Learning SRT... am I missing something?

[Hank]

I've been pretty happy climbing DRT, especially for the ease of moving the rope around the tree, that's probably what put me off trying SRT but then I figured... I can use an SRT canopy anchor using a bowline or similar which theoretically means I should be able to move the rope and anchor as easily as on DRT. Then when I need to descend I can retrieve the bowline, switch to DRT and get the rope out of the tree when I'm down. 

 

So, am I missing something here? It seems simple and safe to me but I also don't have a mentor or really know any arborists so haven't got anyone to ask about it.

[JBH]

I am not sure what the query is? 

 

Yes, you can canopy anchor then retrieve and switch.

 

You can leave a long tail and just clip into the tail to descend drt at the end of the climb.

 

You could also use a cambium saver knot blocked to retrieve at the end of the climb and simply natural crotch redirect where you would have been re-anchored drt . 

 

You could just use it to access then switch over to DRT if you don't anticipate much up and down. 

 

You could choke your drt system and switch to srt for a quick redirect

 

SRT definitely isn't just exclusive to base ties.

 

Just use it as a tool to compliment your DRT climbing skills, don't get hung up on purism (if that is what you are questioning)

[Hank]

Ok yes sorry should have been clearer—I've only really seen it being used on a base tie but good to know it's not exclusive to that. I guess my original question was: is it good/acceptable practice to switch between the two when up in a tree, and from your reply it sounds like it is.

 

Thanks 

[Mark Bolam]

This is good if you can isolate a suitable limb.

I usually use a Notch Quickie instead of a carabiner so there’s no risk of side loading.

 

 

[Hank]

26 minutes ago, Mark Bolam said:

This is good if you can isolate a suitable limb.

I usually use a Notch Quickie instead of a carabiner so there’s no risk of side loading.

 

 

Do you worry about the little retaining pin on the quickie being forced out if it's loaded against the tree?

[Dan Maynard]

I like my Rope Runner pro, can switch between drt and mrt just by tying the end to the tree or hook in to the biner. I quite often climb up drt then tie off and come down srt to work the tree 

[JBH]

2 hours ago, Mark Bolam said:

This is good if you can isolate a suitable limb.

I usually use a Notch Quickie instead of a carabiner so there’s no risk of side loading.

 

 

Like Mark says, the quickie is excellent for this Hank. 

 

I've found connecting it above the Alpine Butterfly instead of through allows it to "float" when retrieving. This helps reduce friction if you've gone through some redirects, just look out for the quickie on its way down. 

 

I agree with Dan , Drt up saves throwline faff when you're rattling off street trees (especially if you have a good set of ladders to get you into the crown)

 

The RRP extended with a small tape sling is worth trying. Drt it is like a mechanical blakes with reduced risk of catching the bird, extra slack distance to feed through when scrambling around obstacles, more ergonomic tending the device, can swing it around your body/ swivel it, when coming back from limb walks you just use it in the style of a hand ascender.

 

There are loads of resources online if you can't find anyone in your area. I've never seen them but Lawrence Shultz did a good series of video tutorials a few years back that might be worth finding

 

[Mark Bolam]

2 hours ago, Hank said:

Do you worry about the little retaining pin on the quickie being forced out if it's loaded against the tree?

No.

[peds]

2 hours ago, Hank said:

Do you worry about the little retaining pin on the quickie being forced out if it's loaded against the tree?

 

Quadruple action... you'd have to be really unlucky to have it wiggle out, and with the kind of kN needed to bruteforce it, I think you'd have other things to worry about before it would ever happen. 

[Dan Maynard]

10 hours ago, JBH said:

I've never seen them but Lawrence Shultz did a good series of video tutorials a few years back that might be worth finding

They are good, yes. The only downside is some new devices and ideas since he made them, but a lot of the thinking and examples are great.

 

Google 'The Schultz effect ', also search arbtalk for discussion about it.