How to belay using a gri-gri

There are several belaying devices on the market for rock climbing. A gri-gri is a newer device using auto-locking technology that helps to eliminate belayer error.

Things You'll Need

  • Gri-gri
  • Climbing rope
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Instructions

    • 1

      Start by making sure that you load the gri-gri correctly. This is the most important aspect of using the device. If it is loaded incorrectly the auto-locking mechanism will not work. Use the pictures on the side of the gri-gri to see where to load the loose end of the rope (the belaying end) and which part of the rope should be going up to the climber.

    • 2

      Keep the right hand on the rope where it comes out of the gri-gri. The right hand is the break hand and should never leave the gri-gri. As you pull rope down towards the gri-gri with the left hand, move the right hand up, grab the belay end of the rope so that the left hand is positioned closer to the tail of the rope and slide up the right hand so that it is closer to the gri-gri.

    • 3

      Utilize small pulls of rope through the device rather than trying to do big pulls of rope, so that you can keep up with the climber better.

    • 4

      Make sure that you also communicate effectively with the climber. If you need to have the climber slow down or stop so that you can pull out the slack, it is imperative to do so.

    • 5

      To lower the climber, have him get in the lowering position, curl the rope around the lip of the gri-gri and if needed, place the belay hand behind your back for extra friction of the rope wrapping around your body. Pull the handle on the gri-gri to disengage the auto-lock and allow the rope to slide through.