Climbing Calls
To enhance communication between the leader and a second during a climbing session, climbing calls have evolved. These calls are very important and should always be clarified between the leader and the second before the start of a climb.
It is important that these are called out loudly and clearly. One should not add words to these calls as this will cause confusion. If you are on a busy route, then always use you climbing partner's name.
- Taking In
- Call from the leader that he is pulling up, hand over hand, all of the slack rope between himself and his second
- That's Me
- Call from second to indicate that all of the slack rope between himself and the leader has been pulled up
- Climb When You Are Ready
- Call from leader, which only comes after he has put on his belay device, checked all knots, gates shut and done up, tight on belay, in line with belay and able to brake correctly
- Climbing
- Call from second, but he does not start climbing until he has had the OK from the leader
- O.K.
- Call from leader to show that he has heard that the second is about to climb
- Take In
- If the rope has not been taken in for some time, or slack rope has been introduced due to unclipping a runner etc.
- Slack
- Indicates slac rope is needed, maybe to reverse a move or unclip a runner.
- Tight
- Often called by the second, either when making an awkward move, or when expecting to fall off.
- Safe
- From the leader, to indicate that there is no possibility of him coming to harm. The second will normally say 'safe' at the top of a route to the belayer out of courtesy.
- You're Off or Off Belay
- From the second, following the 'safe' call from the leader.
- Runner On
- From the leader, to indicate that the first runner has been placed and the second must now be ready to hold a fall from a different direction.
- Below
- From anyone who has accidentally dislodged a stone e.g. from a crag or a route. This call must be shouted at full volume. If you hear the call, do not look up as you may receive an injury.
- Rope Below
- A courtesy call when lowering or throwing out a rope or abseiling, top roping etc.
A Special Thanks To ABCs of Rock Climbing
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