how to belay properly for cope course

Is there a belay system for Cope?

Note that there are some courses that use belay systems on The Wall in addition to spotting. A successful COPE program may benefit from a crawl-walk-run approach toward individual and team development.

What is Cope’s belay hook-up policy?

• A COPE staff member on the platform must ensure that participants hook up their belay lines correctly. • In a multievent course where participants switch from one belay line to another, each participant must always be attached to at least one belay.

Is it important to learn how to belay?

Learning how to belay is an important skill for any climber. Many climbing gyms will ask to see your belay certification or do a test before you are allowed to belay. How to pass a belay certification?

What are the guidelines for using a belay rope?

• Both the belayer and the anchor must take care not to step on the rope as they move. • Observers may not be under the cable or near the belay rope. • The participant must climb up to the cable on the same side of the cable as the belay rope falls. • Keep light tension on the belay rope throughout the challenge.

How do I get better at belaying?

Ten Top Tips for Better Belaying1: Take it seriously. For active climbers belaying is a daily occurrence. ... 2: Gauge the distance. ... 3: Know your climber. ... 4: Have the right equipment. ... 5: Be proactive, not reactive. ... 6: Do a partner check. ... 7: Give a soft catch (Dynamic Belaying) ... 8: Tie a knot in the end of the rope.More items...•

What do you say when belaying?

Climber: “On belay?” (Are you ready to belay me?) Belayer: “Belay on.” (Slack is gone and I'm ready.) Climber: “Climbing.” (I'm going to climb now.) Belayer: “Climb on.” (I'm ready for you to climb.)

Can I belay someone heavier than me?

The short answer to the question: Yes, you absolutely can belay someone heavier than you top rope. Read more about it in detail in this post. Top rope climbing is a lot safer than lead climbing when it comes to belaying, as you usually never take an uncontrolled fall.

How do you belay for beginners?

2:233:47Rock Climbing for Beginners- Video 4- Setting Up As The BelayerYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo remember as the climber is climbing up they're going to create slack our job as the belayer is toMoreSo remember as the climber is climbing up they're going to create slack our job as the belayer is to pull that rope tight again.

Why do climbers yell when they fall?

Climbers usually shout or scream when they climb to help them transition onto certain holds that may require more force or strength. Adam Ondra, one of the world's most well-known and best climbers, screams a lot when climbing, especially on more difficult routes.

What are the belay commands?

Basic Climbing Voice Commands “On belay” Belayer to climber: I have you on belay and safe. “Off belay” Climber to belayer: I am safe and you can take me off belay. ”Belay off” Belayer to climber: I understand that you're safe and am taking you off belay. “Climbing” Climber to belayer: I am climbing up now.

How do you anchor yourself when belaying?

0:162:08Climbing Safety - Belay Stance and Anchoring - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith no slack in the ground anchor. I will also need to screw my carabiner down make sure that it'sMoreWith no slack in the ground anchor. I will also need to screw my carabiner down make sure that it's locked. In order to do this again I will squeeze my carabiner.

Where do you stand when lead belaying?

1:268:59AAC Universal Belay Standard: Lead Belaying - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNeeds before giving a lead belay determine the full line in the direction of pull coming off firstMoreNeeds before giving a lead belay determine the full line in the direction of pull coming off first protection point stand close to the wall. And directly below that first clip.

How heavy should a belayer be?

Ideally the belayer's minimum weight is 40 kg / 88 pounds. And ideally the maximum weight difference is 40 kg / 88 pounds as well. So, if the belayer weighs less than this, the OHM alone may not solve the issue.

What is a belay test?

The Belay Certification Test requires a climber to successfully demonstrate the following procedures: 1. Put on a harness and properly tie into the harness using a Figure Eight Retrace knot with a backup. 2. Demonstrate the rope “on belay”.

How do you teach someone to belay?

0:166:11The Best Belay Technique To Teach New Rock Climbers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEvery single one shows you okay so this is my climber. I'm gonna be taking slack from my top ropeMoreEvery single one shows you okay so this is my climber. I'm gonna be taking slack from my top rope climber coming this way my brake hand is here everyone focuses on this hand they pull the slack.

Is a grigri good for beginners?

The Grigri Plus is the best beginner belay device because it adds a couple of extra features. The most common accident with other Grigri's is on lowering. To lower you must pull a handle back to actively disengage the, and the control of the lower is done with the brake hand.

What size staples are used for a cope course?

Staples—Staples used on COPE courses come in a variety of sizes: 3/8-inch diameter staples are used for light attachments such as a “spider’s web” or a maze, or to keep loops from drooping; ½-inch diameter staples come in 6-inch and 8-inch lengths, and can be used for a staple climb on a tree or a pole.

How to be efficient in climbing?

