This is the fifth 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 clipping a rope through a quickdraw whilst leading, the basis of attaching yourself, via the rope, to all forms of running belays or 'runners'.

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 and Climbing Magazine have produced a series of 'How To' videos designed to demonstrate basic climbing skills and techniques. In this video Julie Ellison, Climbing Magazine Gear Editor, demonstrates quickdraw clipping techniques - an important and safety critical art. Clipping a quickdraw correctly, making sure it's orientation is right and you are clipping in the correct plane is not as simple as it seems but for safety reasons is something that's important to learn. It's also essential to make sure you learn to clip quickly, without wasting energy: saving that for the moves ahead.