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Chockstone Forum - General Discussion

General Climbing Discussion

Topic Date User

beginners belaying 10-Apr-2007 At 6:39:09 PM JohnK

Message

I think that more experienced climbers owe it to those less experienced to highlight the dangers of incorrect belaying.

In my case, when being belayed for the first time by someone who I consider inexperienced and with whom I have not climbed before I tell them a story of what my climbing instructor told me the first time I belayed them:

"Belaying me incorrectly whilst leading or top roping can result in me being injured or even killed. My life is in your hands. Belaying is a huge responsibility that people often under value. Do you understand? Do you mind if I see how you belay before we set off? ".... and then go from there with some belayting checking, instruction etc. and I would expect nothing less from someone I was about to belay.

I know that it's a little bit "in your face" but I honestly think it can be a wake up call for a lot of people who just think less of the dangers of incorrect belaying.