bye bye footlock , thanks for the pain

Riggs

Riggs

Participating member
Location
Bryn Mawr , Pa.
The foot lock event will meet its demise. I started competetion climbing for the Pen- del in 1985 . That was when aerial rescue was dangerous and not worth talking about. The body thrust was the main speed climb , the foot lock was set up for anyone who wanted to try but it didn’t count towards the overall score . The foot lock became a “secured foot lock “event and the body thrust became the Belayed speed climb. Things do change, takes time and the secured foot lock time has come, and I predict it will be done.
I was at the NATCC Saturday, I saw an excellent competitor get his neck caught in his prussic loop, and injure his neck slightly. The climber recovered and still got a respectable time ( 18 secs). The foot lock is bad for the ankles, knees, hips , and has to be secured by a non competing person , it is just not a practical practice any more . It is headed to the skill graveyard.
I want to see an extended climb, with ascenders, the way climbers are going up trees today, fast, efficient , and safe . I have competed, and I have run the foot lock event for years and so many climbers now, never prussic. They use ascenders. Time for a change is coming, and I hope I get to see it sooner than later. Just my opinion.
 
Why even use a prussic in comps,just belay properly with a dynamic rope. I like it just because its the one event the itc has a world record holder in.But your right alot of climbers are ascending by other means these days or maybe should.
 
Greetings,
I have never had the chance to meet you in person, but I have heard tons of stories about you. I did have the chance to have a few adult beverages with your son at the PennDel symposiums in Lancaster.
Your thought on the footlock event speaks volumes, especially coming from a veteran of your caliber. It’s great to hear folks like yourself looking at the events from a true production standpoint.
On more than one occasion I have been told that the climbers competing in the events have to “re-think” their plans for competing since they do not use the “required” techniques for the competition in every day operations. Do the comps really reflect the skills of the production arborist?

Riggs, when we finally meet…the first round is on me.


Donny
 
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The foot lock event will meet its demise. I started competetion climbing for the Pen- del in 1985 . That was when aerial rescue was dangerous and not worth talking about. The body thrust was the main speed climb , the foot lock was set up for anyone who wanted to try but it didn’t count towards the overall score . The foot lock became a “secured foot lock “event and the body thrust became the Belayed speed climb. Things do change, takes time and the secured foot lock time has come, and I predict it will be done.
I was at the NATCC Saturday, I saw an excellent competitor get his neck caught in his prussic loop, and injure his neck slightly. The climber recovered and still got a respectable time ( 18 secs). The foot lock is bad for the ankles, knees, hips , and has to be secured by a non competing person , it is just not a practical practice any more . It is headed to the skill graveyard.
I want to see an extended climb, with ascenders, the way climbers are going up trees today, fast, efficient , and safe . I have competed, and I have run the foot lock event for years and so many climbers now, never prussic. They use ascenders. Time for a change is coming, and I hope I get to see it sooner than later. Just my opinion.

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Tool and technique limitations is BS. Technological, biophysical etc advancement is being stalled by special interests and the associated.
The lil effort to learn or use something new is a small sacrifice in comparison to a much greater net gain in effeciency, productivity and safety plus a longer and more productive Arbclimber life.
The whole thing needs a big redo/Paradigm shift.
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The whole thing needs a big redo/Paradigm shift.
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Are my blinders on too close or am I so single-minded to think that SRT is that paradigm shift in tree climbing?

The SRT Summit at TCIA Expo will be a great platform to focus change.
 
Over seas it is allowed and as far as I know there has been one competitor who likes the thrill of throwing it in comps with a crowd watching. I think it was in Holland.
From what I experience at comps and the comments and reaction from a few competitors is they find it a bit insulting that their prized throw bag can be improved on, plus I have pissed all over the throw bag over the years.

Whatever! I didn't make this for comps I made this for dudes who have a wallet to fill.
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Another fine example of "status quo" and the sheeple.
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The whole thing needs a big redo/Paradigm shift.
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Are my blinders on too close or am I so single-minded to think that SRT is that paradigm shift in tree climbing?

The SRT Summit at TCIA Expo will be a great platform to focus change.

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SRT Summit = Cool
SRT is well past the paradigm shift. Any one not using this for ascent is in the stone age and if you haven't learned to see the advantages for long descents than your in the bronze age and if you haven't learned to use this in work positioning or transitioning you are in the industrial age.
The twenty fist century has just begun and will unfold keep your eyes focused, ears tuned and mind open.
 
I would say 99 percent of the climbers in my state are not using srt . I would bet its the same in most states,my company does .I think the guys on tree buzz are not a reflection of the average working Climber.
 
part of the problem is that footlocking is not the fastest way up a tree. Most people may be footlocking or even body thrusting but that is not the fastest way up a tree. So do you have an event to see who can get up 50 feet the most fast possible, or do you have an event that demonstrates one particular way of getting up the tree sort of fast.
 
Jimmy...what about Miguel?

I wonder how what the percentage of climbers use a slack tender under their hitch...even its a tautline?

The downward penetration of easier climbing techniques is pretty pathetic. I can't even think of how many people carry a smart phone with them but still climb on gear and systems that they've never upgraded in 20 years.
 
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The downward penetration of easier climbing techniques is pretty pathetic. I can't even think of how many people carry a smart phone with them but still climb on gear and systems that they've never upgraded in 20 years.

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This is so true, Tom. You've created a great analogy.

I just took a friend on a rec climb and I put him straight onto an SRWP system.

I've put many people with little to no experience into a climbing system and done the whole slow/low thing with them. These systems have historically been DdRT. After setting up my friend in a SRWP system, and seeing how well he took to it, I can't imagine starting anyone out the way I used to.

During the climb, I taught him a Blake's hitch system using the tail of his SRT system. History lessons don't necessarily hurt. In fact, they further support the benefits of SRWP from the get-go!
 
I for one would be sad to see footlock go. It is such a beautiful event to watch and it is the Most fundamental of skills for being a good climber. A climber who can't footlock 50 feet needs training and work. I don't know if I would want to hire a climber who was not able to climb fifty feet in less than a minute. It doesn't have to be fast but it has to be able to get done. Somehow it should be still be showcased. I don't think it should be put up to compete against SRT systems either. SRT systems will win and footlockers will disappear. Maybe have a separate event for srt ascent. The footlock is done by lunch anyway and there are always climbers sitting around doing nothing. We shouldn't hesitate to add another event. I am always amazed I travel these distances to climb for 15 minutes. Nothing wrong with adding more events.
 
What about Miguel Tom ?? Im not saying its right or wrong but im just looking at reality. Im been frog walking since ,06 or 07 I believe.Remeber I climbed srt in our 2010 masters with a uni and frog walker Tom,so your kinda preaching to the choir.I try to wraptor up all my trees now and thats and even greater advancement in taking care of ones body.
 
Hey Jimmy,

Sorry, I didn't mean to come off as argumentative...you're 100% right. SRT is usual in our circles but in the reality of workaday arbo production it isn't.

You know that I was tickled to see you on SRT that year!

The choir...is getting larger and singing better every day!
 
Am I the only one here who thinks the "belayed speed climb" should be the one "to go".
I'd so much rather foolock 50 feet than hump it ANYDAY!

Footlocking does not hurt my knees, or ankles, or anything else really for that matter. Try humping 60 feet as fast as you can and see what hurts.
 
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