RANGER HANDBOOK

a. Body belay (Figure 10-11). Is used where the rope runs around the belayer’s body
creating friction. To control the rope there are two basic types of body belays:
Standing and Sitting. Sitting is preferred because it offers the most stable position.
Figure 10-11. Body belay
b. Mechanical belays (Figure 10-12). Equipment is used to provide the friction to
control the rate of descent. There are a variety of devices in mountaineering that are
used to construct a mechanical belay. One of the most often used that requires little
equipment is the munter hitch belay. Ensure when conducting a munter hitch belay
that you use a locking carabiner.
10-9