So, seriously, what techniques have you been taught ?? And, how do I, a parent of a kid that I send to you, know that you know how to implement any safe belaying technique that you've been taught (no offense intended) ?? More and more reputable outdoor programs are requiring some form of professional certification of the people in charge of and administering climbing programs.

The AMGA and PCIA (Professional Climbing Instructors Association) are two that come to mind. While I realize that these types of organization and certifications dont' guarantee safety and I'm not thumping the AMGA bandwagon, they do teach you that there are more skills in running a rock climbing program than just safe belaying.

It's sad your camp and their insurance company don't know enough about rock climbing to realize this.

We are ACA certified...but that means sh*t for climbing and adventure things. I do not know what the belay technique we used was called but I will describe it below minus the anchor systems because I agree with them. It is assumed that all checks, backups, areas are safe.

The right handed belayer pulls down ( what) with his left hand while pulling( what ?) up with his right to take slack. Once enough slack is taken he swings his right hand behind him (while twisting his boby to the right). The belayer than takes his left hand (which was on the climbing end) and grabs the brake line half way up from his right hand and the ATC. While the left hand is holding the brake like the right hand is taken off the brake line and placed close to the ATC on the brake line side. Once the right hand is back in place, the left hand is released and placed back on the climbing side line.

If it sounds stupid or confusing, believe me, it is.

As for staff accredidation, none of us are cerftified, mainly because climbing is not focus of camp. It is more like a boy scout camp. I do believe we should be certified, but the cost of said training would be a very huge burden on the Presbytery.

Certified or not, my staff will always look to keep your childrens safety in mine while opening up adventures. I do not believe that being certified makes you a better belayer, but it certainly helps for insurance reasons. As long as my staff follows a safe method and are always attentive to every child, they are doing there jobs. As for climbing experiance, the 3 adventure staff including myself have other 25 years of experiance. Yes, I know this does not sound like alot, we are young, but we have always loved climbing to learn. Our one staff memeber it part of the ETCC, and has been taught very well. We may not be certfied, but we are always attentive in a fun but safe manner.

We are ACA certified...but that means sh*t for climbing and adventure things. I do not know what the belay technique we used was called but I will describe it below minus the anchor systems because I agree with them. It is assumed that all checks, backups, areas are safe.

The right handed belayer pulls down with his left hand while pulling up with his right to take slack. Once enough slack is taken he swings his right hand behind him (while twisting his boby to the right). The belayer than takes his left hand (which was on the climbing end) and grabs the brake line half way up from his right hand and the ATC. While the left hand is holding the brake like the right hand is taken off the brake line and placed close to the ATC on the brake line side. Once the right hand is back in place, the left hand is released and placed back on the climbing side line.

If it sounds stupid or confusing, believe me, it is.

As for staff accredidation, none of us are cerftified, mainly because climbing is not focus of camp. It is more like a boy scout camp. I do believe we should be certified, but the cost of said training would be a very huge burden on the Presbytery.

Certified or not, my staff will always look to keep your childrens safety in mine while opening up adventures. I do not believe that being certified makes you a better belayer, but it certainly helps for insurance reasons. As long as my staff follows a safe method and are always attentive to every child, they are doing there jobs. As for climbing experiance, the 3 adventure staff including myself have other 25 years of experiance. Yes, I know this does not sound like alot, we are young, but we have always loved climbing to learn. Our one staff memeber it part of the ETCC, and has been taught very well. We may not be certfied, but we are always attentive in a fun but safe manner.

Other than the stupidity of turning the body this belay technique is fine and quite safe. Some argue that since it keeps the rope locked off more than the "pinch and slap" technique, that the one you describe here is a better technique. It was described, minus the body turn, in either R&I or Climbing within the last year or so.

The right handed belayer pulls down with his left hand while pulling up with his right to take slack. Once enough slack is taken he swings his right hand behind him (while twisting his boby to the right). The belayer than takes his left hand (which was on the climbing end) and grabs the brake line half way up from his right hand and the ATC. While the left hand is holding the brake like the right hand is taken off the brake line and placed close to the ATC on the brake line side. Once the right hand is back in place, the left hand is released and placed back on the climbing side line.

I like to call it the Brake Hand Shuffle technique. Documentation? Got none. Endorsements? Every leader I've ever arrested a fall for (100%).

I just think with the many steps it confusing many non-climbers. Though the body torque isn't needed, ones body tends to turn with the swing arm. Also, I firmly believe that having two hands on the rope at all times is best. But I am biased so take what I say with a grain of salt.

I think, having seen both taught numerous times, that to non-climbers either system is equally confusing.

Also, having two hands on the rope all the time is pointless if one of those hands is above the belay device, it does absolutely no good in arresting a real fall.