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BELAYING OPTIONS

Belaying is the technique used to protect climbers while they are in the air. A rope is attached to the climber’ harness‚ which runs up to a safety cable and then back to the belayer(s) whose main responsibility is to stop the downward movement of the participant if he falls. There are a variety of belay devices that can be utilized. The belay itself can be performed by virtually any individual who understands the system‚ has the appropriate cognitive ability to understand his role‚ and the right technique to accomplish the task.

Examples:

• Just Rite Descender: This device is generally made from a telephone pole or piece of treated lumber that is a minimum of 6” X 6 ” in diameter. The post is set into the ground approximately five ft. deep and three holes are drilled in the pole at 45 degree angles. The belay rope is then run through the holes to create the friction necessary to stop a fall and be held by the belayers.


• Hip Belay: There are a variety of hip belay systems available. With these systems the friction device‚ or belay device‚ is attached to a person’s harness. The rope is then run through the device. A person can perform a hip belay while they are sitting or standing.

Facilitators belay for participants at the climbing tower.

A professional facilitator who utilizes a wheelchair‚ uses a hip belay system to ensure the safety of a program participant. (Photo by Bradford Woods)

Close-up of hip belay system.

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