BELAYTIONSHIPS: LOVE MEANS ALWAYS CATCHING YOUR FALLS
Happy Valentine’s Day! Love is in the air – and with love comes trust, with trust comes a happy climber, and with a happy climber comes an attentive belay. Here at Earth Treks Climbing and Fitness we value partnership above all else, and what better partnership is there than those who climb together. So grab a friend or meet someone new and celebrate with Earth Treks.
CREATE BELAYTIONSHIPS!
Buy one day pass and get the second half off all day on February 14.
The “Belaytionship” is the foundation to having a fun and, most importantly, safe climbing experience. Since belaying involves having someone else’s life in your hands, it is important you find someone you can trust. While any type of Belaytionship can be healthy, each level of partnership comes with their own risks and benefits.
MEET SOMEONE NEW
Use our Trade-A-Belay board, Meetup.com, the ClimbBuddy App, or join Earth Treks classes & clinics to find new partners.
Belaying with an acquaintance may be the safest Belaytionship, but leaves room for growth. Pro: This is the kind of partnership that is purely about climbing, in which both partners present themselves as responsible belayers in order to develop trust. Con: The lack of emotional connection may lessen the chance for maximum growth as climbers, as neither party will push each other’s limits. Check out this article from our friends at Climbing Magazine to learn how to be a better belayer as you get into climbing.
BRING A FRIEND
Climbing with a friend allows for partners to push each other to a greater extent, creating a more rewarding Belyationship. Pro: Friends already have an established emotional connection outside of the gym, therefore, there is a level of trust to work from whilst belaying, allowing partners to push each other’s limits. Con: The emotional connection presents opportunity to affect that outside relationship if something goes wrong in the gym. However, the key to a successful Belaytionship, like any relationship, is communication! Here is some good lingo every partnership should be using.
BRING IN YOUR SWEETHEART
Having your significant other as your climbing partner presents the greatest rewards but also the biggest risks. Pro: With the deepest emotional connection, these climbing partners know how to push each other but also know when to take it easy and just have fun. Cons: Sometimes problems at home can manifest as problems in the gym. It may not be the best idea to climb in the midst of a fight. However, true love means never dropping each other, and at the end of the day, their trust and partnership overcomes all obstacles.
SHOW US YOUR FAVORITE #BELAYTIONSHIP ON INSTAGRAM
Come celebrate Valentine’s Day with Earth Treks by creating a new Belaytionship! Whether that be with someone you just met, a good friend, or your sweetheart. As long as there is trust and communication, you know that you are in good hands!