Vertical caving terminology and methods > Ladders, climbs and older techniques
A fellow caver or climber, who uses a lifeline to catch someone if they fall off a ladder or climb. A belayer will normally use some form of belay device or knot (such as an Italian hitch), so that they do not have to support the climber's weight directly with their hands. However, they may use a body belay. Some amount of training is essential, so that a belayer knows how to keep up with the climber to minimise the fall factor of a fall. They need to know how to predict and safely catch a fall. They also need to know how best to catch someone to minimise the shock load by catching gently. Effective communication between a belayer and climber is very important, and both climber and belayer need to know the ladder and climbing calls, or for taller climbs, they need to know the whistle calls, or have a walkie talkie.
<< Bidet | Belay device, belaying device, belay, belay plate, Sticht plate, stitch plate, ATC, ABD >>
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