Short leaf pines and oaks spur issued

[ggoodman]

the problem I am having is despite switching to pole spikes i am having to damn near dislocate my ankes to get the spikes out. Ive done lots of climbing and and started climbing with tree spikes on long leaf pines much much thicker bark and less dig in.

I have three more short leafs to climb and drop any suggestions? I'm only 160lbs on a good day wet and I'm standing damn near vertical when stepping in. any suggestions.

Thanks in advance

 

[Hoowasat]

Many climbers wrap the bottom strap once around the shank. With my tree spikes, I route the strap under gaff so I can pull it up and out of the wood. I haven't yet climbed with my pole spikes, but I don't think there is enough room to run the strap under those shorter gaffs. If I did, it may push the straps into the bark ... something I don't want.

 

[TheJollyLogger]

Are you stomping, or just walking up? If you're sticking that bad, at 160, sounds like you're setting them too hard.

 

[ggoodman]

just stepping up not stomping unless im getting ready to cut them i double clip in make sure my feet are comfortable.

 

[woodchuck357]

Keep climbing, more time on spikes will allow you to learn how much pressure it takes to have the gaffs bite just enough to hold you without being difficult to pull out for the next step. Until then try giving your foot a little twist and move your knee away from the trunk as you prepare to pull up. You want to pull the spike out close to the same angle as it went in.

 

[TheJollyLogger]

Keep climbing, more time on spikes will allow you to learn how much pressure it takes to have the gaffs bite just enough to hold you without being difficult to pull out for the next step. Until then try giving your foot a little twist and move your knee away from the trunk as you prepare to pull up. You want to pull the spike out close to the same angle as it went in.

Agreed. So much of it is muscle memory. It'll come with time.