Movement Belay Certification Movement Belay Communication and Commands 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct command a climber says to signal they are ready to begin climbing?
- Belay on
- Climbing (Correct answer)
- On belay
- Up rope
Correct answer: Climbing
The climber says 'Climbing' to announce their intent to ascend, and the belayer responds 'Climb on' to confirm readiness.
Question 2: After a climber says 'Climbing,' what is the correct belayer response?
- Belay on
- Ready
- Climb on (Correct answer)
- On belay
Correct answer: Climb on
'Climb on' is the standard belayer response confirming they are actively belaying and the climber may proceed.
Question 3: What command should a climber use when they want the belayer to pull in all slack and hold the rope tightly?
- Slack
- Take (Correct answer)
- Up rope
- Off belay
Correct answer: Take
'Take' instructs the belayer to pull rope tight and hold the climber's weight, allowing them to rest or feel secure.
Question 4: What does the command 'Slack' signal to the belayer?
- Stop belaying immediately
- Feed out more rope (Correct answer)
- Take in the rope
- The climber has fallen
Correct answer: Feed out more rope
'Slack' means the climber needs additional rope to be fed out, often for clipping a draw or descending.
Question 5: Which warning shout must be used immediately when a rock or piece of gear falls from above?
- Falling!
- Watch out!
- Rock! (Correct answer)
- Heads up!
Correct answer: Rock!
'Rock!' is the universally recognized warning in climbing environments for any falling object, prompting people below to take cover.
Question 6: When a climber has reached a safe anchor and no longer needs belay, what command do they use?
- Belay off
- Safe
- Off belay (Correct answer)
- Climb down
Correct answer: Off belay
'Off belay' is the climber's command telling the belayer they are secured at the anchor and the belayer may stop managing the rope.
Question 7: What is the standard belayer response after hearing 'Off belay'?
- Belay on
- Belay off (Correct answer)
- Climb on
- Slack
Correct answer: Belay off
'Belay off' confirms the belayer has stopped belaying and understands the climber is now secured independently.
Movement Belay Certification Movement Belay Communication and Commands 1
What is the correct command a climber says to signal they are ready to begin climbing?