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Talking Trees
Climber Positioning
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This episode, titled "Climber Positioning," explores a technical guide to tree climbing and high-altitude rescue. It focuses on safe work techniques at heights, including rope management, climber positioning, selection and use of anchor points, and safe descent. The guide provides detailed explanations of various methods and procedures, complemented by illustrations and checklists to ensure safety. It emphasizes thorough preparation, proper equipment usage, and risk prevention to support climbers in maintaining safety and efficiency during their activities.
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Talking Trees with Lily and Jad. Welcome to Talking Trees. Today we're diving into a technical guide on tree climbing. We'll focus on essential skills such as managing free rope systems and improving climber positioning. So, whether you're a seasoned tree climber or just starting out, there's something valuable in today's discussion for you. Let's get started.
JadWelcome to the Deep Dive.
LillyGlad to be here.
JadToday, we're focusing on you and your world as a professional tree climber.
LillyYeah.
JadWe've got some excerpts from Technical Guide 1 Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue that you sent over Right. And I'm ready to get into the nitty gritty of climber positioning.
LillyOkay.
JadAnd managing slack, all that good stuff.
LillyAll the important things, yeah.
JadYou know the things that keep us safe and efficient up in the canopy.
LillyIt's all connected, that's for sure. Can't have one without the other.
JadExactly. And speaking of connected, yeah, the guide jumps right in with section 9.1.1 saying a climber should always remain anchored to the tree.
LillyRight.
JadNow, I know this might seem obvious to a seasoned climber like yourself. But why do you think they stress this so heavily? Because, it's easy to get complacent.
LillyYou know, you've got years of experience, you're moving quickly and suddenly you think just this, once I can reach that branch without clipping in. But that's how accidents happen. It's about building those habits, those reflexes, so that being anchored is second nature, right, no matter what.
JadIt's like wearing your seatbelt in the car.
LillyExactly, you just do it without thinking yeah.
JadAnd speaking of safety essentials.
LillyOkay.
JadThe guide mentions a 500 millimeter slack limit.
LillyRight, okay.
JadCan you explain why that's so important Sure, especially in terms of potential fall distance and the forces involved?
LillyThink of it this way yeah, every extra millimeter of slack is like adding potential energy to a spring.
JadOkay.
LillyThe further you fall, the more that spring snaps back Right and that force translates directly onto your body and your gear. Wow, 500 millimeters is about the limit.
JadOkay.
LillyBefore things get really dangerous.
JadYeah.
LillyAnd it's not just about hitting the ground Right, it's about the shock your system experiences when it arrests that fall.
JadThat's a powerful image. I'm starting to see why every centimeter counts.
LillyIt all adds up.
JadAnd then there's this whole concept of leaning away from your anchor points using the rope system for support. But I'm curious what does that actually?
Lillyfeel like it can feel counterintuitive at first, almost like you're going to fall backwards. But when you trust your gear and understand how those forces are working, it becomes this amazing dance between you, the rope and the tree. You're essentially leaning into the system, using it to create access and stability.
JadI can only imagine the kind of spatial awareness that takes.
LillyIt's a feel thing, develop it over time.
JadSpeaking of things that can feel a bit unsettling. Let's talk about pendulum swings. Outline some strategies for preventing them.
LillyRight.
JadAs someone who's been up there.
LillyYeah.
JadWhat are your thoughts on minimizing that swing arc and staying in control?
LillyPendulum swings are all about managing forces and angles.
JadOkay.
LillyIt starts with choosing the right anchor points.
JadRight Ones that minimize the potential for swinging. Then it's about using redirects to control the path of your rope.
LillyOkay.
JadAnd, if necessary, repositioning your anchor as you move around the tree. So you're constantly adjusting it's almost like you're constantly adjusting your center of gravity. Now let's dive into slack management techniques.
LillyOkay.
JadThe guide mentions the slack tender pulley system. Right For our listeners who might not be familiar, sure, can you paint a picture of how that works in practice?
LillyImagine you're climbing up the trunk.
JadOkay.
LillyAnd you need to constantly adjust your slack as you move Right, instead of stopping every few feet to fiddle with your hitch Uh-huh. The slack tender pulley acts like an extra hand.
JadOkay.
LillyIt's a pulley below your friction hitch.
JadRight.
LillyYou just advance it with one hand as you ascend.
JadOkay.
LillyKeeping the line taut and reducing that constant back and forth.
JadThat's brilliant. It sounds like it would make the climb much smoother and more efficient.
LillyIt definitely helped.
JadAnd the guide also mentions other rope management techniques.