Efficient climbing is built on the three-point stance— keeping two hands and one foot on good holds while moving the free foot to a new location, or having both feet and one hand on holds as the free hand moves. Encourage climbers to lean out a little from a wall so that the weight of their bodies rests on their feet.

What is 4:1 pulley?

A 4:1 is commonly built with double-sheave pulleys and may be able to be prerigged in a bag. Applications of a 5:1 system are similar to the uses for a 3:1 but when more mechanical advantage might be needed due to the distance the load needs to be raised.

How many sessions are there for merit badge?

When the Climbing merit badge is taught in a summer camp setting, there are usually five sessions of 11⁄. 2hours each. The merit badge can be taught at a climbing tower or other suitable artificial structure and/or a natural rock site either on BSA property or off-site, provided that suitable permission is obtained.

What is the educational zone in climbing?

In COPE and climbing programs, the educational zone has a component of perceived risk; however, safety procedures are always in place to protect the participants. It is not unusual for participants to experience anxiety or fear while operating in the educational zone. Danger Zone.

What is the BSA guide to safe scouting?

The current BSA Guide to Safe Scoutingand Age-Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities provide guidance for programs involving members of the Boy Scouts of America. National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP) standards supersede anything in this manual that may appear to be contradictory.

Is climbing a cope safe?

For some COPE and climbing participants, the thrill of fear is the real attraction of the program. Many COPE events are designed to present the perception of danger while in reality they are very safe. In certain participants, however, some events may produce a level of anxiety that is far beyond enjoyable.

How to get a belay certification?

Learn how to belay. Show the proper use of equipment. Show the proper belay procedure. Passing a belay certification can be quick and easy with the right preparation.

What hand should I use to belay a rope?

To start belaying, your brake hand (this is usually your dominant hand) should be holding the end of the rope that’s not leading to the climber (I’ll call this the brake strand).

How to lower a grigri?

Lowering with A Grigri. Hold the rope in the brake position with your brake hand. Use your guide hand to slowly pull the handle on the Grigri until you feel resistance. This releases the locking mechanism slightly and you will feel your climber lowering.

How to stop a grigri from pulling rope?

The Grigri should lock and stop you from pulling the rope. Clip the locking carabiner through the attachment point on the Grigri. Then clip the locking carabiner to the belay loop on your harness. Make sure that the carabiner gate is on the opposite side of your brake.hand. Lock the carabiner.

How to check harness before climbing?

It is always good practice to check the condition of your harness before every climb or belay. Check that there are no frays or damages especially on the belay loop and tie in loops. Check that the buckles are not rusty or broken. Put on the harness. Pass each leg through the leg loops like you are putting on pants.

What are the loops on a climbing belt?

There are 1 or 2 buckles on the waist belt that you can use to adjust the fit. Gear loops: These loops are used to carry your climbing gear such as carabiners and quickdraws. Do not ever use them to attach yourself to a belay device or anchor point. Leg loops: The leg loops go around your upper thigh.

How to tie yourself into a rope before climbing?

Before climbing, you tie yourself into a rope using the tie-in loops. The rope has to be looped through both tie-in loops. This will distribute your weight and add redundancy during a fall. The tie-in loop is only used to tie in the climbing rope. Do not pass a carabiner through the loops and use that for belaying.

COPE and Climbing Resources

Belay On Manual – The Belay On manual is a reference for challenge course and climbing programs operated within the BSA. Belay On is available online in PDF format at no cost to BSA members, who are free to use it in BSA programs for non-commercial purposes. The publication will not be available in printed form from BSA Supply Group.

Activity Consent Form

If non-Scout groups use COPE or climbing facilities, all participants need to have an Activity Consent Form and Approval by Parents or Legal Guardian completed. In the event the council’s legal team does not have one specific to the council, the BSA’s Activity Consent Form can be used for this purpose.

What is a cope experience?

A COPE experience can be composed of initiative games, trust events, low-course activities, and high-course activities. Initiative Games – Initiative games can be used near the beginning of each COPE session to help participants learn to work together through communication and trust to achieve their goals.

What is the most important skill in Project Cope?

Spotting – One of the most important skills involved in Project COPE is spotting . Before your group participates in any low- or high-course activities, your COPE instructor will teach you spotting and give you plenty of opportunities to practice. Here are the rules of spotting: Everyone must spot.

What is leadership in a cope?

Leadership: Leadership is given and assumed naturally , and it can be expressed in many ways. Team members attempting to solve problems on a COPE course have many opportunities to develop and exercise leadership skills.

How to improve group behavior?

Work together as a group and strive to achieve individual and group goals. Adhere to certain safety and group behavior guidelines. Give and receive feedback, both positive and negative, and strive to change behavior when it is appropriate.