Certifications

Top Rope + Lead Climbing

CERTIFICATION: All belayers or lead climbers must have a current belay or lead certification.
To take a belay/lead test, please see the Edgeworks front desk.

BELAY AND LEAD TEST REQUIREMENTS:
All belayers or lead climbers must have a current belay or lead certification.
We thank you for taking the time to learn safe belay and lead technique.

Certification: Top Rope Belay

Edgeworks Climbing will issue a Belay Certification and allow climbers to belaying only if the climber demonstrates the following:

  • Belayers must be 14 years of age or older.
  • All participants must use standard belay devices and UIAA approved harnesses.
  • Harnesses must be worn properly and doubled back.
  • Figure 8 follow-through knot must be tied through harness tie-in point (minimum 6 inch tail).
  • Belay device must be attached properly to belay loop and locked.
  • Perform climber and belayer safety check prior to climbing.
  • Use of proper verbal belay signals.
  • Belaying, taking and lowering without releasing the brake hand.

Certification: Lead Climbing + Belaying

All lead climbers/belayers must be lead certified by gym staff. The lead test is on a 5.9 route (or harder). Lead climbers/belayers must demonstrate the following:

  • Belaying
    • All regular belay rules above must be followed.
    • Belayer must spot the climber prior to the first clip.
    • Belayer must stand into the wall to ensure that the rope does not catch the climbers leg/body during a fall or pull belayer into the wall.
    • Belayer must be attentive and communicate with lead climber.
    • Belayer must catch a leader fall without losing control and with minimal rope play.
  • Climbing
    • Leader must clip all quickdraws, in order and proper direction.
    • Leader must demostrate incorrect clipping (back-clipping and z-clipping).
    • Leader must appear safe.
    • Leader must be willing to take a reasonable fall.