Communication when climbing - Petzl Luxembourg
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Communication when climbing

Communication should allow the two partners to avoid being surprised by the movements of the other, to avoid any error.

Warnings

  • Carefully read the Instructions for Use used in this technical advice before consulting the advice itself. You must have already read and understood the information in the Instructions for Use to be able to understand this supplementary information.
  • Mastering these techniques requires specific training. Work with a professional to confirm your ability to perform these techniques safely and independently before attempting them unsupervised.
  • We provide examples of techniques related to your activity. There may be others that we do not describe here.

Instead of long discussions, it's better to use terms agreed upon in advance, such as "ok", "go", "take", "climb"... For this, the moments where communication is required must be identified in advance.

When the climber resumes climbing after a fall

Communication after a fall.
Communication after a fall.

When the climber gets to the top of the route, with a gated anchor that allows the rope to be readily installed

Communication at the top of the route, with a gated anchor.
Communication at the top of the route, with a gated anchor.

When the climber gets to the top of the route, with a closed anchor, and sets up a top-rope

When the climber puts his/her weight on the rope for lowering, the climber is still tethered to the anchor. This allows for checking that the belayer is actually ready to hold the climber's weight. Once everything is checked, the climber untethers for lowering.

Communication at the top of the route, with a closed anchor.
Communication at the top of the route, with a closed anchor.