How To Set Up A Top Rope

Do you want to know how to set a top rope? Setting a top rope provides a safe environment for any climber in most of the routes. Even though it´s not always possible, most of the time you can set a top rope and allow a novice climber to follow a difficult route without the fear of a big fall.

To set up a top rope, you will need:

• A rope, long enough to go up and down the route and some more to allow correct tying.
• Two climbers, each with a harness.
• A locking carabiner.
  
• A belay device of any kind.
  

1. The climber must lead the route.
   
2. Once at the chosen anchor, the climber will make himself tight to it by a piece of webbing.
3. With the rope free, the climber has to make it go trough a rappel ring or a pair of carabiners at the anchor.
4. Still attached to the anchor by webbing, the climber must test the rope setting and the anchor.
5. With the anchor tested and fast, the climber must tie himself to one end of the rope using a figure 8 follow trough knot.
6. The climber must tell the belayer that he is going down, and wait for an affirmative answer. 
7. Once cleared to go down, the climber can release the safety webbing and start going down.
8. The belayer must keep his eyes on the climber, and lower him steadily and safe.
   
9. Once the climber is down, the top rope is set and ready to be used.
   

Tips:

• Remember to double check for any mistakes in the harness setting, the figure eight follow trough knot and any twists in the rope. Also, check that the climber is using the rope that is closest to the wall, leaving the other end to the belayer.
• The belayer must choose a safe spot to stand, away from falling rope and in constant view of the climber.
• Remember to always keep an eye on safety, and take your time to do any maneuvers.