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D Mc · 10th February 2008, 01:08 PM

Pro, I don't know quite where to start on a response to your post and like everyone else, you are certainly entitled to your opinion. But I would like to clarify a few points. There are many things that we do as advanced climbers that would have been totally unacceptable to do when first learning. It has been my experience that athletic climbers learn very quickly the basic techniques and roping skills necessary to manuveur in the tree. But that does not mean they are proficient yet. In most cases it takes an additional three years for muscle memory to kick in and experience to allow your body to react to the varying forces you are exposed to. So my statement where I recommend beginners not use my setup has less to do with the LockJack and more to do with taking the time to develop the necessary skills to be successful and safe.

Then if a climber is successful to that point, almost without exception, they start to look for ways of improving their productivity. This could involve the shift toward high tec equipment which might include lighter, thinner ropes, friction hitches, mechanical ascenders, rope grabs, more refined saddles and the list goes on as technology advances.

Climbers today should consider themselves very fortunate that training and equipment has evolved to such a high degree. The information available is truly impressive. For the first 35 years of my climbing career I used a tail-tied prussik hitch on 1/2" rope; so I understand people's reticence to change from what has worked for them in the past. However, as my body started reminding me of my advancing years I explored and experimented with the new equipment and techniques that were becoming available.

When you have an abundant amount of over-use injuries the reduction in energy and strength requirements becomes more of an issue. And actually I am positive if some of these methods had been available to me earlier I would be in better condition than I am.

It is hard to express how much some of these things reduce your work load, but they can be substantial.

D Mc

10th February 2008, 01:08 PM	#28 (permalink)
D Mc Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Montana Posts: 72	Re: New prussik technique... Pro, I don't know quite where to start on a response to your post and like everyone else, you are certainly entitled to your opinion. But I would like to clarify a few points. There are many things that we do as advanced climbers that would have been totally unacceptable to do when first learning. It has been my experience that athletic climbers learn very quickly the basic techniques and roping skills necessary to manuveur in the tree. But that does not mean they are proficient yet. In most cases it takes an additional three years for muscle memory to kick in and experience to allow your body to react to the varying forces you are exposed to. So my statement where I recommend beginners not use my setup has less to do with the LockJack and more to do with taking the time to develop the necessary skills to be successful and safe. Then if a climber is successful to that point, almost without exception, they start to look for ways of improving their productivity. This could involve the shift toward high tec equipment which might include lighter, thinner ropes, friction hitches, mechanical ascenders, rope grabs, more refined saddles and the list goes on as technology advances. Climbers today should consider themselves very fortunate that training and equipment has evolved to such a high degree. The information available is truly impressive. For the first 35 years of my climbing career I used a tail-tied prussik hitch on 1/2" rope; so I understand people's reticence to change from what has worked for them in the past. However, as my body started reminding me of my advancing years I explored and experimented with the new equipment and techniques that were becoming available. When you have an abundant amount of over-use injuries the reduction in energy and strength requirements becomes more of an issue. And actually I am positive if some of these methods had been available to me earlier I would be in better condition than I am. It is hard to express how much some of these things reduce your work load, but they can be substantial. D Mc