Here’s a quick tip: before you get to the first bolt (or before you put your first piece of protection in), put the rope over your shoulder. So the rope goes from the tie-in points on your harness up and over one of your shoulders, then over your back and down to your belayer. This way, the rope is out of the way of your feet and easier (and faster) to grab when you clip in.
Put the rope over your shoulder before the first bolt
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I think it’s mostly a question of habit. I personally hate having it over my shoulder, as I find it harder to grab (I need to reach quite high with my hand, and often rotate my body slightly), especially if it is on the same side than the free hand. I would much rather have it above my thigh – but I always make sure to have it on the correct side when I start.