What is the proper way to lower a climber down the rock?

What is the proper way to lower a climber down the rock?

Daniel Wade (Rock Climbing Manager) gives expert video advice on: What is 'top-rope' rock climbing?; What is 'sport climbing'?; What kind of equipment do I need in top-rope climbing? and more...

The proper way to lower somebody is going to depend on the type of belay device you're using. With most non-auto locking, standard-placket style belay devices you're probably going to want to then transition your feeding hand onto the break hand as well so you have two hands on the break end. And you're going to want to have the climber lean back so that he's more horizontal to the rock so he's pushing off with his feet and you're going to be lowering him at a speed that's comfortable for the climber, not too slow, not too fast. Try not to make it jerky, stay as smooth as possible is the best. But the important thing is to be communicating with your climber.