No question. Sometimes I forget for a second that these boards are read and written mostly by professional tree workers and not just rec climbers. Certainly, getting around in the tree, reaching the crazy hard to get spots, limb walking with poise and confidence - all that's the really important part that determines whether or not you will remain profitable.
Setting the line quickly is important too, I guess.
You wrote that you footlock "in comps". I'm not sure what that means. Is that a mechanical rope lock assist, like a Pantin?
Because if you're as fast as you say you are, that's pretty freaking unbelievable. I footlock mostly to keep myself familiar with the technique of doing it, and also because it's a tough workout. If I crunch up and grab the rope high enough with the footlock, then pulling myself up into a standing position to advance knot take a lot of Ummph! because I'm starting at an almost "laying down" position. Really great arm workout.
But I digress - my point is that if I lock the rope high and tight, it takes a longer time to pull myself up to where I can advance the knot, especially the more tired I get. So I'm slower going up in footlock than with the Petzl Texas rig. And I have imagined that, if my footlock technique was really good, it should actually be faster than working with mechanical ascenders. But I never thought anyone could make that kind of time. 50ft in 15 seconds is like, well, Blue Ribbon medal stuff. Niiiiiiice.
And I can see why you think it's the easy part! I would love to see the video, if I missed it, apologies.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jim1nz  Hmm yea kinda interesting but i dont think its that big an issue, climbing to the top once you have set your rope i mean. Thats the easy part.
Most of the time is spent getting around the tree, getting to every tip when you have to, that for me is what seperates good climbers from not so good.
I footlock usually, in comps i can ascend 1m per second (15m=15sec). I think thats about 50ft isnt it? At work it very rarely takes longer than 1 minute to get to the top, then change over to a 2:1 climbing system and im good to go.
Ekka you have a video, of Matty and myself footlocking. Can you post it up on here? |