Movement Belay Certification Informational Text 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A climbing gym's informational poster states that a belay device must be 'loaded correctly' before the climber leaves the ground. What does this mean?
- The rope is threaded through the device and the device is clipped to the harness with a locking carabiner in the locked position (Correct answer)
- The belay device is fully weighted by the climber standing on the ground
- The brake hand is holding the rope above the belay device
- The climber has confirmed the device brand matches the gym's approved list
Correct answer: The rope is threaded through the device and the device is clipped to the harness with a locking carabiner in the locked position
Correct loading means the rope is properly threaded and the locking carabiner is locked, securing the system before any climbing begins.
Question 2: According to standard belay certification handouts, which scenario best describes a 'ground fall' hazard?
- A climber falls from a height lower than the distance from the first bolt to the ground (Correct answer)
- A climber falls when the rope is fully paid out
- A belayer lets go of the brake strand accidentally
- A climber skips clipping a bolt that is above their waist
Correct answer: A climber falls from a height lower than the distance from the first bolt to the ground
A ground fall occurs when there is insufficient rope clipped to stop a falling climber before they hit the ground.
Question 3: A safety bulletin states belayers must maintain the 'brake strand' at all times. Which image best illustrates this?
- Brake hand below the belay device gripping the rope at all times, even while feeding slack (Correct answer)
- Brake hand raised above the device to give slack quickly
- Both hands on the rope above the belay device to control speed
- Brake hand released momentarily to reposition on the rope
Correct answer: Brake hand below the belay device gripping the rope at all times, even while feeding slack
The brake strand must always be controlled by the brake hand below the device to stop a fall instantly.
Question 4: Movement's belay manual describes the PBUS technique. What does the 'U' stand for?
- Under — the brake hand slides under the device during the pull phase (Correct answer)
- Up — the guide hand pulls the rope upward
- Unload — the climber unloads the system before lowering
- Unclip — the belayer unclips the device to reposition
Correct answer: Under — the brake hand slides under the device during the pull phase
PBUS stands for Pull, Brake, Under, Slide — the 'U' refers to sliding the brake hand under the device to reset position while maintaining control.
Question 5: A gym's informational text warns against 'back-clipping.' Why is back-clipping dangerous?
- If the climber falls, the rope can unclip itself from the bolt carabiner (Correct answer)
- The rope creates extra friction, making it hard to feed slack
- The gate faces the wall, making it impossible to unclip when lowering
- The rope rubs against the bolt hanger, causing rope damage
Correct answer: If the climber falls, the rope can unclip itself from the bolt carabiner
Back-clipping allows the rope to lever the gate open and unclip entirely during a fall.
Question 6: A certification guide states the belayer should be positioned 'directly below the first bolt.' What is the primary reason for this?
- It minimizes sideways swing if the climber falls before clipping the second bolt (Correct answer)
- It gives the belayer the best view of the climber's feet
- It allows the belayer to catch the rope if the climber drops it
- It prevents the belay device from being dragged upward
Correct answer: It minimizes sideways swing if the climber falls before clipping the second bolt
Standing directly below the first bolt limits lateral swing and keeps the rope path vertical, reducing fall injury risk.
Question 7: An informational handout lists 'communication' as a critical belay skill. Which command does the climber give to indicate they are ready to be lowered?
- 'Lower me' or 'Take' (Correct answer)
- 'Belay on'
- 'Climbing'
- 'Slack'
Correct answer: 'Lower me' or 'Take'
'Lower me' signals the belayer to lower the climber, while 'Take' signals the belayer to take in rope and hold the climber's weight.
Movement Belay Certification Informational Text 2
A climbing gym's informational poster states that a belay device must be 'loaded correctly' before the climber leaves the ground.
What does this mean?