How to Belay and Rappel

Belaying and rappelling are two of the most basic techniques you must master before setting out on a rock climbing expedition. Rapelling is to descend a cliff by sliding down a rope with a braking device. Belaying is the safety technique in which one climber stays on the ground or rock face and provides protection using a ropes system to the ascending climber. Climbing and rappelling gyms are great places to learn and practice these techniques.

Things You'll Need

  • Belay device
  • Rappelling rope
  • Climbing harnesses
  • Climbing shoes
  • Climbing helmet
  • Anchor
  • Carabiner
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Instructions

  1. Belay

    • 1

      Place your right hand on the right rope, approximately 2-to-3 inches from the belay device attached to your harness. Always remember, this hand is your break hand.

    • 2

      Grasp the rope tightly with your left hand, directly above your right hand.

    • 3

      Pull the slack tightly through the belay device as your partner climbs up the wall. Be sure to pull the slack straight up in the air to avoid tangling or catching the rope.

    • 4

      Slide your hands back down the rope (once you have tightened the slack) right hand first, making sure to keep your right hand closest to the belay device. Also be sure to keep a distance of 2-to-3 inches between your right hand and the belay device to prevent pinching your fingers in the belay.

    • 5

      Lower the climber back down gently by slowly releasing tension in the rope. Keep a firm grasp on the rope, lowing the climber slowly, until he has safely reached the ground.

    Rappel

    • 6

      Secure your rappelling device by feeding the rope through the anchor and pulling both rope ends through the anchor carabiner until half of your rope is in your hand.

    • 7

      Tie the rope ends together securely. Once the ends are tied securely, toss the rope ends down to your belaying partner.

    • 8

      Be certain that your belaying partner is ready before you sit back into rappelling position. Exchange confirmation that you are ready, and that your partner is ready. Typically, "On belay!" is shouted once the belay partner is ready for you to begin descent. Do not take rappel position until you have confirmation from your partner below.

    • 9

      Hold the rope tightly with your dominant hand. Place this hand under its corresponding thigh. Your dominant hand is your break hand, and will be used to slow you down or catch the rope in case of emergency. With your other hand, grasp the rope tightly in front of you, leaving about 2-to-3 feet of rope between your two hands.

    • 10

      Step to the edge of the rock and lean back, perpendicular to the rock face, as if you are sitting in a chair. Put all your weight in your seat and slowly begin to walk down the wall or rock face, letting the rope slide through your hands slowly. Tighten or loosen your break hand, depending on how quickly you want to descend.

    • 11

      Shout, "Off belay!" once you have safely arrived to your destination and you no longer need the protection of your partner. This signals to your partner that they can relax and you no longer need their assurance.