Ground School: Five-Step Belaying

Before climbing on a rope, students learn belay technique without anyone going up: the rope runs through a high point on the climbing wall or a wall bar and a partner pulls on the other end at ground level. It is done only with the school's certified equipment and a teacher with specific climbing training.

How to play

1. Check the school's equipment and explain the belay device and locking carabiner: position, locking and rope orientation (5 min).
2. Demonstrate the five steps: pull in, brake down, switch hands, slide the brake hand up, and never let go of the brake strand (4 min).
3. In groups of three with one rope: the belayer practices the five steps while the "climber" walks toward the top anchor pulling the rope, and the third student backs up by holding the brake strand (12 min).
4. Fall simulation: on a signal, the climber gives a controlled tug and the belayer must lock off in under a second (5 min).
5. The teacher checks off each belayer on a checklist before they can belay at height in another session (4 min).

Rules

• No one climbs the wall in this session: all work is at ground level.
• The brake hand never leaves the rope, not even to switch hands.
• Only school equipment is used, inspected by the teacher in charge, who must have climbing training.
• The backup always holds the brake strand behind the belayer.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: belays seated, with the device at a suitable height and a standing backup behind.
• Hearing impairment: visual signals for the tug and for "lock off" are agreed on before starting.
• Autism: the five-step sequence is on a laminated card hung by each rope.

Learning goals

• Perform five-step belaying without letting go of the brake strand.
• React quickly to a simulated fall.
• Take on the responsibility of belaying another person.

Equipment for a class of 25

• harnesses: 15
• climbing ropes: 5
• belay devices: 5
• locking carabiners: 10

Teacher tip

The checklist is the key to belaying at height: without it, no one belays. If the school has no trained teacher, limit the activity to the wall-bar simulation with no tugs.

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