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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/climb-slack-arm-length

A climber calls "Slack!" About how much rope does the belayer give at first?

About one arm length. The climber asks again if they need more.

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  1. About one arm length ✔
  2. About ten feet
  3. All the rope on the ground

Why: "Slack" asks for a little loose rope, often to make a move or clip. The belayer gives about one arm length, and the climber calls again for more.

Huh, didn't know that: Its opposite, "Up rope," asks the belayer to take slack out, and the climber should pause until it is gone.

The dad joke
I asked for slack at work. They gave me one arm length of free time.
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References

Answer: About one arm length. "Slack" asks for a little loose rope, often to make a move or clip. The belayer gives about one arm length, and the climber calls again for more.

  1. AAC Gold Standard Curriculum: Belaying americanalpineclub.org/news/2016/3/15/9ifwyakbvdf826by6gv97y1uzk1mzb
    “Slack, [Name of Belayer].” The belayer provides one arm length of slack.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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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"?Sports & FitnessBefore leaving the ground, what does a roped climber ask the belayer first?

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