LillyYeah.
JadAre any that you find particularly helpful?
LillyIt depends on the situation, of course, sure, but generally it's about finding ways to minimize the effort you have to put in to haul that rope.
JadOkay.
LillyThink about stacking your rope neatly, using the right knots to keep things organized Right and minimizing friction points.
JadYeah.
LillyThe less energy you waste on managing your rope the more you have for the actual work.
JadOkay, that makes sense.
LillyYeah.
JadI'm all about working smarter, not harder, especially up in a tree, me too, Mentions this floating Prusik Right. What's the advantage of using that system? Well, it sounds a bit more complex.
LillyIt's about leveraging the geometry of your system to naturally reduce slack. Essentially, you configure your friction hitch further away from your harness.
JadOkay.
LillyThis creates natural tension as you climb, almost like the rope is helping to pull you up. Wow, it requires a bit more finesse, but it can be incredibly efficient.
JadI bet it's like you're working with the forces, not against them.
LillyExactly.
JadAnd speaking of leverage, yeah. The guide mentions using mechanical advantage systems for ascent. What are the benefits there?
LillyIt's all about making those big climbs more manageable, especially if you're carrying gear. A 2.1 system, for example, cuts the force you need to apply in half. This means less fatigue, which translates to safer and more efficient work. In the long run. That makes sense.
JadYeah, this 2.1 system comes up again. Okay, but this time it's about self-hauling with SRT systems. Yeah, how does that work?
LillyThink of it like creating a temporary anchor point on your rope.
JadOkay.
LillyYou're using a fixed point to redirect the line, which essentially doubles your pulling power. Right? It's a bit more technical, but the concept is similar.
JadOkay.
LillyYou're using physics to your advantage.
JadSo let's say you're way out at the crown extremities, high above your main anchor points as described 9.3.1.
LillyRight.
JadWhat are the strategies for working safely in that kind of exposed environment?
LillyWhen you're working at the crown extremities, it's all about adaptability and resourcefulness. Extendable tools can be a lifesaver. They let you reach those awkward spots without having to reposition your entire system, and if you need to get up there yourself, you might need to create a temporary anchor above your main anchor points. It's like building a little work platform in the sky.
JadThat sounds both exciting and a bit nerve-wracking.
LillyIt can be both, yeah.
JadBut obviously safety considerations have to be paramount, right.
LillyAbsolutely. This is specialized work.
JadYeah.
LillyAnd it requires careful planning and execution. Right You're further, potentially more exposed, so every decision counts.
JadYeah.
LillyYou're constantly assessing the tree, the wind, your gear and your own limits.
JadNow on to double anchor configurations.
LillyOkay.
JadI've always thought of these as a go-to strategy for stability.
LillyThey're definitely a good option.
JadCan you explain why they're so effective?
LillyIt's all about creating a more stable base.
JadOkay.
LillyWith a single anchor. You're essentially relying on one point of contact.
JadRight.
LillyBut when you have two anchors, you create a triangular support system.
JadOkay.
LillyThis not only improves stability, but also reduces the load on each individual anchor, making your overall setup much stronger.
JadSo it's like having a safety net that also enhances your working position.
LillyIt's a win-win.
JadAnd the guide mentions different techniques for setting them up Right Double crotching and the V or M rig. Can you give us a quick overview of those?
LillyDouble crotching is essentially using your backup or the other end of your primary system to create that second anchor, point Right. The VRM rig, on the other hand, uses a separate sling or rope to connect your two anchors.
RogerOkay.
LillyCreating a more triangular configuration.
JadSo it's about choosing the best method for the situation.
LillyExactly.
JadConsidering the shape of the tree, the available anchor points and the type of work you're doing.
LillyGot it.
JadLots of options to tailor the setup to the specific situation.
LillyThere are a lot of variables, yeah.
JadSpeaking of essential gear.
LillyOkay.
JadThe guide highlights the importance of adjustable lanyards.
LillyThey're definitely a key piece of equipment.
JadWhy are these so crucial?
LillyAdjustable lanyards are like the multi-tool of tree climbing. Okay, they can be used for positioning Right, preventing those pendulum swings we talked about, and even as a backup system in an emergency.
JadSo they're not just about keeping you connected, they're about giving you control and flexibility up there.
LillyThat's right. It's all about having options.
JadYeah, with that versatility comes a need for caution Right.
LillyYou always have to be aware of the risks. Yeah.
JadDives into some critical safety points. Okay, I'm going to touch on those.
LillyRight. It's about using the right lanyard for the job, ensuring it's properly attached to your harness.
