going up a tree/ friction hitch

wahlturfcare · Mar 2, 2009

i have a new tree that i need to take down one side of it.
It is a walnut tree that has 2 big branches that split into a very sharp v. Both have only room to throw the climbing line the one branch which is the one i need to cut as the tops are gone from storm damage or are only about 2'' thick.
if i use the accenders, i cant really climb up to unhook and use the friction hitch setup.
Could i just throw a flipline over the branch and switch to the friction hitch?

im not that good at free climbing in the air without the accenders

Anybody have any suggestions?

Also, i'd spike it, but it would a pain in the butt to do so of the angle of the tree.
And i cant use a lifline from the other branch as it is hollow inside and dead on that side.

John Paul Sanborn · Mar 2, 2009

Run that by me again? I want to say throw a bit higher.

Are you throwing a monkeyfist, or a throwline?

Bermie · Mar 2, 2009

V unions, split, storm damage, dead and hollow...bye do yourself a favour and cut it 6" from the bottom, nice wedge and backcut...Done.

PS, no-one can free climb in the air unless you are G_d!

Funning you a bit... :cheers:

md_tree_dood · Mar 2, 2009

You could, but you're technically not supposed to "hang" from your flipline. If you have a second climbing line you could use ascenders to get you there, then pull up a second line, and tie your friction hitch that way.

TreeTopKid · Mar 2, 2009

I'm not sure what you're ascending with but couldn't you get where you're going and use the other end of your line to tie in with a closed system?

md_tree_dood · Mar 3, 2009

Assuming he's using a running bowline at the TIP that could work, if he's tying off at the bottom of the tree, no. If he's using a double rope kong and footlocking, then no.

Like he said, what method are you using to ascend?

frodo · Mar 3, 2009

body thrust with gaffs on .once you get to the top you will be tied in. what kind of angle is it at that you cant climb it with gaffs.

md_tree_dood · Mar 4, 2009

Good luck body thrusting with gaffs. Assuming you're going more than like 20 ft that would be absolutely miserable. Not to mention if he's using ascenders he most likely doesn't body thrust well.