51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏ

The minimum age to belay at the climbing wall, outside of specifically supervised sessions, is 14 years.

Belay checks are mandatory for all first-time participants intending to belay at the 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏClimbing Wall. Checks are performed to ensure participants' safety skills meet 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏstandards. Top Rope Belay Check patrons are given a result of pass or fail:

• Pass means the belayer has met all belay check standards. They may top rope climb anytime during open hours. 

• Fail means belayer lacks the required skills, did not meet all belay check standards within a reasonable timeframe or made critical error that could have resulted in injury. They may not belay this day; they must come in and pass another belay check on another day.

Please review the following standards. Intending belayers must successfully demonstrate both climber and belayer standards. 

The climber must correctly demonstrate:

1. Putting on their harness.
2. Tying a follow through figure eight knot.
3. Effective system checks and communication.

The belayer must correctly demonstrate:

1. Putting on their harness.
2. Knowledge and correct set up of their belay device.
3. Effective system checks and communication.
4. An ability to efficiently move the rope through the belay device while taking in slack.
5. Ability to maintain appropriate amounts of slack at all times.
6. Ability to maintain control of the brake rope at all times.
7. Keeping appropriate distance from the wall and from mat edge.
8. Arresting a top rope fall and immediately assuming a braking position.
9. Lowering their partner with good speed and control.
10. Knowledge of anchor use if climber exceeds 150% of belayer’s weight.

The minimum age to belay at the climbing wall, outside of specifically supervised sessions, is 17 years. All climbers must pass a Top Rope Belay Check prior to attempting a Lead Belay Check.

Lead Belay Check patrons are given a result of pass or fail:

• Pass means belayer or climber met all belay check standards with no assistance. They may lead climb as facility availability allows. Feedback may be provided by staff for non-critical errors.

• Fail means belayer or climber needed did not meet belay check standards. They may not lead belay this day. They must come in and pass another belay check on another day.

Please review the following standards. Intending belayers and climbers must successfully demonstrate both climber and belayer standards. 

The climber must correctly demonstrate:

1. Efficient clipping – ability to fix back clips and z-clips.
2. Fall risk management – no skipped clips, legs behind the rope or climbing off-route.
3. A lead fall at a designated point.
4. Clipping the anchors.
5. Good communication with the belayer.

The belayer must correctly demonstrate: 

1. Pulling and flaking the rope.
2. An ability to move the rope through the belay device in both directions and maintain appropriate slack levels.
3. Ability to maintain control of the brake rope at all times.
4. Ability to maintain appropriate distance from the first clip and the wall.
5. Ability to maintain appropriate positioning relative to the climber.
6. Catching a lead fall at a designated point.
7. Understanding of safety implications when belaying climbers with significant weight discrepancy.