Archive for May 14th, 2008

Well, we’ve done kite surfing and snowboarding so why not some commonly used words in the rock climbing world…

However, with rock climbing it is a little more serious. Not just a whole new dictionary like the above sports but, a bit like scuba diving with its hand signals, rock climbing has a few critical expressions that one needs to know. It sounds a bit dramatic that it could be ‘the difference between life and death’, but at times a leader and the second might lose sight of one another and, without verbal communication, one climber might begin climbing before the other is ready to belay which is a scary thought.

So, a set of calls should be known beforehand and even practiced and agreed upon beforehand. Some common calls are:

• “Off belay!” The leader has reached a secure place. The second may discontinue the belaying process.
• “Taking in!” The leader will now pull the slack of the rope that remains between the two climbers. The second should watch for snags and tangles in the rope.
• “That’s me!” The second informs the leader that no slack remains.
• “On belay!” The leader is ready for the second to begin climbing.
• “Climbing!” The second answers that he is ready.
• “Climb!” The leader gives the final cue to begin the climb.
  
  
• “Slack!” The climber asks the belayer for extra rope.
• “Up rope!” The belayer may remove any slack that has accumulated.
• “Tension!” The belayer should take in enough rope to support some of the climber’s weight; a somewhat urgent call.
• “Watch the rope!” “Watch me!” or “Take me!” A fall or difficult move is anticipated. The belay may be tested, so get ready!

Some people might say “Why, why do it? What do you get out of rock climbing for god’s sake?” You go up – you have to come down again, is that fun or just a waste of time?

But I think this video explains the ultimate satisfaction of this sport to those who do it. The feeling of achievement, of getting up there – although I would be tempted to suggest that the desire ‘to conquer’ is also behind the urge to get to the top.