TOP ROPE BELAY AND LEAD TEST REQUIREMENTS
All belayers or lead climbers must have a current certification.
Certification: Top Rope Belay
All top rope climbers/belayers must be certified by Edgeworks. Top Rope Belay certifications will be issued to those who meet the following requirements:
AGE and GEAR REQUIREMENTS- Must be 14 years of age or older.
- UIAA-approved harness worn above hip bones and doubled back when required.
- Belay device must be an ABD (Assisted Braking Device) type belay device.
(Not permitted: Non-ABD devices including tube style ATC type devices, homemade belay devices, figure eight descenders, or rope brakes such as the Munter Hitch)
- Tie a figure 8 follow-through knot to harness attachment point(s) with a minimum 6” tail.
- Proper attachment of locking carabiner to belay device and appropriate belay loop.
- Climber and belayer system checks prior to climbing.
- Use of appropriate belay communication.
- Proper belaying, taking and lowering technique without releasing the brake hand.
Certification: Lead Climbing + Belaying
All lead climbers/belayers must be lead certified by Edgeworks. The lead test is on a 5.9 route (or harder). Lead climbing and belay certifications will be issued to those who meet the following requirements:
AGE and GEAR REQUIREMENTS- All Top Rope Belay certification requirements from above.
- Rope type must be a UIAA, single dynamic lead climbing rope.
- Rope length must be at least 35 meters (100 feet).
- Proper clipping of all quickdraws while on route.
- Knowledge of back-clipping and z-clipping.
- Proficient lead climbing ability.
- Proficient and able to take a reasonable lead fall.
- No top roping on lead anchors. Lead ropes must be pulled after each climb.
- All Top Rope Belay certification requirements from above.
- Optimal positioning and stance to the wall and climber.
- Attentive communication with climber.
- Proper rope management with appropriate slack.
- Proficient and able to catch a reasonable lead fall.
