SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/climb-yell-rock

If you knock loose a stone or drop gear while climbing, what should you shout?

"Rock!" Everyone who sees something falling yells it.

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  1. "Fore!"
  2. "Rock!" ✔
  3. "Look out below, please!"

Why: "Rock!" is the standard warning for any falling object, even dropped gear. People below hear it and protect their heads. Anyone who sees the object should call it, not just the person who dropped it.

Huh, didn't know that: The AAC lists "Rope!" as the other main warning, shouted before tossing a rope down a cliff.

The dad joke
Geologists don't yell "rock." They yell "granite, approximately fist sized."
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References

Answer: "Rock!". "Rock!" is the standard warning for any falling object, even dropped gear. People below hear it and protect their heads. Anyone who sees the object should call it, not just the person who dropped it.

  1. AAC Gold Standard Curriculum: Belaying americanalpineclub.org/news/2016/3/15/9ifwyakbvdf826by6gv97y1uzk1mzb
    “Rock!” If any object is falling, all those who observe the falling object call “Rock!”
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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