Women showing how climbing partners learn and build trust

Pulenaz: learning together in a class

After her beginner gym visits, Pulenaz joins a supervised top-rope class with a friend. The instructor explains the equipment and stays responsible for the lesson while the pair practice handling the rope and checking each other’s setup. Pulenaz asks the instructor to go over a part she did not understand; her friend waits while it is explained again. The moment makes learning together visible.

Before a practice climb, the two agree on the words they will use to communicate and on asking for a pause if either is unsure. They check with each other and the instructor before proceeding. Later, when Pulenaz is unsure what her friend said, she asks for it to be repeated and they pause for the instructor rather than guessing. The exchange gives the video a point of tension and resolution: the pair have to understand one another, not simply take turns at the wall.

Pulenaz is the place to start for the learner’s perspective. Her questions, her friend’s response and the instructor’s feedback are part of the story. Their familiarity as friends makes it easier to begin a conversation, but the class shows trust growing through listening, checking and being willing to stop.

Hazel Findlay: choosing someone who pays attention

Hazel Findlay’s own site presents her climbing videos and blog, alongside the Strong Mind podcast and YouTube channel. In her 2025 essay on belaying, she reflects on the attention required during long periods when a partner is climbing. Her focus on being present gives a useful perspective on the person supporting the climb.

References: Hazel Findlay · Hazel Findlay

When considering a partner for a session, Findlay talks first about experience, expectations and how each person will communicate. On an initial climb, the partner listens when she asks to pause and confirms the next decision before they continue. On a later session, they again take time to check their understanding rather than assuming that the previous outing settled everything.

Findlay chooses to climb with this person again because the partner responded to questions and respected a request to stop. The viewer can trace that choice to repeated, observable decisions. Her perspective is useful for someone interested in how trust develops after the introduction, while Pulenaz’s class shows the first conversations between two learners.

Learning the practical skills

Petzl describes a partner check as a mutual check between climber and belayer before a pitch. Its guidance says the techniques require specific training and recommends working with a professional to confirm competence before attempting them unsupervised. A supervised class gives both partners a place to learn the equipment and communication relevant to their own climbing.

References: Petzl

Sources and attribution

1. Hazel Findlay

   Hazel FindlayPublication date not listed · Recorded Oct 29, 2026

2. Hazel Findlay

   The Zen of BelayingPublished May 22, 2025 · Recorded Oct 29, 2026

3. Petzl

   PARTNER CHECKPublication date not listed · Recorded Oct 29, 2026