SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/climb-lean-back-to-lower

When a belayer lowers you from the top, what must you do with your body weight?

Lean back and give all your weight to the rope.

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  1. Keep holding the wall with both hands
  2. Lean back and give all your weight to the rope ✔
  3. Jump away from the wall

Why: To be lowered, the climber sits back in the harness and lets the rope hold all their weight, feet on the wall. If the climber does not lean back fully, the belayer can't give a good lower.

Huh, didn't know that: The AAC calls are "Ready to lower" from the climber and "Lowering" from the belayer.

The dad joke
Being lowered is the only time sitting down counts as climbing technique.
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References

Answer: Lean back and give all your weight to the rope. To be lowered, the climber sits back in the harness and lets the rope hold all their weight, feet on the wall. If the climber does not lean back fully, the belayer can't give a good lower.

  1. AAC Gold Standard Curriculum: Belaying americanalpineclub.org/news/2016/3/15/9ifwyakbvdf826by6gv97y1uzk1mzb
    If the climber does not lean back entirely, the belayer cannot provide an effective lower.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Sports & FitnessBefore leaving the ground, what does a roped climber ask the belayer first?Sports & FitnessWhen the belayer is ready and has checked everything, what do they answer?Sports & FitnessA climber says "Climbing!" What does the belayer say back before the climber starts up?

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