded through the |
| taught essential skills for safe climbing. The class will | | | | karabiners and the anchor is connected to webbing. |
| be a combination of class room study and actual | | | | The karabiners attach the anchor to the rope. The |
| hands on training. | | | | climber (below) climbs as the belayer pulls up the |
| One of the most important parts of the class (and | | | | rope's slack. Similarly on the descent the climber is |
| most basic parts of climbing) will be knot tying. If | | | | lowered by slack provided by the belayer. |
| you've never been in boy scouts or the Navy, you'd | | | | You will be taught proper climbing and lowering |
| be surprised at how many different types of knots | | | | techniques and then you'll be taught how to be the |
| there are. You'll learn various tying methods including | | | | belay. You'll be partnered up with someone else |
| the Italian Hitch, the Bowline, a Double Overhand and | | | | (which is always required) and be given the role of |
| the Tape Knot. | | | | lead climber or second climber. The lead climber places |
| You'll be instructed on how to tie the harness onto | | | | protection ("pros") and attaches the ropes to them |
| the ropes using the biners. It's very important to | | | | using biners. |
| strap on a harness accurately and to test the loops | | | | These are just a few things you'll learn in a climbing |
| and ties since your connection to the rope is critical | | | | class. There are many other techniques that are |
| to your safe ascent and descent from the mountain. | | | | essential to this activity. Again, due to the nature of |
| You'll also be shown the proper use of karabiners; | | | | mountain climbing you should check the instructor's |
| these are the metal rings with spring clasps. | | | | credentials and inquire about experience. Don't penny |
| Belaying is a term used in climbing which means to | | | | pinch when it comes to a climbing class since you |
| attach yourself to the end of a rope or attaching a | | | | usually get what you pay for. |