Limb walking

[Rich2484]

I'm going to expand a bit today, got a free morning and I'm going to get a couple of hours rec climbing in.

 

I've done changeovers, and climbing as high as I can, but I want to try limb walking.

 

I've seen a lot and read a bit about it, what does everyone else prefer.

 

Was going to use lanyard and get it further out on a higher limb than the one I'm going out on and going to walk backwards. Until I get out then turn around.

 

Have seen a flip line used under the limb to steady the walk, but not sure on this one.. Would seem a bit cack handed trying to work lanyard, climbing line and flip line.

[caledonian bob]

Get your anchor point as high in the tree as possible, this will reduce the angle of your rope to a minimum when branch walking. Keep the angle of your body in relation to the branch you are walking on as low as possible and see how far out you can get. My second line/strop is an 8 metre length of climbing rope which I can use on a branch which is above me to use as a second anchor or use on the branch I'm on to keep me out as far as I can get.

Hope this makes sense.

[Ewan Murray]

face sideways, watch where your going aim to the end and dont think about anything else other than getting to the end, the end result will help distract you from the situation as everyone is nervouse at first, get a high anchor point and remember to keep a nice rope angle it will help alot ensure that the rope doesn't redirect as it will add friction, use the rope to your advantage work against the pull or with it in order to get out. stay safe and have fun mate

[Tom Mabbutt]

In additional to the great advice already given... If you havent' got a long additional strop like Caledonian Bob then it's often handy to haul up the end of your line and tie another basic climbing system with either a prusik or blakes, etc. This can then be thrown over a branch more directly above you and the branch you're walking on, having these two separate anchor points in different parts of the crown will give you much more stability and give you more confidence. It can be time consuming but can really save the day when you've got a bit of disco leg on a branch that isn't too friendly.

 

Additionaly, re-directs are a cheap addition to your kit that can also be useful from time to time during tricky branchwalks, they're quick to install too:

 

http://www.rescueresponse.com/store/media/newsletter/techtips/redirects1a.jpg

courtesy of the 'Tree Climbers Companion'.

 

Good luck,

 

Tom

Edited September 11, 2012 by Tom Mabbutt
mistake

[Rich2484]

That's what I'm going to use. Got a redirect ready to go. Plus a lanyard. Will have to play with it all and see what I like using.

 

Anyway I'm off to try it.

[RopeKnight]

Many times it is easier to think like a Sloth and suspend your weight under and to the side slightly. Balancing on top can be more difficult than suspending or sitting in your harness.

 

Limb walking requires sharing the load between your mainline and foot and hand holds and when there are no foot or hand holds flip lining or setting another line or grapple or srt into position.

Cheers

[tuttle]

walking backwards is one thing.

 

But the proper way is to on the side of the branch side stepping, flat out!

 

High anchor points are a must and you must understand that the branch is there for balance, its the rope thats holding you:biggrin:

 

only when you get to the extremities, do you use your lanyard for work postioning.

[Rich2484]

Ok. Didn't go according to plan at first. Went to walk all nice a confident and got halfway out and lost it. A nice impact with the trunk. So a cuppa and a sit down and tried again. Used flip line first then re direct when at the tip. Wasn't too bad and felt a bit like a trampoline at first but soon got used to it.

 

Got to say the first time is really wierd and a bit unnerving. It was more fun coming down than going along.

[tuttle]

Ok. Didn't go according to plan at first. Went to walk all nice a confident and got halfway out and lost it. A nice impact with the trunk. So a cuppa and a sit down and tried again. Used flip line first then re direct when at the tip. Wasn't too bad and felt a bit like a trampoline at first but soon got used to it.

 

Got to say the first time is really wierd and a bit unnerving. It was more fun coming down than going along.

 

shift your weight forward, have you ever done rock climbing?

[Rich2484]

Yeah loads of rock climbing.

 

I don't know why I slipped up and lost balance, just did. I did get told my legs where too rigid and I was moving with the limb rather than allowing my legs to bend. By the time I relised I was off balance it was too late.

 

Got it the second time and managed to do a far bit moving around the tree.