Don't tell me you can't footlock

Re: Don\'t tell me you can\'t footlock

In this configuration, since Im not really using my arms at all, I kind of just slide the hitch upward with my spare hands. so, like you said there is no loss of upward motion when i sit on the hitch.

I realize that this might not be allowed in the comps because of the no hands above the hitch rule. But, there really is no danger when the hitch is at you harness.

When the prussic is above your head in a traditional footlock setup, one can grab the prussic and the "hang and clinch" reflex can take over. Your body naturally squeezes tighter sensing that your "hanging" off of something and thus in danger of falling. This can over ride your common sense and you squeeze the prussic amd burn down the rope.

I actually learned this while first working on an extended bridge in Ddrt, I would have to fight that reflex and I had a couple of scary slides when I was first starting out work positioning with an extended bridge because of it. Really, I soon learned to use the extended bridge only for acsent and shorten it before any kind of work positioning.

When your hands are by your waist, that reflex doesnt kick in because your body does not feel like its hanging yet. I have found it very safe. it is also safer because you never expose yourself to the slack created by a traditional footlock prussick. It is a lil slower though.
 
Re: Don\'t tell me you can\'t footlock

I tried and tried to footlock for a long time, and jut didnt seem to have what it takes. I figured out it was my saddle. I got a little rock climbing harness just to see if it was the problem and now I can FL no problem.
 
Re: Don\'t tell me you can\'t footlock

One of my favorite ways to footlock is on belay when someone else is available to tend the slack(especially when rec climbing). I set my permanent climbing line high and tie in as I would normally with an eye to eye hitch, and then set another climbing line(or even a rigging line) just as high or lower and as close to my climbing line as possible. This allows the climber to footlock the second rope without having to worry about advancing a prussik hitch and can stop footlocking whenever needed and climb on the normal drt without retying. It's not for every tree and every situation but comes in handy when practical. Once I get my primary line set and see an easy shot/good location for the second rope I use it. You can even leave it in the tree for an access line in case of an emergency. I think this is good for someone learning because they can focus on the locks insted of advancing the prussik and can rest as needed.
 
Re: Don\'t tell me you can\'t footlock

Justin! How's it going?

I agree that something other than a prussic is the best way to start when doing a double rope (vs. the tail). I use ascenders on a short tether so I don't lose ground when I rest. Using a prussic is a LOT harder until you learn to keep your back straight and stay over your feet. A belay works even better.

Starting by footlocking the tail is a great way to get your feet figured out. The best advice I ever got for that is, point your toes down once you clamp the rope.
 
Re: Don\'t tell me you can\'t footlock

[ QUOTE ]
The best advice I ever got for that is, point your toes down once you clamp the rope.

[/ QUOTE ]

I can attest to this being some great advice!!! You really want the rope to fall clean after each lock. Otherwise your rhythm gets screwed up.
 
Re: Don\'t tell me you can\'t footlock

I struggled for a couple of months with the old Footlock and then one day it just clicked. I think there is just this fluid movement and rhythm that you need to find and everything falls into place.
 
Re: Don\'t tell me you can\'t footlock

One of my buddies gave me some good advice that has helped me alot with my footlocking speeed and efficiency. He told me to try to keep my upper body straight, not to rock back and forth between strides. It looks and feels much smoother!
 
Re: Don\'t tell me you can\'t footlock

That’s cool that your lady climbs and foot locks! That a 2 for one special.
Me and my lady get out and do some rec climbs together and have blast. Looking forward to the winter to lean some new stuff!
 
Re: Don\'t tell me you can\'t footlock

I've been playing around with Kevin's idea of footlocking srt with your hitch at your waist and I'm impressed so far. It's efficient, and doesn't wear me down as much, since I can rest anytime on my hitch. It's also helped with my locks quite a bit. When I first tried I was slipping every few locks, but now I get a good grab 99% of the time. And of course, climbing the tree F8 style isn't that bad either
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Re: Don\'t tell me you can\'t footlock

Congratulations... keep practicing and at the next TCC you'll hit the bell. Probably help with belayed speed too. Keep your back straight.
 
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