Holding On!
While climbers make their way up the mountain or cliff, belayers keep an eye on their progress. Belayers use one of several methods to increase the friction on the rope and ensure that the climbers will be safe. For example, belayers can wrap the rope around their hips. The frietion between their clothing and the rope wrapped around then is far greater than the friction between their hands and the ropes. Should the climbers slip, belayers can control the fall better than they could if the rope were just in their hands. More often belayers thread the rope around special metal devices that increase the friction on the rope and decrease the force the belayer must exert if the climber falls. Climbers and belayers aren't usually thinking about friction when they're moving up a mountainside. They're focusing on their goal: reaching the top. Friction helps keep them safer and makes the climb easier. And, unlike those special shoes and mountaineering equipment, it's absolutely free!