Need a good video showing the proper use of climbers

[Plasmech]

I've been putting some time in on my spikes and lanyard, trying to get some technique down. I feel like I am using brute force to go up the tree as opposed to the much more refined technique I see the pro's use. I'm basically bear-hugging the tree to adjust my lanyard, whereas the pro's can just sort of flip it up. Are there any good videos on the new showing "how it's done"? Most videos of climbers I see are a bit far away to really see all the details.

Also, is it just me or is it a LOT harder to spike DOWN a tree than up? Definitely need to work on that. Thanks for any replies!

 

[tree md]

Are you using a flip line with a rope grab? Should be able to adjust and climb without having to bear hug the tree if you are using one of those. If you are using the old buck straps with the prussic knot it's hard to adjust while you are in the tree on a singe lanyard without bear hugging and reaching around the tree. You could use two lanyards and alternate when you need to adjust or use a split tail in conjunction with your lanyard. You shouldn't be bear hugging while ascending the tree on spikes. It puts your spikes at an extreme angle that is prone to kick out. You should be at comfortable arms distance and advance the lanyard as you climb keeping the lanyard at waist level when you work. If your having problems descending it could be that your spikes are too sharp. Especially if you are a little heavy. I like to keep mine a little dull so they aren't difficult to pull out of the tree while I am gaffing up or down. Sorry, don't know of any vids.

 

[Plasmech]

Are you using a flip line with a rope grab? Should be able to adjust and climb without having to bear hug the tree if you are using one of those. If you are using the old buck straps with the prussic knot it's hard to adjust while you are in the tree on a singe lanyard without bear hugging and reaching around the tree. You could use two lanyards and alternate when you need to adjust or use a split tail in conjunction with your lanyard. You shouldn't be bear hugging while ascending the tree on spikes. It puts your spikes at an extreme angle that is prone to kick out. You should be at comfortable arms distance and advance the lanyard as you climb keeping the lanyard at waist level when you work. If your having problems descending it could be that your spikes are too sharp. Especially if you are a little heavy. I like to keep mine a little dull so they aren't difficult to pull out of the tree while I am gaffing up or down. Sorry, don't know of any vids.

Thanks. I am using a split-tail system with a micro pulley. When I said "adjust the lanyard", I actually meant move it up and down the tree, sorry I mis-led you. I'm able to pretty easily adjust the length or the lanyard with the micro-pulley, although it still is a bit hard to "loosen" it than to pull it in. Just having difficulty smoothly spiking up/down the tree and moving that lanyard with me efficiently.

 

[treemandan]

Thanks. I am using a split-tail system with a micro pulley. When I said "adjust the lanyard", I actually meant move it up and down the tree, sorry I mis-led you. I'm able to pretty easily adjust the length or the lanyard with the micro-pulley, although it still is a bit hard to "loosen" it than to pull it in. Just having difficulty smoothly spiking up/down the tree and moving that lanyard with me efficiently.

Keep practicing. When fishing I always had trouble getting the worm on the hook just right. Years later and now I am a master baiter. I have to admit, video did help me on that.

And to hell with giving you pics, we want to see YOU!

 

[tree md]

Thanks. I am using a split-tail system with a micro pulley. When I said "adjust the lanyard", I actually meant move it up and down the tree, sorry I mis-led you. I'm able to pretty easily adjust the length or the lanyard with the micro-pulley, although it still is a bit hard to "loosen" it than to pull it in. Just having difficulty smoothly spiking up/down the tree and moving that lanyard with me efficiently.

As I go up I hold my lanyard in both hands and kind of lean forward and flip it up the tree as I advance. Hope this helps.

 

[DK_stihl]

Flip line

I've been putting some time in on my spikes and lanyard, trying to get some technique down. I feel like I am using brute force to go up the tree as opposed to the much more refined technique I see the pro's use. I'm basically bear-hugging the tree to adjust my lanyard, whereas the pro's can just sort of flip it up. Are there any good videos on the new showing "how it's done"? Most videos of climbers I see are a bit far away to really see all the details.

Also, is it just me or is it a LOT harder to spike DOWN a tree than up? Definitely need to work on that. Thanks for any replies!

Plasmech,
Have you considered the use of a wire core lanyard? When I was learning I had problems being able to "flip" my regular rope lanyard up the tree. I got a wire core and it was much easier. The technique that I use for climbing is to to take two steps up on my spikes, then kind of pull/thrust myself towards the tree while simultaneously flipping my lanyard up. I hope this helps. And yes, we want pics.

