“Climb on” is a verbal climbing command that means “I have heard you’re ready to climb, so go ahead and climb now.” The command is said by the belayer to the climber after the climber says “Climbing,” which means the climber has heard that the belayer is on belay and he is going to start climbing. Besides “Climb on,” the belayer will sometimes say “Climb away,” “Climb,” or even “Okay, climb.”
Chain of Commands
Lead Climber: “Off belay.” Said when leader is secure and safe.
Belayer: Takes leader off belay and gets ready to climb.
Lead Climber: “On belay.” This signals to second climber below that the leader is ready for him to climb.
Belayer now Climber: “Ready to climb.” Climber is telling belayer that he is ready.
Lead Climber now Belayer: “Climb!” Belayer telling climber that he is ready and on belay.
Climber: “Climbing!” Climber is now climbing.
Belayer: “Climb on.” Response from belayer acknowledging that he knows the climber is climbing.
