Footlock training???

R

rangerdanger

Location
Lexington, Kentucky
Alright, this is something I've wanted to learn forever. I've tried it, but just can't get the lock on my feet while holding myself up at the same time. This weekend I'm going to hang a rope either in a branch in my front yard, or somewhere else and just pratice on getting the lock down with my feet. I read in a TCIA article that just sitting in a chair, and getting the lock down good enough to stand up on is good pratice. Any other ideas. I'm also going to try the 1/2 rope(One reason I want the larger rope, easier to footlock I think, unless I'm wrong). I've also watched the ArborMaster training video on footlocking, so just looking for any helpful tips on getting into footlocking. Thanks alot!!
 
Larger rope...no
I like velocity. Im not very fast but I like tha smaller rope because its lighter. As you get higher up, you have to lift alot of line every lock so the lighter the better. What helped me was practice and the right shoes male a ton of difference.
 
Practice, practice and more practice. Be patient footlocking is something that takes a lot of practice and time to really master, but once you get it and get good at it, it really can help your productivity.
What i try and teach people starting out with footlocking is what i call Granny- locking. Basically you tie in with your regular system, and if you have a micro-pulley, footlock the tail of your line. This way their is less stress on trying to hold onto the rope. This way you can focus on getting a good lock.

Also i would advise to take it slow and get in the habit of good form. I think you have a great idea of hanging a rope and just climb up 20' or so practicing making good locks. Then soon you'll be flying up that rope.....Hope this helped......good luck
 
Thanks. I'll try that when it warms up here. I think my Asolos are pretty good for footlocking right now. They have a nice flat bottom, yet still enough tread for being prefect for tree climbing. Thanks for the tips everyone.
 
I learned by footlocking the tail and then really learned a lot better by using ascenders on a short leash so I could rest between locks and concentrate on getting my feet right.

Make sure you have a good way to descend when you're practicing.

It helps to point your feet down. And remember, it's your legs doing the work. Use your arms as little as possible.
 
Footlocking the tail while your hitch is extended away from you really helps in letting you concentrate on your locks without needing to hold all of your weight with your arms. The Tip Slider, Robert Phillips sliding bridge system, and Anchor Bridge are some examples of ways to achieve this. Good Luck !!!

Another little tip is to keep your arms as straight as possible throughout the whole lock. The second you bend your arms and hold weight you use a ton of strength, but by keeping your arms straight you can save a lot of energy.
 
dont wear your regular work boots if they have a large heel to them, i was havin a hard time with the locking part til i switched my shoes and then i really started to fly

and i agree with the smaller diameter rope being best, but i wear atlas gloves when footlocking up the smaller diameter ropes cause it beats the hands up pretty quick tryin it bare handed, and im usually a barehanded climber
 
Thanks. The Asolos are flat heeled pretty much. Perfect for footlocking. And I can see the smaller diameter rope being better. I heard Velocity is about best for footlocking right now, and I'm using my Fly right now to footlock. I'm going to get a pair of ascenders soon, but for now its the Prussik (Did I spell that right??) I don't really have a problem with this right now, its just a tad harder to hold your weight up. Will start footlocking my tail though. It got cold all of the sudden here today, and the winds gusting pretty good, so I'll try some of these next week. Also waiting for it to get warmer, so we can have our little climbing seminar with Jeremy. Hopefully he can help me out on this and help get my techinque down.(Dad's not a footlocker)
 
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