Many climbers begin their climbing journey by bouldering. Bouldering requires a mix of strength, technique, power, and coordination. It’s easily accessible, doesn’t reach frightening heights (mostly), and it’s great for socializing with other climbers in between problems.
But it’s time to level up to top-rope climbing. This article will cover the ins, outs, ups, and downs of top-rope climbing, leaving you an expert on the subject and maybe instilling some of the stoke for the discipline in you!
What is a top rope?
Top-rope climbing, or top-rope as we'll refer to it, is when there is a fixed rope anchor at the top of the climb. As the rock climber ascends, the rope will always extend from their harness, up above their head, and wrap around the anchor with the other side running down to the belayer. Using a top-rope system, the belayer can always ensure a taut rope, minimizing the distance of falls to a few inches.
Where will you find top ropes?
Both climbing and belaying on top rope are relatively simple to teach and master. Thus, you’ll find the option in almost every climbing gym that offers roped climbing.
When climbing outside, the ability to set up a top rope depends on whether there is a tree, metal anchor, or another place to secure the rope before climbing. Or, if you’re with a climber capable of leading, they can climb first and leave the rope up after they lower. By doing this, they effectively create a top rope. Generally, option two is quicker and more efficient, but preemptively setting up a top rope works just as well.
Who can top rope?
Anyone! The top rope setup reduces the impact of falls and allows you to rest when needed on the way up the wall. Unlike lead climbing, where gyms require you to pass a lead-climbing test and lead-belaying test to climb lead routes, anyone can walk into the gym and top rope. Automatic machines, auto-belays, are also a version of top-roping that enable anyone to top-rope without a belayer! Usually, the climbing gym will give you an auto-belay orientation, and you're free to use them. Or, if you're with a certified top-rope belayer, there's no need to take a climbing test; tie in, do safety checks with your belayer (knot, harness, belay device setup), and climb!
Top-roping Inside vs. Outside
There's almost no difference! Anyone can do it if there is a safe tree or place to anchor the rope at the top of the wall. In indoor climbing facilities, most top ropes are double-wrapped around a fixed anchor, making the weight ratio 1:3 or 4 for climbers to belay. This allows a lighter individual to belay someone up to 3x their weight without getting pulled off the ground. Outside, you won't find a double-wrapped anchor, but all that means is that the belayer may feel the climber's weight a bit more, and the climber may find themselves pulled a few more inches down the wall when they sit into the rope. However, despite the weight offset difference, falls are still relatively small and similar to top-topping indoors!
Overall, top rope is the perfect intro to rope climbing and can be super fun if you try it out! It's great for forming friendships (belaytionships), challenging endurance, and transitioning from indoor to outdoor climbing. If there are any unanswered questions regarding top-roping, put them down below! We'd love to hear from you and help you or experienced climbers share their thoughts and tips! Happy climbing!