All top rope and lead climbing belayers must use an approved ABD (Assisted Braking Device) type belay device when belaying another climber.
Approved devices will include both passive geometric brake assist such as the Black Diamond Pilot, Edelrid Jul series, and Mammut Smart; and active brake assist, such as the Beal Birdie, Petzl GriGri, and Trango Vergo.
Beginning June 1, 2023, participants in our Climb 201 class will be taught using the Jul2. Participants in the Climb301 class will be encouraged to use an ABD; otherwise, they may need additional follow-up instruction.
Beginning September 1, 2023, non-assisted belay devices (tube-style, ATCs or similar) will no longer be allowed for belaying at the Source Climbing Center.
The Source has the Petzl GriGri and Edelrid Jul2 available in our pro shop. Members can take advantage of a 20% sale on these devices starting June 1st through August 1st. Non-members can get 10% off.
As climbing evolves, so does the equipment used in our sport. The ATC and similar tube-style devices are still effective tools; however, we believe that using ABD’s in the gym provides these advantages:
First, make sure to ask for a belay check before using any new device in the facility. It only takes a few minutes, and you may even learn something new.
Second, climbers with a current Blue or Green belay card can get qualified instruction on new devices for free. Choose either:
These will be clinics designed to help experienced belayers get qualified instruction using a new type of belay device based on the instructions of the manufacturer.
Questions?
We’d like to hear from you. You can email us directly info@sourceclimbing.com