In a static belay system, which description is correct for how the climber is attached?

• A. Two points of contact: harness and anchor using lobster claws
• B. Three points: harness, anchor point, and belayer
• C. Four points: harness, anchor, belayer, and backup anchor
• D. One point: harness alone

Answer: (A)

In a static belay system, the climber is attached at two points: through the harness to the rope, and the rope to the anchor using locking carabiners (the lobster-claw style). This creates a secure connection to both the fixed line and the anchor, which is essential for a stable, non-dynamic setup. The belayer on the ground manages rope tension, but isn’t part of the climber’s two attachment points. Adding a third point would imply involvement of the belayer as part of the climber’s attachments, and a fourth point would introduce a backup anchor beyond the basic description; a single point would be unsafe due to lack of redundancy. The two-point arrangement—harness to rope and rope to anchor—is the correct, practical description for a static belay.