JadOkay.
LillyAnd understanding the limitations of single line configurations.
JadYeah.
LillyLanyards can add a layer of safety.
JadRight. But they also introduce potential risks if not used correctly of safety Right, but they also introduce potential risks if not used correctly. I'm definitely starting to appreciate the nuance and attention to detail required for safe climbing.
LillyIt's all about the details.
JadYes, well, we've covered a lot of ground in this deep dive.
LillyWe have.
JadFrom understanding the importance of staying anchored.
LillyRight.
JadTo exploring the various techniques for managing slack.
LillyYeah.
JadAnd choosing the right anchor points.
LillyIt's all connected.
JadIt's clear that safety and efficiency go hand in hand.
LillyThey do for sure.
JadAbsolutely. But before we wrap up this first part of our dive, Okay. Let's talk about those anchor points themselves. Sure, because, choosing the right anchor, yeah. And understanding the different types Right Is fundamental to everything we've discussed so far.
LillyIt's the foundation of it all. Absolutely, you're absolutely right. Choosing the right anchor is the foundation of safe climbing.
JadYeah.
LillyThe two main categories Okay, personal fall protection anchors and positioning anchors.
JadOkay, I'm intrigued. What's the difference between those two? I mean, aren't all anchors designed to keep us from falling? All anchors designed?
Lillyto keep us from falling. They are, but they serve different primary purposes.
JadOkay.
LillyYour personal fall protection anchor, sometimes called a load-bearing anchor, is your lifeline. It's what catches you if you fall. It needs to be incredibly strong and reliable Positioning anchors on the other hand are more about keeping you stable and in control while you work. They might be able to hold a fall, in some cases Right but their primary role is to prevent those unwanted swings and help you access tricky spots.
JadThat makes sense. So it's not just about finding any strong looking branch Right. It's about understanding what role that anchor will play in your overall system.
LillyExactly. And that brings us to the next crucial point.
JadOkay.
LillyHow to choose the right anchor point for the job.
JadYeah, okay, so let's break that down. What are some of the key things a climber should be looking for when selecting an anchor point?
LillyIt's about assessing the whole picture.
JadOkay.
LillyYou're looking at the species of the tree, its overall health.
JadOkay.
LillyThe shape and size of the branch you're considering, the potential forces involved, based on your movement and the work you're doing, and even the weather conditions. It's a lot to take in, but it becomes second nature with experience.
JadWow, it's way more complex than I initially realized. It's almost like you're reading the tree, trying to understand its strengths and weaknesses. You are in a way, and speak of weaknesses. It talks about load testing. Why? Why is that so important?
LillyBecause you can't just look at a branch and assume it's strong enough.
JadRight.
LillyLoad testing is about applying a controlled force to the anchor point, essentially simulating a fall. Right, you're listening for any creaking or cracking sounds, any signs that the tree is stressed.
JadRight.
LillyFeeling for any movement or give in the anchor.
JadIt's like giving the anchor a trial run before you fully trust it.
LillyExactly.
JadI bet that takes a lot of experience to know what feels right and what feels wrong.
LillyIt does, but there are also tools and techniques you can use to help with that assessment. It's about combining knowledge, observation and a healthy dose of caution.
JadThat's a great reminder. Never underestimate the power of caution, especially when you're high up in a tree.
LillyFor sure.
JadNow I'm curious about something we touched on earlier Okay, the angle of the load Right, how that affects the strength of an anchor point.
LillyYeah.
JadCan you explain why that?
Lillyis, it seems a bit counterintuitive. It all comes down to physics. Think of it this way Okay, comes down to physics.
Rogerthink of it this way.
LillyOkay, if you're pulling straight down on a rope tied to a branch, the force is distributed directly through that branch. But if you pull sideways on that same rope, right, you're creating leverage okay and that leverage multiplies the force on the anchor point right the greater the angle, the weaker the anchor.
JadOkay, so, if I'm picturing this correctly, ideally you want your anchor position directly above you.
LillyAs close as possible. Yes, okay, even recommends placing anchors on or around the main stem whenever possible.
JadOkay.
LillyThat's where the tree is strongest Right, and it minimizes those potentially dangerous angles.
JadThis is making me think about those times when you're working off to the side of a branch, not directly below it dangerous angles.
Advanced Tree Climbing Anchor Techniques
LillyThis is making me think about those times when you're working off to the side of a branch, not directly below it, right, and that's where careful anchor selection and understanding those angles becomes even more critical.
JadNow let's talk about a different type of anchor.
LillyOkay.
JadThe basal anchor or tie off Right. What are those and when would you use them?
