Spiking tips and techniques?

[YoGi_93]

Hi all I know theres a few threads about spiking already but I thought id add one for general spiking help. Im about to do my first proper spiking takedown of a bigish connifer. As in spike up taking brash off, top it then chog it down, so all work will be off spikes. I was just wondering what techniques people use when spiking? Do you use a bowline or tape sling as a back up? Or do you have any tips or tricks of the trade to help a newbie climber out?

[Tyz05]

I'l use running bowlin on the end of my climbing rope with a prussik and fig 8,this I only use as a back up and to descend on in emergency as it would not be easy to re assend on this system,effectively SRT? I run the lose ends of ropes through a karabiner or caritool around the back of my harness to keep the out the way of spurs. Don't leave stubs when trimming up,if you gaff out they slow down you fall but bloody hurt.

[welwell]

Keep you legs nice and straight!

[Horatio]

Make sure you lean back. Most people make the mistake of being to upright on their spikes, if you do spikes will slip out. When topping I always wiggle my feet to set the spikes in a bit more.

Also, "I take baby steps" when going up&down the pole.

Hope that helps Mae, and be CONFIDANT

[Dan Curtis]

As above and if you gaff out, cinch both sides of the line together, don't try to grab the tree, you'll only do your shoulders in.

[silky fox]

Make sure your gaffs are nice and sharp...tip toe...don't smash your spikes in. Relax and enjoy it.

[Tommy_B]

Spikes on the inside and try not to stab your other foot! Don't smash them in hard and try not to hit your rope. Whatever you move your flip line, thats the distance to move your feet. As stated above, nice sharp gaffs and away you go! Make sure they're tight and sitting properly underneath your heel

[Pete Mctree]

Stand on your spikes - don't stamp them in. No rush - take it easy. Try and keep approx arms length from stem & relax. It's a fun part of the job to learn

[Johny Walker]

Stand on your spikes - don't stamp them in. No rush - take it easy. Try and keep approx arms length from stem & relax. It's a fun part of the job to learn

 

or get a mewp

[treequip]

The right boots is important, something with a strong sole plate and a good heel. Zermats are ace for spiking but not exactly ballet pumps for other jobs