TOP ROPE BELAY LESSON –
*To qualify you must be at least 12 yrs old and in good health.

Learn the skills to become a safe and relaxed Top Rope Belayer with this short easy going course.

1 – 2 climbers > $25.00 each (includes day use pass and rentals) -or- $20.00 each for members (includes rentals)

3 or more climbers > $20.00 each (includes day use + rentals) -or- $15.00 each for members (includes rentals)

This 1hr course will start with you choosing a climb that is well below your ability level and then doing it on Top Rope with the instructor demonstrating how to belay. By climbing first and not belaying until after it will ensure that you have the proper respect for the duties of the belayer. If you would like to just belay kids (kids are usually lighter weight and therefore easier to belay) you still need the lesson but you don’t need to climb if you absolutely don’t want to – but we strongly recommend it, and besides it’s fun! Then the lesson will focus on how to tie the climbers harness onto the rope with a Figure Eight Knot and hook up and use the Belay Device and Floor Anchors.  Last but not least you will catch several falls. When you and the instructor feel you are ready you will get your Temporary Belay Certification that will allow you to Top Rope Climb for the remainder of that day. The next time you come to ROCKZILLA you will be able to take the Top Rope Belay Test and get your Top Rope Belay Certification. The delay helps ensure that you will remember all the lessons learned and be a safe and responsible climber and belayer indoors and out.  [FACT: Size does not matter – the mechanical advantage of the belay system holds most of the weight of the climber, all you do is control the rate of descent. Convenient floor anchors hold the belayer to the ground so a smaller person can belay a much larger person.]

What is a Belay? The act of fastening or controlling a rope to which a climber is attached by wrapping it around a metal device, a natural feature of rock, a tree or even your body.  (ROCKZILLA uses Modern Metal Belay Devices)

What is a Top Rope? There are two types of climbing – Leading and Following (Top Roping). When Leading you are the first one to go up and you have to secure the rope to protection that you attach yourself as well as find the way up the route. When Following or “Top Roping” a climb the Top Rope is securely attached (anchored) to the top of the climb or a section of the climb allowing a climber to take short, safe falls at anytime and at anywhere on the route. This “Top Rope” set up is used around the world to learn, practice and push the limits of rock climbing safely, without the worry of a long fall. 

What is a Top Rope Belay? A Top Rope Belay is the act of Belaying a climber who is hooked onto a Top Rope anchor system. The Top Rope Belay is the first step to learn how to climb safely indoors or out. Not nearly as demanding as a Lead Belay but it still carries the same amount of responsibility.

Top Rope Belay Lessons are available on all weekends or on weekdays/nights by appointment.  Call to schedule in advance.

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