Every climber needs a great climbing partner.

A belayer is the person on the ground who manages the rope to keep the climber safe.

Learn to belay

Requirements for the HEXROCK Climbing lead class

  • Has a Belay 2 qualification

    • Able to climb 5 or more belay 2 routes in one session

  • Can flash a 5.9 comfortably

  • 15 years or older

  • Knows how to tie a figure-eight knot,

  • Perform partner safety checks, and can confidently use a belay device & belay.

Not required but advised to have your own gear and a climbing partner to learn with.

  • Top Rope 1 Belay Class

    Learn how to safely hold the rope for a climber.

    Belaying is the skill of keeping your climbing partner safe while they climb. In this beginner-friendly class, you'll learn how to use a belay device, safely manage the rope, communicate with your climbing partner, and lower them back to the ground when they're finished climbing.

    Our instructors will teach you the PBUS belay technique and how to properly use a GriGri (a type of belay device) so you can climb with confidence. No experience is required.

    Top Rope 2 Belay Class

    This class builds on the skills learned in Top Rope 1 and teaches climbers how to safely climb on the rope themselves.

    Participants will learn how to tie into the climbing rope using the standard figure-eight follow-through knot, perform partner safety checks, and correctly prepare for a top rope climb. The class also reinforces proper belaying techniques while introducing the complete process of climbing with a partner.

    Upon successful completion, participants will have the knowledge and skills needed to safely top rope climb and belay at HEXROCK.

  • Yes, you can test out of the class.

    If you already know how to belay safely, you can take a belay test instead of the class. Pass the test, and you'll be qualified to belay at HEXROCK.

  • This class teaches climbers the skills needed to safely lead climb and lead belay at HEXROCK Climbing.

    Unlike top rope climbing, the rope is not already attached above the climber. Instead, climbers learn how to clip the rope into protection as they climb while their partner manages the rope from the ground.

    Participants will learn proper lead belaying techniques, safe clipping practices, rope management, lead-specific safety checks, and how to recognize and avoid common lead climbing hazards. Upon successful completion, participants will have the knowledge and skills needed to safely lead climb and lead belay at HEXROCK.

    Prerequisite: Top Rope Belay 1 & 2 and the ability to comfortably climb 5.10+ or harder.