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Which American climber said he invented the first climbing voice-signal system used in America?

Paul Petzoldt wrote that he invented the first voice-signal system.

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  1. Yvon Chouinard
  2. Paul Petzoldt ✔
  3. Alex Honnold

Why: Paul Petzoldt wrote in The Wilderness Handbook that he invented the first voice-signal system, "now universally used in America." Most US belay commands come from his short, clear calls.

Huh, didn't know that: Petzoldt made his signals short so they could be understood even when faintly heard on a windy mountain.

The dad joke
Petzoldt's commands were so clear, even the echo got them right.
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References

Answer: Paul Petzoldt. Paul Petzoldt wrote in The Wilderness Handbook that he invented the first voice-signal system, "now universally used in America." Most US belay commands come from his short, clear calls.

  1. AAC Know the Ropes: Climber Communication americanalpineclub.org/news/2017/1/19/4xm1fcsag6b7xqf1p1w1qp7vdpp1ha
    I invented the first voice-signal system (now universally used in America).
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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