 

[Rftreeman]

not a tree but you'll get the idea

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8vZdn362kM

 

[DK_stihl]

Video

not a tree but you'll get the idea

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8vZdn362kM

Yeah, what that guy does, except there are no knots/stubs on that pole. LOL

 

[tree md]

not a tree but you'll get the idea

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8vZdn362kM

That song is hilarious!

 

[treemandan]

That song is hilarious!

Yeah, i was dancin.

 

[treemandan]

So that is that Plas-man. You know, much that is said ain't really that much at all. So now you know where The Dan is and you know how to get here. If you want to stop talking and DO then come on down, i don't bite, neither does anybody else. Straight lace.

 

[ozzy42]

Keep practicing.

Years later and now I am a master baiter.

That's a visual we really didn't need Dan

 

[Stihl Alive]

If you have a crotch to throw your life line over, just tie that knot (I forget the name) that allows you to just pull down on the knot to go down, and let it go to stop. If no life line I've found that lowering your flip line and pulling it tight before you step down is the most comfortable way. This way if you slip your lanyard is already tight and you "shouldn't" go far.

WARNING: Stihl Alive is NOT a professional and any advice taken should be practiced with extreme caution.

 

[TreeTopKid]

I've been putting some time in on my spikes and lanyard, trying to get some technique down. I feel like I am using brute force to go up the tree as opposed to the much more refined technique I see the pro's use. I'm basically bear-hugging the tree to adjust my lanyard, whereas the pro's can just sort of flip it up. Are there any good videos on the new showing "how it's done"? Most videos of climbers I see are a bit far away to really see all the details.

Also, is it just me or is it a LOT harder to spike DOWN a tree than up? Definitely need to work on that. Thanks for any replies!

Be careful being too close to the tree, you could easily slide all the way to the base you need to sit back so that your weight is pulling tight on your flip line which is basically along with your gaffs keeps you there. I can practically guarantee that by 'bear hugging' a tree you will come to grief sooner or later because that's what happened to me the very first time I used spikes it was so embarrassing I lost all the skin off one of my cheeks , and the ankle of my trousers/pants was practically in my ass. Lengthen your flip line a little and sit back. Are you using a mechanical adjuster (Micrograb/Cinch system)?

 

[TreeTopKid]

One more question when you say spike down the tree, do you mean when going to the ground for a break? It's safer to use your safety line and a friction hitch (which should be attached also).

 

[Plasmech]

Plasmech,
Have you considered the use of a wire core lanyard? When I was learning I had problems being able to "flip" my regular rope lanyard up the tree. I got a wire core and it was much easier. The technique that I use for climbing is to to take two steps up on my spikes, then kind of pull/thrust myself towards the tree while simultaneously flipping my lanyard up. I hope this helps. And yes, we want pics.

I do have a wire-core lanyard. That video is good. I see that my problem is that for one, I left way too many stubs on my "practice tree". Also it's a confidence issue being able to step up on one leg and move the wirecore up at the SAME time, confidence I don't have yet. I also see it's necessary to pull yourself in to the tree just a bit using the lanyard while stepping up. I take these baby half steps which are actually dangerous because by the time I get to the top, I am dead tired, not good.

And yes the music in that video was pretty funny, it was like out of nowhere lol.

 

[Plasmech]

One more question when you say spike down the tree, do you mean when going to the ground for a break? It's safer to use your safety line and a friction hitch (which should be attached also).

Are you saying rap down on a friction hitch? I would probably just use my rescue 8...or maybe that's what you meant?

 

[outofmytree]

Hi Plasmech, welcome to the world of swollen feet and painful arches!

You have been given some good advice to date so I will add only a couple of points.

Be patient with yourself. This is an unnatural action and your body knows it. Stay as close to vertical as possible when ascending for the moment. You can be fancy later on.

Always climb on sharp gaffs. Whoever said allow them to go dull thinks and works very differently to me. If you are having trouble extracting them then don't "stamp" quite so hard when you put them in.

I still find descending on spurs harder than ascending. When you think about the action it makes good sense that this should be so. Extracting your spurs is an upward motion, then you step down on the now freed foot, then stamp in, then repeat. Ascending is all one smooth motion in the same direction. Again, give it time.

There is nothing wrong with taking small steps. The greater the distance between your feet the more strain on your calves, quads and buttocks. It is very easy to overstep and hurt yourself. Just take it slow and easy.

Last of all. Practise. Lots.

 

[OLD CHIPMONK]

One more question when you say spike down the tree, do you mean when going to the ground for a break?

What? take a break........"GIT-ER-DONE"......

 

[squad143]

I hate having to climb back up a tree, I'd rather stay up there until its done. However on the odd occasion that I do, unless I'm under 15' up, I'll rappel down on my climbing line. Less work and more fun.

Added benefit is less time on the spurs.