Rock Climbing: Belay Foundation Class

Belay Basics - Learn to Belay Outdoors!

The Orientation gives you a taste for what climbing is, this class helps you build the skills to participate confidently.

Belay Basics focuses on the fundamentals of belaying; knots, belay devices, partner communication, and taking responsibility for each other on the rope.
This class is also designed to help you prepare for an indoor gym belay test. While every gym has its own standards and testing process, the skills taught here align with what most gyms expect from a competent, attentive belayer.

What you’ll learn:

• How belay systems work and why they’re designed that way
• Proper use of a harness, rope, and belay device
• Core safety checks and clear belay communication
• How to lower a climber smoothly and attentively
• Common expectations for indoor gym belay tests
• How these same fundamentals apply outdoors

By the end of the class, you should feel comfortable with the mechanics and decision-making behind belaying. So if you take a gym belay test or start climbing outdoors, nothing feels unfamiliar or rushed.

This class is a good fit for:

• People who attended the Climbing Orientation
• New climbers preparing to take an indoor belay test
• Partners or parents who want to belay responsibly
• Anyone who wants a clear foundation before climbing more

No prior belay experience required. No pressure to climb. Instruction is paced, practical, and focused on understanding.