twobyfour

My dear mother has asked me to remove one at the bottom of her garden. Previously topped, its approx 30' high by 30' wide :-( I love snedding, just not vertically. Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

Thanks RichieR. I'd been trying to confirm this with training providers. I've been trying all methods of late, Blakes, and particularly on a Prusik. I've been led to understand that I'll only be allowed to climb on a Prusik come the course and assessment. Thanks for the heads up. Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

We did manage to hold it back this season with an early application of a glycosphate based herbicide (Nomix `Blade`). This was in its florette stage though. I`ve spent many a summer digging it out on our horses paddocks. Glad theyre not field kept anymore. Bees seem to love it though.

Ok, first post after lurking a while. I`m hoping to complete CS38/39 this autumn/winter, so I`ve been out practicing furiously for about 6 weeks. I did CS30/31 some years ago along with PA1/6 before that. I have a background in conservation and `habitat management`, climbing seems to be the next logical step, despite my age (44). Plus, it is also brilliantly absorbing. I suppose this post is just the reflections of a beginner climber, a few things I`ve noticed that may help other novices. I`m prepared to be flamed ;-) I`d seriously recommend a hitch climber setup for long hauls, also, experiment with a floating prusik, for both long hauls and limb walks, it really is worth the extra £50 or so. At first I had a significant `pucker factor` when untying from the main climbing line and relying on your flip-line/lanyard whilst I repositioned the climbing line. Obviously achieving a high anchor point is the ideal, but its not always possible, just practice untying, tying in, positioning, changing the anchor for descent, moving around on your flip-line etc, the comfort of security does come. Eventually. As does the confidence. Get a catapult, getting your throw-line where you want it (particularly in summer foliage) is a pain in the a*se. Gloves. Sticky ones are great for going up, however, beware they don't foul your friction hitch on descent. Potentially dangerous, and, embarrassing. Now that I`m more confident actually being `up there` and moving around, I intend to get to grips with limb walking. Any advice or tips on this subject would be most welcome. Also, also being a one time rock climber, I have seen opportunities where a sling or a quick-draw would really help as further protection perhaps. Naturally, the Karibiners on those would have to be 3 way locking rather than the usual none-locking gate. I`m not sure, anyone here use them or similar? Twobyfour.