The Climbing Primer

Safety & Skills

The hands-on habits that keep you and your partner safe. These guides cover belaying, the partner check you run before every single climb, tying in with a figure-eight follow-through knot, and the short, clear commands climbers call to each other so nobody is guessing. We also cover falling safely, warming up properly, basic gym etiquette, and looking after the parts that take the most strain: your skin, fingers, and shoulders. Read these to understand the concepts, but learn every one of them in person from a qualified instructor before you trust your safety to it.

Safety & Skills

4 guides

Safety & Skills

The Buddy Check: Partner Checks Before You Climb

Learn what the climbing buddy check is, why it prevents serious accidents, and how to do a complete partner safety check before every single climb.

August 15, 2026

Safety & Skills

Climbing Commands Every Beginner Should Know

Learn the standard call-and-response climbing commands that keep climbers and belayers in sync — and why clear communication is a core safety skill.

August 1, 2026

Safety & Skills

How to Tie In: The Figure-Eight Follow-Through Knot

Learn how the figure-eight follow-through knot works, why it's the standard tie-in, the exact steps, common mistakes, and why a buddy check is non-negotiable.

July 18, 2026

Safety & Skills

How to Belay: A Beginner's Introduction

Learn what belaying is, how it protects a climber, and why you must practice with a qualified instructor before belaying anyone at the gym.

July 4, 2026

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