What is the minimum number of spotters for the zipper during a climb?

What is the minimum number of spotters for the zipper during a climb?

• A. One
• B. Two
• C. Three
• D. Four

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is safety redundancy for a zipper element. A zipper involves two climbers moving along the same rope or within closely coordinated ends, so you need enough eyes and hands available to watch and assist both sides at once. Having a pair of spotters ensures that each climber has dedicated attention and that someone is always managing the rope, communication, and any potential issues at either end. If only one spotter is present, they can’t reliably monitor both climbers simultaneously or respond quickly to problems on both sides, which raises the risk. With a pair, you can actively supervise and assist as the climbers progress, respond to misclips or slips, and help with transitions at the top and bottom. So the minimum number of spotters for the zipper is a pair.

The idea being tested is safety redundancy for a zipper element. A zipper involves two climbers moving along the same rope or within closely coordinated ends, so you need enough eyes and hands available to watch and assist both sides at once. Having a pair of spotters ensures that each climber has dedicated attention and that someone is always managing the rope, communication, and any potential issues at either end. If only one spotter is present, they can’t reliably monitor both climbers simultaneously or respond quickly to problems on both sides, which raises the risk. With a pair, you can actively supervise and assist as the climbers progress, respond to misclips or slips, and help with transitions at the top and bottom. So the minimum number of spotters for the zipper is a pair.