Learn to Belay

Taught by: John Meckel

Description: Interested in getting into indoor rock climbing, but don’t know the ropes?  Or need a quick review?  Want to get ready for Mazama Climb Night? Take this one-evening class that will teach you the basics on how to safely belay a partner on the MMC’s new training wall.  No prior climbing experience is necessary;  beginners are welcome.  Students will need to bring a climbing harness. Learn to Belay is a single evening class which will be held at the Mazama Mountaineering Center.  This class will cover the basic skills needed to safely belay a partner at a rock gym.  We will cover basic belay techniques: including braking, taking in & feeding out rope in a controlled manner, lowering and the importance of communication between the belayer and the climber.  We will strive to have a 2/1 student/instructor ratio or better - and provide lots of hands-on practice and individual attention during the class.
Note:  This class is tailored for climbing at a rock gym and, while some skills are applicable, does not teach everything one should know for top-rope climbing outdoors.
Note:  This class is tailored for climbing at a rock gym and, while some skills are applicable, does not teach everything one should know for top-rope climbing outdoors.  Check out the Mazamas Basic Climbing Education Program for more comprehensive instruction in this area.

Training session: Thursday, October 13, 2011 6:30-9:30pm, Mazama Mountaineering Center
Training Session details: The training session will begin promptly at 6:30pm.  We’ll begin with a short talk about what belaying is and give a demonstration of how friction devices work & how they are used for safety in climbing. Students will then be divided into pairs and assigned to one or more instructors for lots of hands-on practice working on belay technique throughout the evening.  Once students have demonstrated proficiency and have the technique down, they will be permitted to try out one of several stations we’ll have set up on the MMC’s new training wall for some realistic practice.  We will continue until about 9 to 9:30pm; folks are welcome to take off once they feel they have the technique down. Students taking part in Learn to Belay are welcome & are encouraged to join us for Mazama Climb Night which starts up in early November.  For more comprehensive training in mountaineering, see also the Mazamas’ Basic Climbing Education Program.

Cost: $15 members, $25 non-members
Cancellation: Cancellation fee is 50% of application fee if cancelling 7 days or more prior to the session.  No refund if canceling within 7 days of
the session.

To register: Fill out the Learn to Belay Skill Builder Application below to reserve your spot.

Gear: Students will need to bring the following to the training session - Required: climbing harness & pair of light boots or rock shoes. Optional: Several locking carabiners & belay device (eg. ATC). We recommend comfortable athletic clothing for climbing.  Helmets are not necessary for Learn to Belay.  Rock chalk is not permitted.

Recommended Reading: Freedom of the Hills, belaying chapter.