Think back to when you first learned to lead belay with a grigi... it was probably awkward and took a while to get it dialed so you weren't always short roping your climber... at least it was for me! Now think about the way you do it these days. Probably some variation of that way you first learned and for most, it involves completely removing your break hand from the brake rope in order to release the lever and feed rope! THIS IS NOT CORRECT!!! Petzl states that you should not let go of the brake rope when belaying with the grigri. Remember that the grigri is simply an 'assist' device and should never be used to take the place of responsible and correct belay techniques. We must remind ourselves that we are literally holding someone's life in our hands! In light of all this, Petzl has finally come out with a good way to belay with a grigri without taking your brake hand of the brake rope. It may feel weird at first but as soon as you practice a little, you will find that this way is a much smoother and efficient way to lead belay with a grigri. Try it! If you just can't figure it out, look for me around the gym and I will be glad to give you beta on it!
-Chris Tatum
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