Srt

[Kottonwood]

Hi there,

I am new here and have been doing some reading about different climbing techniques. I have noticed everyone raving about srt. I have a few questions. Are you guys just using SRT to get into the canopy and then switching to a DdRT to work the tree or are you actually working the tree on SRT? Also, how do you tie the rope off up in the tree? I was talking to someone around here about it and he said you just tie a running bowline and run it up to the crotch. It seem like if you do it that way you will also have to run a throwline or something down so the rope will be retrievable from the ground.

Personally I use a DdRT for ascending to the canopy and working the tree. I rarely throw a line or use a bigshot. As long as the branches are close enough together that I can throw my rope from one up to another. I tie my VT on the ground and use my climbing line like a second lanyard during ascent. It seems to be the quickest way into the canopy. I can see how SRT would be a lot quicker, but it seems cumbersome to have to store that gear and then switch to DdRT in the tree, or have to climb back to your tie in to let the rope out of the tree. I suppose footlocking may be a quicker way into the tree but I find often times especially when climbing trees with flaky bark like a mature silver maple that I am up the tree and working by the time someone else has given up with the bigshot because their throwline keeps getting stuck.

Thanks for any input,
Keith

 

[treemandan]

It sounds like you are killing yourself slowly and trust me, I know. Whew, I am still tired from the 90's.
Go srt for ascends and then switch to drt. There are so many methods to try.

 

[Kottonwood]

haha yeah, I always tell newer climbers not to use my technique. It is fast but very physically demanding. I don't mind right now, I actually enjoy it, but I know there has gotta be easier ways out there.

 

[Saw Dust Smoken]

Just look up some old thread on search mode. Kevin B and others have some good U-tube vids. Safe Climbing. SDS

 

[showlandjr]

I have been doing different methods of ascent depending on the situation. when I am able to I really like the DbRT mostly because I can't seem to get my prussik to slide on just a single line, and also because for footlooking I love having more mass between my feet. For one job I did end up just climbing the branches with a lanyard and my climbing line trailing, but that was because i was not going all that far and still am not that good with the throwline, practise maakes useful, :biggrinbounce2: .

I also like going all the way up with DRT because then I don't have to switch around my ropes on small jobs. So far I have not had a job big enough to have me use anything else, Ii use the DbRT techniques on my home tree when I am just practicing climbing around and what not. It is certainly faster for ascent but for what I have done so far I feel that so much more time is spent once up in the tree that the ascent does not make too much of a difference, but that's just my newbie opinion.

-Shelby

 

[Kottonwood]

I really like the idea of DRT, I have footlocked on DRT and it was fast and easy. I think with two foot ascenders and a prussik loop it would be a lot better and it is sort of minimal equipment. I have watched some videos of guys that use SRT to work the tree and it looks pretty good. I really like the rope wrench idea and also I saw a video of a guy that uses a kong robot decender, it seems pretty cool but the main thing I don't like is that you can't re-tie in, you are stuck with whatever TIP you use unless you want to climb back to it and untie.

If anyone is interested check out how this guy uses a kong robot, it seems to be a pretty cool technique and I want to try it out. Not sure if this guy is AS member or not.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBEhv0lgu3I

here is another one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27XguKRPLtE&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

 

[arborsoldier]

The DRT is a tried and true way of getting into the tree. It hopefully is how most tree climbers got started. I used to work as a full time trainer, and I can say for certain the the SRT system is a very effective, fast way of getting into the canopy. We have some pretty tall trees in S.E. Pennsylvania, so it can make a difference. Not to mention the guys (and gals) on the west coast climbing into the clouds.

The method I use is with a 300 foot static line, HTP Snake Bite, and secure it back at the base of the tree. No need for isolation with this system, providing the line is going over suitable limbs. this also makes it a rescueable system, a ground guy could lower you back down, etc. (attached to a dedicated port-a-wrap backed up or a Petzel Grigri backed up)

The access part, I use a Petzel Croll chest ascender with the Petzel Secur, and a CMI Expedition/Double Handle (this creates a backed up system, two mechanical ascenders). My right foot is either CMI or Petzel foot ascender and the left is a rope with a loop attached to the CMI. This is essentially the Tree Frog System. Takes some getting used to, but wicked fast.

I usually take my DRT line in a back pack and install it once up in the tree.

It's not for everyone, and it really can become gear intensive. I have tried the prussik method on SRT, it's not for me. I'll just foot lock instead.

Good Luck, Climb Safe!!!

 

[CWME]

The access part, I use a Petzel Croll chest ascender with the Petzel Secur, and a CMI Expedition/Double Handle (this creates a backed up system, two mechanical ascenders). My right foot is either CMI or Petzel foot ascender
Good Luck, Climb Safe!!!

Have you had any issue unlocking the Petzl foot ascender? I added a small strap to help unlock it when I am done. First time using it near the ground was fine... Get 50' of rope below me and it was like a monkey :censored: a football:bang:. Felt pretty stupid and I am sure I looked the part too...

 

[arborsoldier]

Have you had any issue unlocking the Petzl foot ascender? I added a small strap to help unlock it when I am done. First time using it near the ground was fine... Get 50' of rope below me and it was like a monkey :censored: a football:bang:. Felt pretty stupid and I am sure I looked the part too...

Yes, especially the older one, when they were green. I actually prefer the CMI, it is heavier, but it seems to stay in place better through a better buckle system plus it has a release that with practice you can get with your other foot.