Belay Lesson

When you walk into Mesa Rim you’ll notice that the tallest walls have ropes hanging down from the top. These ropes are a crucial part of “top rope” climbing. In top roping there are two people involved: the climber and the belayer. The overall purpose of the climber is clear, to climb up. But what happens if they fall, and how will they return safely to the ground? That is where the second person, the belayer, comes in. Belaying is the process of managing the rope attached to your climbing partner.

Belaying is a fundamental rope work skill that is required to belay independently at Mesa Rim. In the Belay Lesson, you will learn how to belay, catch falls, lower a climber, and also how to tie into the rope as the climber.

Mesa Rim’s Commitment to Climbing Education: Climbing inherently involves risks, and we believe that learning proper techniques is essential for managing safety risks for both yourself and your partners. At Mesa Rim, we are dedicated to providing essential climbing and rope work education that will empower you to reach greater heights. This is why you will not find devices attached to the climbing ropes or knots that are pre-tied. We are passionate about climbing and want to ignite the adventurous lifelong climber within you!

Demonstrate competency as a belayer in top rope belay scenarios using an Assisted Braking Device (“ABD”). Included in this competency is taking in rope slack using the PLUS method, catching an unannounced fall, and lowering the climber back to the ground.
Demonstrate competency as a climber in top rope belay scenarios. Included in this competency is tying a figure-eight follow-through knot and visually inspecting for correctness.
Identify key components of the harness to ensure correct use and proper fit.
Perform pre-climbing safety checks as both the belayer and climber.
Exhibit correct and efficient use of climbing commands.
Interpret rope climbing placards and grades.
Model proper rope climbing etiquette while climbing independently.

All participants must be at least 14 years of age.
Reservations can be made online (recommended).
Drop-ins are welcome (only if spots are available).
Please arrive 15 minutes early to gear up.

This is a beginner course geared toward the newer climber.
Climbing is a physically demanding activity that carries inherent risks. Please follow instructions carefully, use the provided equipment correctly, and respect the rules and guidelines of the climbing facility.
Always consult a medical professional before participating in any physically demanding activity, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.

Rental gear included with course:
- Harness
- Chalk bag
- Climbing shoes
Mesa Rim only allows the use of Assisted Braking Devices (ABD) in our facilities
Participants are advised to wear athletic clothing (breathable and stretchy)

To receive a full refund, cancellation requests must be at least 15 days before the date of the class. If your cancellation is within 14 days of the class in question, refund options are:

Reschedule to a class at a different date (if there is space available),
Credit the full amount to use for other classes
Be refunded 50% of the class fee

Select Course

- Mira Mesa

Available

Full

Waitlist

Unavailable

Today

Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa	Su
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
8	9	10	11 11	12	13	14
15	16	17	18	19	20	21
22	23	24	25	26	27	28
29	30	1	2	3	4	5

Member (min 14 years old)

Non-Member (min 14 years old)

Promotional Code

June 11, 2026

No courses available for June 11, 2026.