LillyA basal anchor is essentially an anchor point at the base of the tree.
JadOkay.
LillyIt's often used in aerial rescue scenarios.
JadOkay.
LillyBut it can also be useful for certain types of climbing, especially when you need a secure point to descend from.
JadOkay, so instead of being up in the canopy, this anchor is down at ground level. Are there any specific considerations for using a basal anchor?
LillyYes, some key points yeah. First, the anchor point itself needs to be suitable and strong enough to handle the potential loads Okay. Second, its location needs to be safe. You don't want it in an area where it could be damaged by vehicles or foot traffic. Right and finally, the configuration of your tie-off needs to be secure to prevent slipping.
JadIt sounds like there's a lot of room for error if you're not careful.
LillyAbsolutely. And another thing to keep in mind with basal anchors is the potential for your system to become unweighted. This can happen if the rope shifts or you move in a certain way. To prevent this, the guide suggests taking a turn of rope around the lower stem, essentially creating a backup point of contact.
JadThat's a great tip. It's like adding an extra layer of security to an already critical anchor point.
LillyIt's all about redundancy.
JadNow let's shift gears a bit and talk about canopy anchors.
LillyYeah, sure, canopy anchors are what most people think of when they imagine tree climbing anchors, those connections you make up in the tree itself.
JadRight, like looping your rope around a sturdy branch.
LillyBut it sounds like there's more to it than just finding a strong branch.
JadThere is.
LillySometimes you'll run your climbing line through a cambium saver, which is a protective sleeve that helps distribute the load and protect the bark of the tree Right. Other times you might use a natural fork in the tree where two branches come together and in some cases you might tie your rope directly to the anchor point, although this is less common, because it can damage the tree.
JadSo it's about choosing the best method based on the situation, considering both the strength of the anchor and the health of the tree.
LillyExactly, and sometimes you'll need to advance your anchor point higher up in the tree as you climb.
JadOkay. So how do you move your anchor point up without putting yourself at risk?
LillyYou essentially create a temporary anchor above your current climb. Okay, so how do you move your anchor point up without putting yourself at risk? You essentially create a temporary anchor above your current anchor using something like a sling. You attach this temporary anchor to your climbing line with a secure, auto-locking carabiner and once you're connected to the new anchor point, you can safely remove the sling and continue your climb. It's all about creating those secure transitions.
JadThat's really clever. It's like you're building a ladder of anchors as you ascend.
LillyIn a way yeah.
JadAnd it talks about situations where you're using a doubled rope technique.
LillyRight.
JadLike with a secured footlock.
LillyUh-huh.
JadAnd the rope is spread out as it approaches the anchor. It mentions that this can cause problems with your friction. Hitch it as the anchor, okay.
LillyIt mentions that this can cause problems with your friction. Hitch it can.
JadCan you explain, why that is?
LillyWhen your rope is spread out, it reduces the surface area of contact with your friction hitch.
JadWhich can decrease its grip.
LillyRight.
JadThis means it might not hold as securely, increasing the risk of a slip or even a failure.
LillyThat sounds incredibly dangerous. How do you prevent that from happening?
JadThe guide recommends a few strategies. Okay, you can use a cambium saver or an alpine butterfly knot to reduce the spread of the rope.
LillyOkay.
JadOr you can simply maintain a safe distance from the anchor using a 5.1 ratio.
LillyOkay.
JadThis means that for every 10 centimeters of branch diameter, you keep your hitch 50 centimeters away of branch diameter, you keep your hitch 50 centimeters away. This ensures that you have enough rope in contact with the hitch to maintain a secure grip.
LillyIt's all about those little details, those safety checks that can make all the difference.
JadIt's the little things that add up.
LillyWell said. Speaking of adjusting techniques, let's talk about redirects. Okay, right, can you break down what? A redirect is and how it works. Redirects are essentially ways of controlling the path of your rope. Okay, right.
JadCan you break down what a redirect is and how it works? Redirects are essentially ways of controlling the path of your rope. Okay, they can be used to reduce friction.
LillyChange your angle of ascent or even create a more advantageous position for working. Imagine you need to reach a branch that's off to the side, but your anchor point is above you. By creating a redirect, you can essentially bend the rope allowing you to access that area without having to reposition your entire system.
JadOkay, so it's like adding a pulley to your system, but instead of reducing the force, you're changing the direction of that force.
LillyThat's a great analogy.
JadOkay.
LillyAnd, just like with pulleys, the angle of the redirect is important. Right A redirect angle between 60 and 90 degrees can put a lot of stress on your anchor points.
