| What it is | Falling to the ground |
| Risk highest | Low on a route, with slack |
| Prevented by | Early clips, spotting, attentive belay |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
A ground fall, also called ‘decking’, is when a climber falls all the way to the ground — the most dangerous kind of climbing fall. The risk is highest low on a route before much protection is placed, and when there’s excess slack in the system. Avoiding ground falls drives many belaying and protection habits, like clipping early and spotting boulderers.
The danger zone
The first few moves, before protection is high enough, are when a slip can reach the ground — compounded by slack and runout starts.
How to avoid it
Protect early, minimise slack, belay attentively, and on boulders use pads and spotting.
This article is educational and not a substitute for qualified instruction.
Frequently asked questions
What is a ground fall?
A ground fall is when a climber hits the ground during a fall instead of being held in the air by the rope or pads. Because the climber stops against the ground rather than a dynamic system, ground falls are the most injurious type of climbing fall.
How do you avoid ground falls?
Clip or place protection early off the ground, keep slack to a minimum low on a route, belay attentively and stand in the right position, and on boulders use pads and a spotter. Recognising the danger zone — the first few moves before protection is high — is key.
What is decking?
'Decking' is climbing slang for taking a ground fall — hitting the deck. It's used the same way: 'they decked from the third bolt' means they fell to the ground from low on the route.
Sources
- Climbing safety — American Alpine Club