JimK
ArboristSite Lurker
When I took up RTC, I was compelled to go into the woods where there's a lot of clutter that interferes with a hand thrown weight and line. My pitiful moments on tree entry turned into creative moments. I've abandonned the conventional weight and line throw. I evolved a different method and designed a new device with two imortant functions not found with a standard throw weight. Though I'm biased towards using this new technique, I'm left completely uncertain if the climbing community at large would find a similar use for it. I'll lay out the features and benefits to see if this makes a connection with another climber. I've used it all summer, it really works and it's really different. Again, I'm biased.
This new throwing device dispenses line on the descent and self releases from the line when trapped. Unwanted pendulum wraps are eliminated. After passing over the target limb, the thrown device typically returns direct to ground - rarely requires line strumming. Errant throws from the ground are easily retrieved (i.e. the probability of stuck equipment is significantly lowered). Devices are packed with ~50 feet of line and connected for entry throws. One feeds the second on the ascent. The second pays out line on the descent. For isolating a branch, a similar device can be hoisted up by the thrown line and released precisely where needed, bringing the line to the climber on the ground. Advancing within the canopy, typically uses one device, because only 50 feet line is needed. Once in the canopy, errant throws are more problematic independent of the technique used. The multiple throw devices are carried and releasing errant throws to the ground is the new strategy where a grapnel catch or pull back are unsuccessful. I climb routinely with three devices containing segments of 50' of 1/8" nylon line. Just to indicate the frequency of this designed drop of a device, I haven't had to release one in 3 weeks, and I climb minimally 5 times a week. Important to note, I've only lost my conventional weight. I've never lost this new device.
I developed this from climbing a specific Black Oak in Cranberry PA densely surrounded by saplings that ranged from knee high on up. Flaking out line on the ground wasn't an option. It's possible to deploy this throw system without line being flaked out. Line is kept packed and feeds out.
This is an avoidance system for the tree entry pitfalls. As a traffic light avoids accidents and gridlock, this new technique avoids wrapping foilage and stuck equipment. However imagine sitting at a traffic light when you're the only car for miles around. Here the benefits of a traffic light don't make sense. On a mowed lawn with an open tree, this system doesn't show benefit. Fortunately, it can be deployed as a conventional weight and line under these conditions.
It's my understanding that the arborists use avoidance systems too - ladder and bucket lift. I also realize that many recreational climbers are entering from uncluttered lawns. Anyone else climbing, that sees a benefit?
Sitting on this new technique and device all summer has left me feeling like a kid not touching the presents under a Christmas tree.
Regards,
JimK
Keep FIT - Fun in Trees
This new throwing device dispenses line on the descent and self releases from the line when trapped. Unwanted pendulum wraps are eliminated. After passing over the target limb, the thrown device typically returns direct to ground - rarely requires line strumming. Errant throws from the ground are easily retrieved (i.e. the probability of stuck equipment is significantly lowered). Devices are packed with ~50 feet of line and connected for entry throws. One feeds the second on the ascent. The second pays out line on the descent. For isolating a branch, a similar device can be hoisted up by the thrown line and released precisely where needed, bringing the line to the climber on the ground. Advancing within the canopy, typically uses one device, because only 50 feet line is needed. Once in the canopy, errant throws are more problematic independent of the technique used. The multiple throw devices are carried and releasing errant throws to the ground is the new strategy where a grapnel catch or pull back are unsuccessful. I climb routinely with three devices containing segments of 50' of 1/8" nylon line. Just to indicate the frequency of this designed drop of a device, I haven't had to release one in 3 weeks, and I climb minimally 5 times a week. Important to note, I've only lost my conventional weight. I've never lost this new device.
I developed this from climbing a specific Black Oak in Cranberry PA densely surrounded by saplings that ranged from knee high on up. Flaking out line on the ground wasn't an option. It's possible to deploy this throw system without line being flaked out. Line is kept packed and feeds out.
This is an avoidance system for the tree entry pitfalls. As a traffic light avoids accidents and gridlock, this new technique avoids wrapping foilage and stuck equipment. However imagine sitting at a traffic light when you're the only car for miles around. Here the benefits of a traffic light don't make sense. On a mowed lawn with an open tree, this system doesn't show benefit. Fortunately, it can be deployed as a conventional weight and line under these conditions.
It's my understanding that the arborists use avoidance systems too - ladder and bucket lift. I also realize that many recreational climbers are entering from uncluttered lawns. Anyone else climbing, that sees a benefit?
Sitting on this new technique and device all summer has left me feeling like a kid not touching the presents under a Christmas tree.
Regards,
JimK
Keep FIT - Fun in Trees