Throwline training and climbing 9/28/26

[ClimbingTN]

Yes this is my big cottonwood. I was practicing throwing the bag. I really was thinking If I get this stuck I’ll have to go after it. I know most of us have been there done that. I have a shoulder impingement I’m working. My highest accurate throw was 70ft one handed. It took “a bunch” throws to get there. Why waste a TIP. I put a ring/ring saver and climbed MRS with my Vertec. I used the Pelican Arborist Tree Viper rope I mentioned in an earlier post.

 

[southsoundtree]

Line launchers are your friend.





70' ...very respectable.

 

[ATH]

Line launchers are your friend.





70' ...very respectable.

I agree...but if a guy's got time and gumption to practice, being able to do it without a launcher is an admirable skill, IMHO. I usually ask "can I realistically get this by hand" before pulling out the big shot (and sometimes still end up shooting it). Try to find a balance of improving skills but not wasting time on the job. Don't think I can come close to 70'!

 

[southsoundtree]

I hand- throw to 60' accurately. When I'm looking for higher, I get a line launcher to save my shoulders, and I'm never hand-throwing 100'+.

 

[moss]

With a hand throw you are less likely to overthrow, less branches to pull the bag back through and create the rope path you want. With line launchers it's more likely to overthrow. Working the bag back from a long throw is a skill unto itself, more opportunities to get the throw bag stuck. Line launchers are great when there are obstructions to swinging a bag on the ground or a very narrow window to throw through.
-AJ