Part of Intro to Top-Rope Climbing·Step 5 of 6
Belay Basics: The PBUS Method
The core hand-motion pattern for belaying with a tube-style device.
PBUS — Pull, Brake, Under, Slide — is the standard hand sequence for belaying a climber with a tube-style belay device (like an ATC). It keeps your brake hand on the rope at all times.
The sequence
- Pull — Pull rope through the device with your guide hand as the climber climbs.
- Brake — Move your brake hand down into the braking position.
- Under — Bring your guide hand under the brake hand to grip the rope below it.
- Slide — Slide your brake hand back up toward the device, then repeat.
Danger
Your brake hand never leaves the rope. Not to adjust your device, not to high-five your climber — never. This is the single most important rule in belaying.
Tip
Practice PBUS on the ground, with slack rope and no climber, until the motion feels automatic before belaying a real climb.
Placeholder note
This is placeholder content for the initial site build — replace with your own written steps, photos, and video. Consider linking this topic into a “New to Belaying” guide alongside Communication Calls.