Climbing Calls

If you don't know anything else before you go rock climbing or ladder climbing you should learn this.

The belayer throws the rope down to you

Belayer: Rope Below!
Climber: OK (when it reaches you).

You attach the rope to your harness [ref. knots]

Climber: Take in!

The belayer takes in the rope

Climber: That's me! (when the rope goes tight)

The belayer then sets up the belay (don't start climbing yet!)

Belayer: Climb when ready!
Climber: Climbing!
Belayer: OK (only now is it safe to climb).

Whilst climbing there are four calls you might make:

• Slack - give me more slack, the rope is too tight.
• Take in - the rope is slack and I'm scared, take in the loose rope.
• Resting - the belayer will hold you on the rope while you rest.
• Climbing - after resting, the belayer will start taking rope in again.

Note: Never shout "Take in the slack" when you want a tight rope, because the belayer hears "Take in" followed by "Slack", with the result that you get a slack rope not a tight one!

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