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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/climb-on-belay-question

Before leaving the ground, what does a roped climber ask the belayer first?

"On belay?" It asks if the belay is set up and ready.

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  1. "On belay?" ✔
  2. "Climb on!"
  3. "Lowering!"

Why: The climber starts with a question: "On belay?" The belayer should answer only after checking the climber's knot, harness and the belay setup.

Huh, didn't know that: The AAC says this first command is phrased as a question on purpose: the climber is asking if the system is ready.

The dad joke
Why do climbers ask so many questions? They like to stay in the loop.
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References

Answer: "On belay?". The climber starts with a question: "On belay?" The belayer should answer only after checking the climber's knot, harness and the belay setup.

  1. AAC Gold Standard Curriculum: Belaying americanalpineclub.org/news/2016/3/15/9ifwyakbvdf826by6gv97y1uzk1mzb
    the initial communication, “On Belay, [Name of Climber]?” is intentionally rendered in the form of a question
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Sports & FitnessA climber says "Climbing!" What does the belayer say back before the climber starts up?Sports & FitnessWhen the belayer is ready and has checked everything, what do they answer?Sports & FitnessWhy do some climbers say "Tension" or "Up rope" instead of "Take"?

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