SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/climb-pbus-meaning

A common top rope belay method is called PBUS. What does it stand for?

Pull, Brake, Under, Slide.

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  1. Push, Belay, Up, Stop
  2. Pull, Belay, Unclip, Stand
  3. Pull, Brake, Under, Slide ✔

Why: Pull slack through the device, move the brake hand to the brake position, pinch the rope under it with the guide hand, then slide the brake hand back up. The brake hand never lets go.

Huh, didn't know that: The AAC says a belayer should never pause in the middle of the four steps.

The dad joke
PBUS is the only bus that never leaves you behind.
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References

Answer: Pull, Brake, Under, Slide. Pull slack through the device, move the brake hand to the brake position, pinch the rope under it with the guide hand, then slide the brake hand back up. The brake hand never lets go.

  1. AAC Gold Standard Curriculum: Belaying americanalpineclub.org/news/2016/3/15/9ifwyakbvdf826by6gv97y1uzk1mzb
    a common and effective technique is popularly known as Pull-Brake-Under-Slide, or P.B.U.S.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Sports & FitnessWhen a belayer lowers you from the top, what must you do with your body weight?Sports & FitnessWhen a belayer slides their brake hand along the rope, where should the rope be?Sports & FitnessHow is belaying a lead climber different from belaying a top rope climber?

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