Climb the Hilltop
Welcome to Climb the Hilltop!
Under 18 Verbal Signals for Climbers and Belayers
| Verbal signals allow a climber and a belayer to communicate and work together as a team - even if they cannot see each other. “Belay = Life Support” |
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“On belay?” |
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“Is the belay ready?" |
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answer: |
"Belay on” |
"Your belay is ready" |
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“Climbing” |
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"Here I go" |
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answer: |
"Climb on" |
"Go ahead" |
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“Slack” |
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"I need some slack in the rope" |
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"Up rope” |
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"Take in the loose rope" |
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“Tension” |
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"Take all slack out…tough move" |
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answer: |
"Got you” |
"There's tension on the rope" |
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"Watch me” |
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“I’m trying something where there is a very real |
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“Falling!” |
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"I'm falling! Put the brakes on!" |
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“Ready to lower” |
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"Start lowering me now" |
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answer: |
"Give me your weight" |
"Let me feel the max tension on the rope" |
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“Rock! - Rock!” |
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"Look out for falling rock, objects or people" |
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“Off belay” |
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"I'm in a safe place and no longer need a belay" |
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answer: |
"Belay off" |
"I'm no longer belaying you" |
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Rating a Technical Climb
The seemingly endless shapes and angles of Joshua Tree National Park's rock formations began capturing the
imaginations of climbers over fifty years ago. Today Joshua Tree welcomes climbing enthusiasts from around the world.
Most climbs are rated according to difficulty. The climbs at Joshua Tree are rated, under the Yosemite Decimal System,
from 5.0 to 5.14. Mountaineering. The Freedom of the Hills, published by the Mountaineers, has a tongue-in-cheek
description of the ratings that provides a beginner or non-climber with a better understanding.
5.0 to 5.4 There are two hand holds and two footholds for every move; the holds become progressively smaller as
the number increases.
5.5 to 5.6 The two hand holds and two footholds are there, obvious to the experienced, but not necessarily to the beginner.
5.7 The move is missing one hand or foothold.
5.8 The move is missing two holds of the four, or missing only one but is very strenuous
5.9 This move has only one reasonable hold which may be for either a foot or a hand.
5.10 No hand holds or footholds. The choices are to pretend a hold is there, pray a lot, or go home.
5.11 After thorough inspection you conclude this move is obviously impossible; however, occasionally someone
actually accomplishes it. Since there is nothing for a hand hold, grab it with both hands.
5.12 The surface is as smooth as glass and vertical. No one has really ever made this move, although a few claim
they
have.
5.13 This climb is identical to 5.12 except it is located under over-hanging rock.
Since the article was written, 5.14 has been added to the scale. Good luck at figuring out how they climb something
that hard!
Rock climbing can be dangerous. Climbing accidents are not infrequent and sometimes they are fatal. Be sure that you
are properly trained and equipped before you engage in this activity.
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