Top 5 Things New Multi-Pitch Climbers Often Miss
Intro:
If you’re heading out on your first multi-pitch climb, knowing how to follow well is just as important as leading. From rope management to cleaning gear, being a solid second keeps the team safe and moving efficiently. Here are the top five mistakes new followers make — and how to avoid them.
1. Not Double-Checking the Belay Setup
It might feel like the leader’s job to handle everything at the anchor, but following doesn't mean checking out. Before you leave the anchor:
Double-check your belay device is properly loaded
Confirm you're tied in correctly
Make sure you understand the plan and the rope signals
Anchors are where small errors add up. Two sets of eyes help keep things clean and safe.
2. Rushing Through Cleaning Gear
Cleaning is more than just pulling gear and climbing up. Common mistakes include:
Clipping cleaned gear to your harness in a way that could fall off
Forgetting a piece entirely
Getting a nut stuck by yanking instead of wiggling it out deliberately
A dropped cam is annoying. A dropped cam that hits someone below can be tragic. Be deliberate.
3. Sloppy Rope Management
Managing the rope is one of the follower’s main responsibilities. That means:
Flaking it neatly at belays if you're swinging leads
Keeping it stacked and untangled
Making sure it doesn't get looped around your feet or fall off the ledge
Clean rope = clean systems = faster, safer climbing.
4. Misjudging Distance From the Leader
Following too closely? You risk pulling on gear or knocking loose rock. Too far? You can lose communication and be slow to respond if something happens.
Here's the sweet spot:
Stay in rope contact without keeping it tight
Communicate clearly (or use agreed-upon rope tugs if you can’t hear)
Pay attention to terrain — adjust your pace accordingly
You're a rope team — move like one.
5. Checking Out During Transitions
Transitions — like swapping belays or swinging leads — are where most time gets lost. Don’t zone out:
Re-rack gear proactively
Stay alert for the leader’s plan
Ask what’s needed — flake rope? Take over belay?
Being a “good hang” is fine on a ledge, but active participation keeps the climb moving and builds trust.
Final Thought:
Strong seconds aren’t just future leaders — they’re already leading in their own way. Stay sharp, take responsibility, and treat every multi-pitch like a chance to level up.
