Which term indicates the rappel is starting?

• A. On rappel
• B. On belay
• C. Belay on
• D. Rappel on

Answer: (A)

The key idea is signaling the exact moment you begin the descent. Saying “On rappel” tells your belayer that you are about to start rappelling and that the rope will be controlled for descent. It marks the transition from being on belay to actively descending, so the belayer knows to manage the rope and brake accordingly. Other phrases describe readiness or the belay status rather than the act of starting to rappel, so they don’t clearly indicate that the descent has begun. That clarity is why this term is the best choice for indicating the rappel is starting.