Top-rope belaying with the GRIGRI anchored to the ground.

We are often asked about a particular use of the GRIGRI when it is anchored to the ground and not to the belayer. This is done mostly when there is a significant weight difference between climber and belayer, in order to prevent the belayer from being pulled against the wall too forcefully.

For this usage, Petzl recommends the following solution:the GRIGRI is anchored to the ground via the belayer.

- Put the ground anchor point at a distance of 1 to 2 m from the belayer.

- Position the carabiner gate opposite the attachment knot.

This technique should be used only for top-rope belaying, as the belayer is anchored to the ground: dynamic belaying is therefore limited. On the other hand, it enables good descent control and allows the belayer to use the standard belay technique.

Note that a technique commonly used for this application is the following: the GRIGRI is anchored to the ground with a sling:

This technique is strongly discouraged for the following reasons:

- if the GRIGRI is positioned at the wrong height for the belayer's size, the belayer risks involuntarily blocking the cam and preventing it from braking the rope.

- controlling the descent is more difficult than with the GRIGRI on the belayer because the weight of the climber cannot be felt.