Footlocking at Work

[treesandsurf]

How many people actually use the traditional method of footlocking while at work for access into larger trees.

When I say traditional I mean footlocking both sides of the line with a prusik and then switching once you've gained access to the canopy. Or do most footlock the tail of their DDrT setup...?

(not intending for a SRT vs. footlocking discussion, just wondered if people use the trad. footlock)

jp

 

[Babberney]

I used to footlock this way for almost every ascent. These days I'd say I body thrust maybe half the time. For a long hump, always FL.

k

 

[ROYCE]

Yeah, i footlock the triditional way every time i have to climb more than 10 feet. Its just so much easier and more efficient. I will also footlock the tail (or granny lock as i have heard it called) when i'm in the tree and want to advance heigher. If the situation gives way to that.

 

[Waratah]

i always footlock when i need to access a trees canopy with out spikes i think its so efficent (not a race).
I would use standard footlock to 100ft and srt after that.

 

[Reg]

I generally avoid it unless I'm looking to immediately access/work that specific part of the tree. Otherwise there is usually some work that can be done on the way up so long as you can get a good enough anchor. Also, I find the less you practice the harder it gets, especially in winter with the extra layers, waterproofs etc. Some guys still make it look easy, Im not one of them.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

If the TIP is below 30-35' I'll probably use FL to access. Above that I'll use my ropewalker setup. Either way, always SRT.

When I'm in the tree and need to move up a bit I'll FL the tail of my rope if I haven't left the Pantin on.

 

[NickfromWI]

I often footlock up for the initial ascent, switch to DRT, then i'll footlock the tail whenever i need.

love
nick

 

[jf1962]

Footlock for short ascent and srt for long ascents..

Later in SO-CAL

 

[PUClimber]

Well I footlock a very minimal amount instead I slap on the old pantin and go to town on most. I need to get back to footlocking since it's making me lazy.

 

[RyanCafferky]

I use the Pantin all the time. I only footlock if for some reason I forget it on the ground. So many of the trees we work on are quite large so SRT is the prefered access set up.

 

[treebear]

Mostly footlocking on the tail here. Usually set the rope high and do one side on the way up.
Svein

 

[Rocks_and_Trees]

Trad footlock for me whenever i can. it seems so quick, easy and fun! it also feels more organic to me. sometimes i imagine im some kind of wild jungle man, climbing to the top of a tree canopy for an afternoon siesta, or to scout a lookout. Barefoot and naked on a hemp rope. ... well maybe not.

 

[Jeremy9]

It depends on the tree for me. if its a tall sparse tree I will footlock to the top and work down. but if a real thick tree I will set my rope and footlock the tail so I can work my way up the tree.

 

[TLHamel]

I use the secured footlock to access most trees.

 

[treesandsurf]

I guess because it's what I've always done and learned, but footlocking the tail has always seemed a bit faster and easier for me, but I'm gonna practice doin it the traditional way..

jp

 

[No_Bivy]

Footlock most things unless it's a vertical bushwhack, then single line.

 

[KentuckySawyer]

I footlock everything I can. Trims and removals. I've gotten pretty comfortable with putting spurs on in the tree.

Practice, practice, practice.

 

[Bodean]

If I got something quick up in the top of the tree, I'll footlock to it.

Though If I'm pruning or wrecking the tree, I work the tree up, so as to have a hole for the top brush (no hangups).

 

[treesandsurf]

bodean, you work from the bottom up when pruning??

Down and around for me

that is if it isn't a removal...

jp

 

[Bodean]

Pruning out the obvious limbs from the bottom, I can create a hole for the other brush located up top to follow.

I've seen too many brushpiles in trees that have collapsed good limbs.

After I make it to the top I fine tune the prune on the way down. and collect hangers on the way down.

That way I'm not wasting time climbing to the top to tie in, when I could be making obvious cuts during my ascent.

Plus, I like to touch the tree, it's good for me.