Importance of a “Ground Plan” for climbing

When you’re rock or ice climbing, it’s an excellent idea to agree on the “Ground Plan” with your partner(s) before the leader ever leaves the ground. The plan is usually as simple as deciding exactly what’s going to happen when the leader reaches the belay. There are only four things that can happen, and it may eliminate a lot of shouting and potentially dangerous miscommunication if things are clear before the leader takes off.
What are those four options? Glad you asked! When the leader reaches the belay and builds an anchor, she has a choice of:
1) belay second up
2) lower off
3) rappel off
4) walk off (not always possible)
Determine which one you’ll do before the leader starts the pitch!

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Importance of a “Ground Plan” for climbing