Please describe the footlock method.

[Redbull]

Can someone please describe and possibly even illustrate the proper way to footlock? I'm still not quite clear on this subject and a google search does not give me what I'm looking for. Sumthin tells me I'm not the only one either.Thanks guys!

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Get a copy of The Tree Climber's Companion. Look no page 41 for a description and a picture of Jeff's Dad smiling because he's doing a great FL

 

[wct4life]

Red bull, One foot over the other, with the rope between 'em. Then you step on it, thus locking the rope in place. Then, stand up, move your knot and repeat.

 

[Redbull]

Yeah, I understand how to do it as wct described, but isn't there another method?

 

[hobby climber]

...another method ?

Pantin??? (Pantin foot ascender) Check it out in the Sherrill 2004 catalog, pg#36 top left.

 

[okietreedude1]

The way Ive seen in done is the line is outside both feet, pull feet up, take foot thats not next to rope(foot 2) and pull it under foot 1 and then step it down onto the top of foot 1.

This way, you are wrapping the rope around foot 1 and holding it in place w/ foot 2.

to move up once you stand, pick up foot 2, slide both feet up crunching your body, and repeat.

Start practicing! MW ISA TCC is just 5 months away!!!!!!!!

 

[asharrow]

Never done that to climb trees to trim them, but climbed ropes lots of times. I put the rope as the guy in photo has it, then through to the back and around the outside of either leg and on top of that leg's foot, then stand on it. You can stand there as long as you want. Just for climbing, you don't even need that knot that you move up (or down), but of course for going up with saws and such, you would want it.

Just an old rope monkey,
Jim in Maine

 

[TimberMcPherson]

Its just a jump to the left
then a step to the right
with your hands on your hips
move your feet in time
But its the pelvic thrust, that will drive you insay yay yay yane
Let do the footlock again!

 

[okietreedude1]

Hey there Jim,

That there not is nown as a prusik not. (or some prefr the kleimhiest).

Actually too, it IS something you want to get used to using especially if you are going long ascents. It saves your arse (in case you get tired or slip) from hitting the ground.

Red, once you get REALLY used to footlocking, only then would i suggest skipping the prussik loop and then only on short ascents.

 

[TREETX]

It is quick and efficient.

 

[asharrow]

I agree David. Didn't mean to suggest anyone not use the prusik knot in tree work. Just don't need it when you're a kid climbing a rope in the barn or some other foolish thing. Guess were all past that now, right?

Jim

 

[canopychick]

Get a copy of The Tree Climber's Companion. Look no page 41 for a description and a picture of Jeff's Dad smiling because he's doing a great FL

That's an excellent book.

 

[treechick]

Redbull, if you have access to a fax machine, I have a good newspaper article on the footlock method I can maybe send you >>> straightforward, comprehensive with slow-motion-type pics for visual aid. Once learned it is fast, efficient, a hundred times easier than belayed climbs, and uhhhhh.... doesn't use SPIKES!

 

[Redbull]

Treechick, unfortunately I don't have access to a fax machine. It's kinda funny too, since I am a copy/fax technician for Toshiba full time. Anyway, it sounds very informative. If it can be scanned, you can send it to [email protected]
Also, I hope I haven't led anyone to believe that I climb with spikes. I have other methods of ascending (bodythrust) but I am interested in learning alternatives. Thanks for all the responses.

 

[Tom D. Wilson]

one method i use is to bend my leg so my foot is touching my arse, pull the rope under my foot in a sort of U shape and then hold it to the running end under my hitch and then push up with one leg and advance my hitch. this is useful as i -and thankfully nearly recoved- have a knee injury. it also allows you to use your other leg to help stop you from hitting the trunk should you start to swing about or hook over branches to help pull yourself up.

 

[Redbull]

That's pretty much the same thing I do, Tom D. This seems to work okay for me. Like I said, looking for alternate methods. The Pantin sounds like a good investment.