Sports Climbing 101 with Chris Linder

[jmessinger5]

You don't want a ground anchor in most cases:  you want a "dynamic" belay for one; you also want to be able to move if rock fall comes your way. Also, you may not be able to get into the best position for belaying the leader when he is close to the ground. Ground anchor for belayer is normally only when the leader is SIGNIFICANTLY heavier than the belayer. Gym toproping has much less friction and could cause the most problem in that case. Other exception is on a ledge, or multi pitch route.

[azadude18]

He should have used a ground anchor at 2:20 ... Then again, there probably won't be many around at an outdoor cliff like that.

[Mayriver]

is it better to not use socks with your shoes