Indoor Climbing Commands

Texas Rock Gym Lingo:

A-R-C-H

A – Anchor – ensure the belayer is propery anchored to the ground before you begin your climb
R – Rope – ensure the rope is not twisted or tangled. Ensure the top of the rope is near the end of the route you want to climb
C – Carabiner – Ensure the climbers and the belayer’s carabiners are in facing downward and are locked
H – Harness – Ensure all buckles are in the locked position – O = Open, C = Closed.

Climbing Commands:

1. Climber, “On belay?” – this command is asking the belayer if they are ready to start belaying the climb
2. Belayer, “Belay On” – the belayer is ready to belay the climb
3. Climber, “Climbing?” – the climber is asking premission to start climbing
4. Belayer, “Climb on” – The belay is ready for the climber to begin the climb
5. Climber – “Take?” – asking the belay to pull in all of the slack in the rope and go into the lock position.
6. Belayer – “Take on” – belayer has removed all of the slack in the rope, is the locked position and ready to take on the weight of the climber.
7. Climber – “Lower?” – The climber has put all weight on the rope but letting go of the wall and putting their body in an L shape position. They are asking to be lowered to the ground.
8. Belayer – “Lowering” – The belayer has verified the climber is not standing or holding on to the wall and they are ready to lower the climber to the ground.

Tip #1: Rest during your climb

Climbing takes a lot of muscle. When you are a beginner, you are probably using the wrong muscles so it’s even more important to take breaks during your climb and shake out your hands/feet. Here is the link to guide we discussed. http://www.climbing.com/skill/redpoint-resting/

Tip #2: Stretching between climbing days:

Most of us are using muscles that we are not used to using. Keep limber in between climbing days by doing these yoga moves. http://www.climbing.com/skill/question-of-balance/