Belay Class

Session Details

• Duration: 90 minutes
• Cost: Free for Members, $45 for Guests
• Age Requirement: 14+

What's Included

• Rental Gear
• Two-week gym membership with rental gear (beginning on the day of the class)
• Waived enrollment fee if you sign up for an EFT membership within two weeks of your belay class

Important Notes

• This class requires a 2 person minimum to run. If you are registering solo, we recommend registering for a class that already has another person registered to decrease the likelihood of the class being canceled. We will cancel the class at 3PM the day before, if there is still only one person signed up for it.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this class, participants will be able to:

• Properly fit and wear a climbing harness, including identifying key components and ensuring a secure fit.
• Tie a Figure 8 follow-through knot correctly, with a backup knot if appropriate.
• Set up and load a belay device (ATC) with correct rope orientation and carabiner placement.
• Demonstrate proper brake hand positioning and explain its importance for climber safety.
• Perform the PBUS belay technique (Pull, Brake, Under, Slide) to manager rope effectively.
• Safely catch a fall and lower a climber using controlled, consistent technique.
• Conduct thorough pre-climb buddy checks with a partner.
• Use standard climbing communication commands clearly and confidently.
• Understand the basic risks of top rope climbing and how proper belay technique minimizes them.

This class is designed to cover the material required to take the Top Rope Check at Shaker Rocks on a future visit; however, successful completion of the class does not guarantee a passing result on the check.

This class requires the advanced scheduling of instructors and booking of participants. Please take this into consideration when scheduling your class and ensure you will be able to attend. Should you need to cancel or reschedule, our policy states:

Full refunds are only given when cancellations are made at least two weeks prior to class. No shows, or cancellations made within two weeks will result in a forfeit of the amount paid. We may be able to reschedule you for a different time slot, but there are no guarantees.