Top Rope Belay Test

Everyone who wants to climb & belay on our top rope routes must pass our compulsory belay test.

A top rope introduction course is the best way to learn how to belay & tie your knots, get an understanding of all of our safety practices, and find out what we look for in the test. After passing your test you’ll receive a top rope belay tag which must be displayed on your harness at all times. Please note that climbers must be 13 years or older to join the intro course and get a standard belay tag.

Book an Intro Course

To ensure that all belayers have a thorough understanding of the correct techniques and safety protocols, the test may not be done on the same day as your intro course. The same rule applies if you choose to learn from a friend – your “lesson” and your test will need to take place on different days.

Please note that we have Petzl Grigri belay devices loaded on all of our top ropes; if you are not familiar with the Grigri we are happy to give you a brief tutorial.

Check out the below video to find out more about top rope climbing at CityROCk, and scroll on for our belay test checklist!

Top Rope Belay Test Checklist

Belayer & Climber

  • Buddy check
  • Harness fitted correctly above the hips
  • Waist belt and leg loops fitted snugly & double-backed
  • Harness not twisted
  • Clear communication before/during climbing

Climber

  • Follow-through figure eight knot tied correctly
  • Knot tied through correct tie-in points
  • Figure eight is no more than one fist’s length away from belay loop
  • Overhand stopper knot tied correctly & close to figure eight

Belayer

  • Carabiner attached to belay loop & Grigri correctly attached to carabiner
  • Carabiner locked & squeeze test done
  • Takes up all excess slack before the start of the climb
  • Maintains a tight rope throughout the climb with safe & controlled taking up of slack
  • Clean locking off the brake end of the rope & Instant lock-off when climber falls
  • Controlled swapping of hands on the brake end of the rope without letting go
  • Controlled lowering of the climber with Grigri lever with hand on the brake end of the rope.
  • Belayer positioned close to the climbing wall
  • Constantly attentive to climber

Kids’ Top Rope Climbing & Belaying

We allow children under 13 years old to top rope belay & climb under certain conditions, after passing a belay test, only in the following cases:

a) The child is training with a registered coach or coaching club
b) The child is climbing with an adult and both have completed a CityROCK kids intro course

There are three types of junior belay tags with different rules for each based on age and experience. In all cases, a parent, guardian or coach must be supervising and within arm’s reach at all times for climbers under 16 years old.

Find out more about kids’ courses and belay tags below, and chat to the front desk if you have any questions!

Kids’ Courses
Kids’ Belay Tags
Kids’ Climbing