Climbing comp tips

Tuebor said:
They say defense wins championships but throwline wins competitions.
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Absolutely, if you are good enough to make it to the finals, the Masters, then yes definitely it's throwline skills that are key. Setting a good tie-in quickly is essential to do half-decent in the Masters.
 
Muggs said:
ISA comps are a subjectively judged event for points, like figure skating or boxing. If a judge doesn't see it or hear it, then it didn't happen. Points are the only thing that matter. All the points are in 2 events: Work Climb and Aerial Rescue. If you're going to think about and practice anything, spend your time on just those 2, ignore the other 3. It's about points, which is why pouring over the rule book is the name of the game...
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Yes and no. The two speed events are useless to practice in my opinion. Either you're fast or you're not. And unless you're already one of the top speed guys you're not getting many points.

Throwline can be a make or break (if you do well at AR and WC) and it's the only event that is very representative of a normal work day. So doesn't hurt to practice for that reason alone.
 
Thank you!! Lots of great advice in here. I think the work climb and throw line will be my strongest events. Definitely going to read up/ watch vids on Ariel rescue, and study the scoring system


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AR requires walking and talking at the same time - and that's hard for some people. Be able to pretend you're talking to the victim or rescuers while tying a hitch or ascending to the victim or setting up a redirect or rigging a pickoff system. Keep talking to the victim and keep relaying information to those on the ground. Time flies in the AR event.
 
Mallett said:
Thank you!! Lots of great advice in here. I think the work climb and throw line will be my strongest events. Definitely going to read up/ watch vids on Ariel rescue, and study the scoring system


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I put out a podcast episode here about this exact topic a few years ago, you might get some value out of it:

https://www.educatedclimber.com/ecp-episode-19/

Patrick
 
Boomslang said:
Yes and no. The two speed events are useless to practice in my opinion. Either you're fast or you're not. And unless you're already one of the top speed guys you're not getting many points.

Throwline can be a make or break (if you do well at AR and WC) and it's the only event that is very representative of a normal work day. So doesn't hurt to practice for that reason alone.
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I agree with this. Doesn't seem to be much of a bell curve in throwline scores. Practice, practice, practice, especially if you're going to try double-bagging.

WC is just being smooth and loud with your callouts. The layout always looks different from the top than from the bottom, so get a good look at the route before you launch.
 
Tuebor said:
AR requires walking and talking at the same time - and that's hard for some people. Be able to pretend you're talking to the victim or rescuers while tying a hitch or ascending to the victim or setting up a redirect or rigging a pickoff system. Keep talking to the victim and keep relaying information to those on the ground. Time flies in the AR event.
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What information do you relay? How do you know the rescue dummy’s condition? Do they tell you if he’s alive, dead, injured etc?


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Review the score sheets here:


Look at what the judges are assessing. Think about how you will accomplish these objectives. There's a lot in AR; you have to check all the boxes but don't dwell too long on any one or you will run out of time. Start ascending to the victim before the first minute is up.
 
In case it wasn't said, I believe that people tape over or possibly remove handsaw teeth for comps, as well as use handsaw lanyards to prevent dropping it. Comp climbers, please weigh in.
 
southsoundtree said:
In case it wasn't said, I believe that people tape over or possibly remove handsaw teeth for comps, as well as use handsaw lanyards to prevent dropping it. Comp climbers, please weigh in.
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I'm fairly certain the no (or covered) teeth is a requirement. It's inspected at gear check. If you have an old dull blade laying around you can grind the teeth off. Otherwise a few layers of electrical tape on your current blade is acceptable.
 
southsoundtree said:
In case it wasn't said, I believe that people tape over or possibly remove handsaw teeth for comps, as well as use handsaw lanyards to prevent dropping it. Comp climbers, please weigh in.
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Yes, handsaw teeth should be taped or ground off. It's part of gear inspection.
If perchance a bell is somehow cut out of the tree - it's a DQ.

Handsaw lanyard is a good idea; I've seen LOTS of dropped equipment - it's a DQ.
 
GregManning said:
Yes, handsaw teeth should be taped or ground off. It's part of gear inspection.
If perchance a bell is somehow cut out of the tree - it's a DQ.

Handsaw lanyard is a good idea; I've seen LOTS of dropped equipment - it's a DQ.
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Careful grinding the teeth off as a solution. You would be amazed at how much the teeth come into play to keeps a handsaw in a scabbard! Especially the leather ones!

That lesson was learned that hard way one year long ago…

Tony
 
Tony said:
Careful grinding the teeth off as a solution. You would be amazed at how much the teeth come into play to keeps a handsaw in a scabbard! Especially the leather ones!

That lesson was learned that hard way one year long ago…

Tony
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I have seen Rich H. (world class climber) drop his handsaw by falling out of his sheath TWICE at 2 different events.

Several years ago a climber at the New England TCC was DQ'd. She was using an elastic string as a handsaw lanyard.
The string broke & fell to the ground - DQ.

I think the dropped equipment rule has been modified / interpreted to only include items that could actually hurt someone.
 
One time in the Georgia comp in the belayed speed climb we had a guy that was smoking the climb when his snuff can came out of the leg pocket of his carharts. DQ!
 
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