Certifications

TOP ROPE BELAY AND LEAD TEST REQUIREMENTS
All belayers or lead climbers must have a current certification.

Certification: Top Rope Belay

All top rope climbers/belayers must be certified by Edgeworks. Top Rope Belay certifications will be issued to those who meet the following requirements:

AGE and GEAR REQUIREMENTS
  • Must be 14 YEARS of age or older.
  • UIAA-approved HARNESS worn above hip bones and doubled back when required.
  • BELAY DEVICE must be an ABD (Assisted Braking Device) type belay device.
    (Not permitted: Non-ABD devices including tube style ATC type devices, homemade belay devices, figure eight descenders, or rope brakes such as the Munter Hitch)
TOP ROPE BELAY REQUIREMENTS
  • Tie a FIGURE 8 follow-through knot to harness attachment point(s) with a minimum 6” tail.
  • Proper attachment of LOCKING CARABINER to belay device and appropriate belay loop.
  • Climber and belayer SYSTEM CHECKS prior to climbing.
  • Use of appropriate belay COMMUNICATION.
  • Proper belaying, taking and lowering TECHNIQUE without releasing the brake hand.

Certification: Lead Climbing + Belaying

All lead climbers/belayers must be lead certified by Edgeworks. The lead test is on a 5.9 route (or harder). Lead climbing and belay certifications will be issued to those who meet the following requirements:

AGE and GEAR REQUIREMENTS
  • All TOP ROPE BELAY REQUIREMENTS.
  • Must be 14 YEARS of age or older.
  • ROPE TYPE must be a UIAA, single dynamic lead climbing rope.
  • ROPE LENGTH must be at least 35 meters (100 feet).
LEAD CLIMBING REQUIREMENTS
  • PROPER CLIPPING of all quickdraws while on route.
  • KNOWLEDGE of back-clipping and z-clipping.
  • PROFICIENT lead climbing ability.
  • Proficient and able to take a reasonable LEAD FALL.
  • NO TOP ROPING on lead anchors. Lead ropes must be pulled after each climb.
LEAD BELAYING REQUIREMENTS
  • All requirements of the TOP ROPE BELAY CERTIFICATION.
  • Optimal POSITIONING and STANCE to the wall and climber.
  • Attentive COMMUNICATION with climber.
  • Proper ROPE MANAGEMENT with appropriate slack.
  • Proficient and able to catch a reasonable LEAD FALL.