Climbing calls

When climbing you will commonly here climbers shouting messages to each other, these are generally single words and shouted quite loud. These are called climbing calls. There purpose is to ensure that both the climber who who is climbing and also the person belaying are fully aware of what each other are doing. They are short and sharp to allow for clear communication and prevent misinterpretation. Please find below an exaple of some of the most commonly used calls and a brief description of what they mean

SAFE, This is the call from the climber to the belayer to let them know that they are safe so the belayer knows that he can generally relax and take the climber of belay. This is generally used when the climber has reached the top/belay point and securted themselve.

TAKING IN. Belayers call to climber that they are taking inxcess rope

THAT'S ME, Call from climber when the rope tightens on the climber

CLIMB WHEN READY, Call from leader/climber when the belay is set up and it is safe for the second to start climbing

CLIMBING, Call from second to leader when they are starting to climb

TAKE IN, Call from climber to take in slack rope.

OFF BELAY, Call to climber from belayer in response to SAFE to let them know they are off the belay and responsible for their own safety.

BELOW, Call from anyone who dislodges anything or when dropping a rope down to make sure no one is hit by anything.

Remember calls can vary from country to country so if you plan to climb overseas it is worth checking what they are.