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Belay chances... kinda funny

Original Post
Pablo-Roberts · · Prescott, AZ · Joined Feb 2010 · Points: 1,165

So what do you think the odds are of a 160 pound male belaying a 220 pound male on top rope? eh? haha i feel like it could be very bad if he fell.

CJ Coccia · · Denver, CO · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 35

if you dont feel stable then anchor yourself down at the bottom of the pitch for a piece of mind =)

Scott McMahon · · Boulder, CO · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 1,425
Paul U Roberts wrote:So what do you think the odds are of a 160 pound male belaying a 220 pound male on top rope? eh? haha i feel like it could be very bad if he fell.
You go for a small few foot ride...no biggie.
Chris Plesko · · Westminster, CO · Joined Oct 2007 · Points: 485

On top rope? You won't go anywhere unless you let a ton of slack in the system.

Austin Baird · · SLC, Utah · Joined Apr 2009 · Points: 95

On top rope? No big deal at all. My 100 pound girl friends belay my 200 pound guy friends on top rope all the time. My 90 pound girl friend lead belays me with no problem. As long as they're competent you'll be just fine.

Curt Shannon · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2006 · Points: 5
Chris Plesko wrote:On top rope? You won't go anywhere unless you let a ton of slack in the system.
Or unless you're using a pulley in place of carabiners for the TR set-up--which I don't recommend.

Curt
Mike Lane · · AnCapistan · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 880

Used to watch Kevin Gonzales (maybe 90 lbs) lead belay Stuart Green (a LOT more than 90 lbs.) at Shelf Road many years ago. Who else recalls that spectacle?

Ryan C. · · Woodbury, MN · Joined Jun 2010 · Points: 10

I am 140 and climb with a friend that is 290. Makes you work but not bad. (and he can go up 5.9s)

Evan1984 · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Aug 2007 · Points: 30

In the TR situation described, as long as the belayer had good footing and was close to the wall and under the anchor, I'd not worry at all. If it was an uneven area or there was potential to get dragged, I'd sling someting for a ground anchor. Even a 30-40 pound rock would do.

My first lead fall was caught by a 90 pounder. I'm about 180-190. She didn't go anywhere and it was a hanging belay, 7 foot fall, 12-15ft of rope out.

Anonymous · · Unknown Hometown · Joined unknown · Points: 0

No problem. I'm used to belaying someone 85-90# heavier than me. When I am lowering him, if I slow the rate the rope is going through device it lifts me off the ground a bit. That's all.

David Appelhans · · Broomfield, CO · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 410
Paul U Roberts wrote:So what do you think the odds are of a 160 pound male belaying a 220 pound male on top rope?
The odds are 4:1. Next question please.
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

General Climbing
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