This is the third in a 12-part series from Climbing Magazine, Wild Country and Red Chili, demonstrating and explaining the basic skills needed to be safe on the crags. In this episode, Julie Ellison, Climbing Magazine's Gear Editor, talks us through belaying a climber who is leading a pitch, a key technique for any climber, allowing a two-way partnership and the progression from top-roping towards multi-pitch routes.

There can be differences in standard practice between the USA and the UK, and some beginners may have been taught very slightly different techniques at their local climbing wall or club. However the methods in this video series are simple, easy to understand and if done correctly, safe. As always, feel free to discuss alternative methods in the forums.

Wild Country, Red Chili and Climbing Magazine have produced a series of 'How To' videos to demonstrate basic rock climbing skills and techniques. In this video Julie Ellison, Climbing Magazine Gear Editor, shows how to belay a lead climb. Belaying a lead climber is a big step in learning to climb and opens up a whole new world of possibilities, however, it is also a very difficult technique and must be taken very, very seriously.