SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/climb-off-belay-belay-off

A climber is safely anchored and calls "Off belay." What does the belayer reply?

"Belay off." Only then does the belayer take the rope out of the device.

Start playing free

  1. "Belay off." ✔
  2. "Climb on."
  3. "On belay?"

Why: "Off belay" means the climber no longer needs the rope's protection. The belayer answers "Belay off" so the climber hears it and has one last chance to object if it was misheard.

Huh, didn't know that: A belay should only end when the climber is on the ground or tied to an anchor.

The dad joke
The belayer said "belay off," then finally took a snack break.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: "Belay off.". "Off belay" means the climber no longer needs the rope's protection. The belayer answers "Belay off" so the climber hears it and has one last chance to object if it was misheard.

  1. AAC Gold Standard Curriculum: Belaying americanalpineclub.org/news/2016/3/15/9ifwyakbvdf826by6gv97y1uzk1mzb
    The belayer can respond, “Belay Off, [Name of Climber].”
    Checked 2026-10-12.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

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?

That's stuff everyone should know.