How to Rig a Belay System

During most climbing situations, a belay system protects the climber from long falls. A belayer on the ground or below the climbing pitch feeds out rope that the climber attaches to the route's protection via carabiners. A basic belay system consists of a belay device set on the rope with the belayer, harnesses and carabiners. When the system is complete, tension and friction controls the rope and provides safeguards for any falls that may occur. Climbing is dangerous and requires extensive training and skill. Do not attempt to set up a belay system until you are professionally trained.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 climbing harnesses
  • Locking carabiners
  • Climbing rope
  • Belay device
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Put on the harnesses (you and your belay partner). Ensure the carabiner loop is facing out from the center of the waist.

    • 2

      Tie a double-figure eight into the rope. Clip it onto a locking carabiner. Clip the carabiner into the harness of the climber. A carabiner is a metal d-ring with a gate. Turn the lock all the way clockwise, then back 1/4 turn.

    • 3

      Tie a double-figure eight into the rope for the belayer. Clip it to his harness with a locking carabiner as yours. Clip the belay device (a metal square with a reinforced loop) loop through the carabiner and onto the harness.

    • 4

      Slide one end of the rope through one side of the belay device. Run the opposite end through the other. Run the climbing rope to the climber.

    • 5

      Wrap the rope to the front and on the hip so both hands on the belayer hold the rope. Allow the climber to begin the climb, yelling first "on belay." The belayer responds back with "on belay" and begins to feed out rope to the climber as the climber moves up.