Old Mutual Sports Hall,Rick Turner Rd, Berea, 4041

Lead and Top Rope Climbing

Top Rope Climbing

This method necessitates a duo: the climber and the belayer. While the belayer remains on the ground and manages the rope connected to the climber through a belay device in case of a fall, the rope passes through an anchor at the summit of the wall as the climber progresses upward.

 

These routes demand some endurance, as they can reach heights of up to 16 meters.

 

For first-time top rope climbers and belayers: it is mandatory to pass our Top Rope Belay assessment. Climbers must be at least 13 years old. After successfully completing the test, you’ll receive a Red/Orange Top Belay Test tag, which must always be visibly attached to your harness.

 

Please note: We exclusively utilize the Grigri belay device for all Top Rope climbing activities. If you’re unfamiliar with the Grigri, we offer a 10-minute refresher course

Safety Check for Climber and Belayer

  1. Harness fits correctly and above hips.
  2. Waist belt and leg loops fitted snugly and double backed if applicable.
  3. Harness not twisted.
  4. Carabiner attached to belay loop.
  5. Carabiner locked – squeeze test.
  6. Correctly tie a double figure eight through the correct tie-in points.
  7. Stopper knot tied at end of figure eight.
  8. Knot tied close to harness.
  9. Buddy check.
  10. Clear communication before climbing
  11. You must have passed the top rope or lead test to climb.
  12. Do not boulder on the high walls or traverse across anchors. Stay on the route and finish on the relevant anchor
  13. The high climbing area is for adults and children over 13 – ALL children under 13 must be supervised by a parent, guardian or coach
  14. Children may not play on the foam pads or Comfy Saks
  15. No eating and drinking on the climbing mats
  16. Always double check yourself! Ensure your harness is fitted correctly, you are clipped or tied in correctly, and your belayer is ready before you start climbing

Lead Climbing

A duo is necessary for this activity: the climber and the belayer. The belayer remains on the ground, managing the rope connected to the climber with a belay device to prevent falls. As the climber ascends the route, they clip the rope into quickdraws that are already in place—no need to bring your own. The quickdraws are spaced approximately 1-2 meters apart. These routes demand endurance, as they can reach heights of up to 16 meters.

 

Lead climbers and belayers must successfully complete our mandatory Lead test.

 

After passing the test, you’ll receive a Green Lead tag, which must always be visibly attached to your harness, and you must complete the Lead waiver. Climbers must be at least 13 years old.

 

The Top Rope Belay test is a prerequisite for taking the Lead test.

Safety Check for Climber and Belayer

Lead Belayer

  • Proper spotting climber at start of climb.
  • Keep slack in belay system to a minimum. Rope must never touch the ground.
  • Safe and controlled giving or taking of slack.
  • Not ever letting go of the brake end of rope during belaying.
  • Instant lock off on fall.
  • Belayer positioned close to the climbing wall.
  • Slow and controlled lowering of climber.
  • Constant visual communication between belayer and climber -stay focused.

 

Lead Climber

  • Safe clipping between hip and head – avoid high clip
  • Smooth, controlled clipping of quick draws.
  • Clip every quick draw – no skipping.
  • No back clipping.
  • No Z-Clipping.
  • Take a lead fall.
  • Clipping of both top anchor carabiners with gates opposed.

High Wall Climbing Safety Guidelines

  • To climb, you must have successfully completed either the top rope or lead test. First-time visitors using autobelays must undergo a safety orientation.
  • Refrain from bouldering on high walls or traversing across anchors. Stick to the designated route and finish at the appropriate anchor.
  • The high climbing zone is intended for adults and children over 13 years old. Children under 13 must be supervised by a parent, guardian, or coach at all times.
  • Consuming food and beverages on the climbing mats is prohibited.
  • Always perform a double check: make sure your harness is properly fitted, you are correctly clipped or tied in, and your belayer is prepared before commencing your climb.

Safety Check for Climber and Belayer

  1. Harness fits correctly and above hips.
  2. Waist belt and leg loops fitted snugly and double backed if applicable.
  3. Harness not twisted.
  4. Carabiner attached to belay loop.
  5. Carabiner locked – squeeze test.
  6. Correctly tie a double figure eight through the correct tie-in points.
  7. Stopper knot tied at end of figure eight.
  8. Knot tied close to harness.
  9. Buddy check.
  10. Clear communication before climbing