JadSo choosing the right spot for a redirect is just as important as choosing the right anchor point itself.
LillyWe got it. It's a lot to think about, but it's what keeps us safe.
JadNow let's talk about another specialized type of anchor, okay, midline anchor. These are anchors that are installed somewhere along your climbing line rather than at the base or the top of the tree Right. When would you use a midline anchor and what are the key things to keep in mind?
LillyMidline anchors can be incredibly useful in a variety of situations, okay, particularly in aerial rescue scenarios. Right, they can provide a temporary anchor point for ascending or descending.
JadOkay.
LillyOr even as part of a more complex rescue system.
JadSo it's like creating a safe stopping point in the middle of your climb.
LillyIt is, yeah, and one of the most important is the type of equipment you use.
RogerOkay.
LillySection 11.8.2 specifically warns against using certain types of ascenders as connection points for midline anchors.
JadOkay.
LillyFrameloaded tooth descenders or cam-loaded non-tooth descenders are not designed for this purpose and could fail under load.
JadSo it's critical to choose gear that's specifically rated for midline anchor use. Absolutely. If you do use a midline anchor on your climbing line, you must include a stopper knot or blocking knot below the anchor Right. This prevents the anchor from sliding down the rope if it becomes unloaded.
LillyYou don't want that to happen.
JadOkay, that makes sense.
LillyYeah.
JadIt's like adding a safety catch to make sure your anchor stays put Exactly that. The rope or cord used for a midline anchor needs to be strong enough to handle the load Right, whether it's supporting one or two climbers.
LillyYou always have to factor that in.
JadSo there are a lot of nuances and safety considerations when it comes to using midline anchors.
LillyThere are a lot of things to think about, yeah.
JadBut that's why training and experience are so important in tree climbing.
LillyThey are crucial.
JadIt's about understanding the principles.
LillyRight.
JadRecognizing the potential risks and choosing the right techniques for each situation.
LillyExactly. It's all about making informed decisions.
JadWell said, we've covered a lot of ground in this deep dive.
LillyWe have.
JadFrom canopy anchors to redirects to midline anchors.
LillyA lot of different types of anchors.
JadIt's clear that choosing and using anchor points effectively is a crucial aspect of safe and efficient tree climbing. Before we wrap up this second part of our deep dive, Okay. I'd love to get your thoughts on the bigger picture here. We've gone deep into the specifics of different anchor types and techniques, but what does?
Lillyit all mean for a professional tree climber like yourself out in the real world, it means that every time we climb, we're bringing all of this knowledge with us. It's about being adaptable, knowing how to assess a tree, how to choose the right anchor points and how to adjust our techniques on the fly, Because no two trees are the same and every climb presents its own unique challenges.
JadIt's not just about memorizing a bunch of rules from a guidebook. It's about developing an understanding of the principles involved.
LillyExactly. This guide is a fantastic resource, yeah, but it's just the foundation. Right Experience, continuous learning and a healthy respect for the forces at play are what truly make a skilled and safe tree climber.
JadAnd I imagine that respect extends beyond just your own safety right. It's about caring for the tree as well.
LillyAbsolutely, that's a huge part of it. Proper techniques for positioning, anchor selection, even how we manage our slack all of that can help minimize damage to the tree. We're not just climbers, we're tree care professionals, and that responsibility goes hand in hand with our work.
JadI love that perspective. This deep dive has been incredibly insightful. I feel like I've gained a whole new appreciation for the complexity and the nuance involved in professional tree climbing.
LillyIt is a complex field.
JadAbsolutely yeah. Well, before we wrap things up, Okay. Is there one final thought? You'd leave our listener with Sure Something to keep in mind as they continue their journey as a climber.
LillyI'd say never stop learning.
JadOkay.
LillyTake every opportunity to refine your skills, to challenge your assumptions, to expand your knowledge Right. The world of tree care is constantly evolving.
JadYeah.
LillyNew techniques are being developed Right, and new equipment is always coming out.
JadYeah.
LillyThe best climbers are the ones who stay curious, who keep learning and growing.
JadThat's fantastic advice. Thank you so much for joining us on this deep dive.
LillyIt was my pleasure.
JadWe encourage you to keep exploring technical guide, tree climbing and aerial rescue. Until next time, stay safe and climb high.
RogerThank you for tuning in. We hope you found our discussion on tree climbing informative and inspiring. Remember, safety is paramount in our field, so be sure to review the best practices and checklists we shared today. Have any questions or topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes? Don't hesitate to reach out. Until next time, stay safe and keep climbing.
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