Footlocking

W

WPArborist

Location
Ontario
Well I've taken the plunge to teach myself how to do this. I've read what I can on this forum and an article by Dan Murphy(?), I seem to have 1 problem. If I'm getting belayed with no prusik, I do ok, as soon as the prusik is in the mix, it gets a little messy.

I know, pratice, pratice, practice, but any helpful hints would be greatly appreciated.

One day I will race Mark for pinks, I'm asking for 2 log truck lengths though.

Thanks


WP
 
Make sure your prusik is a bit longer than you can reach when you're hanging on it and keep it loose. If it's too short it will snug up on you as you push it up.

I'm no expert but I did have trouble with that at first.

It really helps to have somebody show you... just once is really all it takes.

Velocity is the easiest footlocking rope I've used so far, it really bites nicely under tension.
 
I found it easier to isolate my footwork and handwork. I found it easier to practice with a pair of double handled ascenders. This will let you be able to focus on your form for each lock and be able to brake whenever needed. After practicing a lot with the ascenders I went back to the prussik and it made aworld of difference being my feet where all ready in form and just had to add the second part of how to grip the rope and get into a motion for a fluid and fast full lock. Hope this helps and that article you are referring to was great and helped me a lot.
 
The length of the ascending loop is important for safety and performance. The climber must be able to get their hand above the friction hitch when hanging at rest. If the loop is too long the climber is unlikely to be able to get to the hitch if they need to descend.
 
[ QUOTE ]
The length of the ascending loop is important for safety and performance. The climber must be able to get their hand above the friction hitch when hanging at rest. If the loop is too long the climber is unlikely to be able to get to the hitch if they need to descend.

[/ QUOTE ]

The guy... not the Guy, that taught me said it had to be just out of reach when at rest... you have to lock on and pull up to reach it. I'm not arguing, you know I'm a rookie... it's just how I learned.
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I agree about using ascenders too, that's how I do it. I don't race climb so I haven't used a prusik since I started with the ascenders... and I leave them where I can just reach'em when I rest.
 
[ QUOTE ]
One day I will race Mark for pinks, I'm asking for 2 log truck lengths though.

[/ QUOTE ]

Haha! Mark who?
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Practice makes it work. Look at what part is slowing you down. Do your feet get wrapped in the rope? Is it the prusik cord that is hooking on your harness when you try to go up? Do you lose your foot hold too quickly and slip on your step? Are you able to thrust upward in one movement or two? These are all very common. Try to look at each part of the movement and break it down. Then you will be smokin'!
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Thanks for the advice guys.

It's nice to see Mark can isolate everyone of my flaws from NJ. I'm still trying, I find I slip a little, and my push upwards isn't too smooth.

Thanks again!


WP
 
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