“Climbing” is a verbal climbing command that means “I am starting to climb now.”
Said by Climber to Belayer
The command is said by the climber to the belayer after the belayer says “On belay,” which means he has the climber on a belay and it is now safe to start climbing. After hearing the climber say "Climbing," the belayer usually acknowledges to the climber that he has heard him by shouting down, “Climb on!” or “Climb away!” or sometimes even “Okay.” You also use the command "Climbing" before you start leading a pitch, even if the belayer is standing right next to you.
Chain of Commands
Lead Climber: “Off belay.” Said when leader is secure and safe.
Belayer: “Belay off.” 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.”
Lead Climber now Belayer: “Climb!”
Climber: “Climbing!”
