Sport climbing safety

Question
What kind of safety gear do new climbers use, especially in a gym environment? How does a spotter help them?

--Alice

Answer
There are three general pieces of equipment a new climber should have:  1.  A harness.  These range in price from $30-$100 and have almost unlimited options.  You want one that fits you comfortably.  If you choose to buy, try it on and sit in it to make sure there are not uncomfortable areas like under the legs or in the back.  You may spend some time in this position on the wall so don't rush this process in the store.  2&3.  Carabiner and Belay devise.  The carabiner (biner) must be locking.  There are a few different locking mechanisms, but regardless of which you choose, it must lock.  There are numerous belay devises arround, I use what is commonly refered to as an ATC.  This is actually like a brand name similar to how we call all tissue kleenex.  This particular is made by Black Diamond, but there are various others that work the same.  

In a gym environment ropes and the other safety equipment will be included.  

If you are climbing with a rope, the spotter is called a Belayer.  They use a Belay devise to hold the rope so that the climber doesn't fall to the ground, only a few feet at most.  If you are climbing without a rope, or bouldering, a spotter will ensure that the climber doesn't fall and land bad.

If you go to a gym, they will be able to explain in further detail the various safety steps necessary.  Thanks for the question, let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Nick