New climbers on SRT

[Fairfield]

This topic has been brought up in other topics so I thought to make it a topic of its own.

A lot of older climbers have problems teaching SRT to new climbers and think they should learn Dbrt first. I could go either way really so no argument from me on what others feel they should do. On one hand teaching Dbrt will show a climber basics of climbing and fundamental climbing skills for work in trees. On the other hand if they know no other way of climbing and you start them with SRT and a standard set of gear then I see nothing wrong with this too. Some have stated that a climber can be overwhelmed with all the gear that can come along with SRT, but the same could be said about Dbrt and the different setups to be used. Really I feel this comes down to the instructor having a standard they follow and don't waver from. This will have a degree of control. Rope access only teaches SRT along with rescue as well. The standard of teaching is the key in each.

Would like to hear others opinions. Again, not posting for arguing but more to share and help others with standard of practice.

 

[Reg]

Some input here:

http://www.treebuzz.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=376542&an=0&page=0#376542

But you probably knew that already. I dont know why you want to start a whole new thread while the same thing.

 

[Fairfield]

Try to keep a focused conversation on a single subject is all. Ya, I had read some of that topic as well. I think as more and more get into SRT and have a better feel for it, it will be only natural to teach it to the new guys. So to have a conversation on just that may help some with ideas of what has worked and not worked for others.

P.S. I know trying to keep focused on a topic is like asking for Santa to stay and have a beer instead of dashing off so fast...... Don't tell me there is no Santa, I will have none of it!!!!

 

[treebing]

I learned SRT first through rock climbing. Ddrt always seemed a strange way if doing things. I guess it comes down to what the instructor and the student are comfortable with. If I hire someone to work with me, they will probably be athletic, smart, not afraid of heights (within reason). And can probably pick up climbing quickly and readily. In this scenario I will set them up SRT and let them have at it. If I am at a summer camp teaching kids how to get into a tree, I might elect to teach them double line. I took my dad and wife up a 140 foot pine tree and it would have been impossible ddrt. SRT was the only way. Not teaching a 70 year ole man how to huckle buck a taught line 140 feet!

 

[treebing]

Although, I am sure he could have footlocked up there just fine

 

[Fairfield]

In the fire service they still teach guys how to ascend with just two or three prussics. It is painful to watch, and when you ask instructors why they have guys learn this first they normally say "because it is the basics". I agree it is basic but I also believe that there is a better way to go about it while keeping climbing techniques relevant to present standards.

 

[GeorgeR]

I don't like the "It's the basics argument" seems like an easy way for someone to end a discussion about where to start, maybe a ladder is the true basics. I like to teach DdRT first because I feel it makes moving in the canopy less physical, shifting your body weight only requires moving half your weight by pulling on the line. Also when pulling line above the hitch the other end on the bridge is tight provide some sense of comfort and balance.

Teaching SRT ascent systems right away would be nice to do though. It seems to me that people have trouble understanding the vertical body language after all that time hip thrusting.