1. These Boots Were Made for Pole Climbing
You'll need a fair amount of equipment to pole climb. There's the climbing wire, tree saddle, climbing spurs and safety pole strap. But possibly the most important gear you'll need when is a really good pair of climbing boots. They must be comfortable so that you can where them the whole day without pain. Break them in before you go climbing to prevent blisters. The uppers should be leather and the boots should go at least up to the ankle and have a steal shank. Either a half or full shank works fine. You just enough area for your body weight to rest on.
2. Hand, Charlie, Stroke!
"Hand, Charlie, Stroke!" refers to a climbing technique. The first step, "hand," involves placing your hand on the pole at forehead level. The second step, "Charlie," is a reference to Charlie Chaplain's unique walk where he waddled with his toes pointing out. This is the form that you'll want when you climb. You'll begin by digging your right heel into the pole and then digging in your left heel while keeping your knees locked so you're standing a little like Charlie Chaplain. "Stroke," the final step, is where you pick your right foot up about six inches and step forward approximately eight inches. This is the first cycle, but you'll still have one foot on the ground. So you'll need to repeat these steps on the other side and continue switching sides to keep climbing.
3. Don't Hug the Pole
When pole climbing, there's always the tendency to get so close to the pole that your cheek is almost resting against it. Don't hug the pole. You should be arm's length away from it, so keep your arms fully extended straight with your body forming a straight line from your locked legs to your shoulders. As far as the distance between your legs and the pole is concerned, you should be able to fit your gloved fist between the pole and your bent knee.
4. Make Sure the Safety Strap Works!
The safety strap is there to prevent you from falling, but it's only effective if it's clasped properly. Modern safety straps have hooks that make clicking sounds to indicate that it's clasped, but don't rely on this sound alone. Test the clasp by tugging at it to make sure you've done closed it and never go into automatic mode when using the safety strap. And check the hooks and the belt often because any crack or fractures can make the difference between living and dying. Never lubricate the hooks.
5. Tips and Warnings
Make sure you're in good shape before you begin pole climbing. Pole climbing involves a lot of leg work so your legs must be very strong and conditioned before you do this type of sport. Heel position should be six- to eight-inches apart when climbing up and four- to six-inches apart when maneuvering.
Member Comments