Hitch Climber.... Am I just a big fairy...?

[WorcsWuss]

OK... first try on an HC today. Not blown away I have to admit...!

 

Some known issues:

 

Used a VT from a length of 9mm boa with fisherman's either end rather than OP - will be ordering a length of 8mm OP e2e pretty soon I think.

 

Masses of friction at the top - I threw my cambium saver round the crotch but it's too short, so the rope was forced to run in an almost 'M' shape. It was only a couple of inches short but the rings weren't together. So at the very least I need a longer false crotch.

 

However, even placing considerable blame on those 2 issues, I can't help feeling I have missed a trick on this set up. I found it nigh on impossible to make any progress up the rope at all.

Using the 'all hands on rope' technique described in the HC guide I could move a little but not enough to get off the ground.

 

So, what the hell is wrong with me? Am I just a total ponce who needs to man up and pull it harder, or am I missing some dark art...?

 

Yours

Confused and wallowing in self doubt.

Worcestershire

Edited January 7, 2012 by WorcsWuss

[mistahbenn]

Your VT probably aint tied right. Why didnt you go higher so your FS would fit? Experiment with different cord, I swear by Yale silverstreak. 5 wraps no braids, tends great, have to have the right length though.

 

Good luck

[WorcsWuss]

That was the end of it height wise, all snagged up in ivy and looked pretty dead above so didn't risk it. FS is is only 1m long.

VT was good, 4 wraps 3 braids, ran well too.....

Coming to the conclusion I'm just a drip....!

[Robert_S]

I think you need to check out the press up challenge thread

[VEG]

It must be that lady boy hi viz you are wearing

[WorcsWuss]

You might have cracked it!

[rammer]

Stick with it mate,i'm still fairly new to HC but find it so much better for footlocking,branch walking etc.Only use prussic for secondary anchor now:thumbup:

[mistahbenn]

I dont see what your problem is? You know you are supposed to pull down with 1 or 2 hands depending on friction and strength/lardiness, maybe 5 times, then pull thru the slack right?

[Robert_S]

Lardiness :lol:

[Pedroski]

Having the rope forced into an "M" shape by the cambium saver being too short is what I reckon your problem was. That'll have a lot more friction than you would have had with the rope just going over the branch - that "M" shape will be working like a brake, the harder you pull the rope the harder the brake is being applied.