Secured Footlock

[MartyS]

Okay..I have a question on the secured footlock technique.

I started climbing last spring, I'm a homeowner and my trees needed some pruning. I decided to buy my own climbing gear and with some guidence from an experienced climber/arborist, I learned how to climb and I spent the summer climbing and pruning my trees. My kids are climbing now too

I decided I really like recreational climbing, it's great exercise and there's nothing better than getting up into a tree. So now I want to learn the secured footlock technique, I found a post by Moss that I found really helpful, and I figured out how to use a DRT backup system in case I get too worn out to reach my prusik knot.

So my question is this...is it alright to use webbing for my prusik loop?

 

[robinia]

Have a look at this:

http://www.treebuzz.com/pdf/CC_Jun07.pdf

The only place I've seen webbing used is on the tethers. I would think any slack on the tethers would make them unlikely to grab again...
Just my $0.02

 

[MartyS]

That makes sense...thanks for the info. I'll get a footlock tether cord before I attempt this....and a figure 8 descender.

 

[Jman]

Footlocking is fun (if you can call it that), but i think once you get into SRT you'll find that there really isn't any need for footlocking. I like coming down on your figure 8 up side down it makes for a better ride.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Marty,

Where do you live? There are lots of great climbers in MN that you could hook up with.

Hold off on getting a figure eight. There are better rappel/belay tools. They will cost a little more but they perform wayyyyyy better.

You should never have your friction hitch be further away than arm's length in a sitting position. Too many climbers mimic the competition setup and have an ascent tether that is too long. Shorten the tether so that you can reach up and put your hand on top. In a doubled rope access or a DdRT tie in you need to be able to get yourself to the ground at all times.

 

[Tim_Murray]

I am practicing every day on the FL. I don't climb for production too often so most of my climbs are for rec.