Throwlines or throw-knots

[what???]! I never was much good at fishing - guess the bait was always too obvious /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Glad we see things the same way stumper!

Of course, I never run up live trees with spikes. Or free spike - remember what happened to Jim, Ed? Only got 15 feet when he slipped and broke his arm /forum/images/graemlins/ooo.gif Ladders are an obvious choice on safe ground, when properly positioned and stood on at the base. For example - a throwline can be installed high and then a rope and rocker (like below). just walk up the ladder and kiddy climb the branches to the top - no strain, and a nice natural form of motion to make you smile /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Spikes can be an ergonomic choice in terms of using leg power. But extended use is hell on the knees, as the lower shin is twisted out constantly. No surprise I know many old time tree climbers that claim tree work stuffed up their knees (they favoured spikes).

A great technique for skinning conifers, is blast a line high through the canopy. Anchor it off at the base and attach a rocker on a DMM belay master to the centre waist attachment of the TreeFlex (no play to increase fall forces or get tangled). Just spike up on a lanyard, and cut the side branches as they are approached - always two points of attachment and never disconnected from a top line.

When we stop rushing and start thinking, we get respect as pros, rather than nut cases /forum/images/graemlins/cool.gif
 
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When we stop rushing and start thinking, we get respect as pros, rather than nut cases /forum/images/graemlins/cool.gif

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It would seem you have the former, whilst I have the latter /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif

/forum/images/graemlins/smirk.gifI'm just teasing you mate no worries. The connifer method you mentioned is interesting. I used a similar method for pruning palms without using spikes whilst in australia.
 
Gary,

I use a munter hitch on the throw bag ring and use a rubber band to secure the tail. The munter hitch will slip without the rubber band(s)...if the bag gets stuck, I can pull hard and slowly on the throw line and the tail gradually slides thru the rubber bands. The bag falls free and the stuck line comes back to me.

See attachment.
 

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I started learning the techniques in Jepson's book first...the between legs works best for me. But, when the canopy is cluttered and yI need to be real accurate, I find a Big Shot to be a huge time saver.

I use a homemade version, 10 feet electrical conduit and a water balloon thrower. I can make 40-60 foot shots pretty accurately. You should seriously consider getting a BS to set a high TIP to protect you as you access the canopy.
 

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Gary,

I use a munter hitch on the throw bag ring and use a rubber band to secure the tail. The munter hitch will slip without the rubber band(s)...if the bag gets stuck, I can pull hard and slowly on the throw line and the tail gradually slides thru the rubber bands. The bag falls free and the stuck line comes back to me.

See attachment.

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That is an excellent method! Scattered across various Redwood groves are several throwbags stuck in some real big trees- getting kinda expensive but it sure is a great excuse to go back and gather them at another time
 
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I use a munter hitch on the throw bag ring and use a rubber band to secure the tail. The munter hitch will slip without the rubber band(s)...if the bag gets stuck, I can pull hard and slowly on the throw line and the tail gradually slides thru the rubber bands. The bag falls free and the stuck line comes back to me.

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I for one, think thats a great idea, thank you.
 
Glad y'all like the method. It has worked well for me...just don't put too quick a stop on a moving bag, use a somewhat gradual brake when slowing one down.

When manipulating it (dancing it from branch to branch to get the "just right" crotch), you need to stay aware if it has slipped any or not.

I often leave about a 6 inch tail sticking out past the rubber band as a gauge of whether it has slipped or not...if I can't see the tail I need to be more gingerly with it.
 
Welcome Gas!

I use the fastest tech. for the scenario. Under 30'-40' I clip a throwball to the eyesplice. Over, and it's throwline time for sure.

SirRat, I like the slipped clove-hitch or use a longer fig. 8 and girth it to the ring.
 
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Pnther.

An idea that came to mind. For an elastic band, would one of those heavy duty ones that is used to bind brocoli (sp?) bundles together be beafier enough?

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Yes, Mangoes, those should do fine. I have tried several kinds:

>>normal "office type" rubberbands that would fit around your wrist..I usually double and triple wrap these, sometimes even double them up (use 2 of them).

>>long, heavier duty like in the picture...maybe 6 inches long, like in the picture.

>>a section of bicycle innertube, about one inch wide.

I keep an assortment in my throw bucket to work with.
 

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I've got a permanent loop big enough to easily get around the bag. I "girth hitch" the ring with the loop. I've also got a wire-wound bead on the line to provide a consistent grip, with a stopper knot about a forearm's length up the line. Being able to slip, the bead doesn't get stuck in tight spots.

I toss the bag under-hand one-handed from my right side to 75 feet without much problem. 60 feet is almost a sure thing first throw.

At the recent competition in Indy I was curious... so after the show was over I took my line to the master's tree. First shot got it exactly where the winner had placed his on his third try. I thought I could do better but the second throw went to the same place. I guess if it was good enough for the winner to climb from it was probably okay anyway :)

Don't think I don't consider the absence of competition-anxiety was a factor in my favor.
 

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Gary, if you go the throwbag route this has helped me:

I wrap the throwbag in a cloth to keep it from getting all snarled up in the line. I nest my small backup bucket (with extra bags, rubberbands, etc. in it) on top of my main throw line...the main throwbag goes on top of that bucket.
 

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Cut a slot for the line to go thru so the top doesn't close too tightly on the line.
 

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Gary,

That's a wonderful idea! The only catch is that it means that I might have to eat some broccoli first :)

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Just close your eyes and hold your nose... /forum/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
 
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