SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/climb-climbing-climb-on

A climber says "Climbing!" What does the belayer say back before the climber starts up?

"Climb on!" Now the climber can start.

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  1. "Belay off!"
  2. "Rock!"
  3. "Climb on!" ✔

Why: The climber announces "Climbing," and the belayer gives the go ahead with "Climb on." The climber starts only after hearing it.

Huh, didn't know that: This back and forth comes in pairs: each call gets a matching reply, so nobody guesses.

The dad joke
Why did the climber start a podcast? Every episode ends with "climb on!"
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References

Answer: "Climb on!". The climber announces "Climbing," and the belayer gives the go ahead with "Climb on." The climber starts only after hearing it.

  1. AAC Gold Standard Curriculum: Belaying americanalpineclub.org/news/2016/3/15/9ifwyakbvdf826by6gv97y1uzk1mzb
    “Climbing, [Name of Belayer].” “Climb On, [Name of Climber].” The climber begins climbing.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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