TRAINING & EDUCATION
The
Secured
Footlock
A simple technique of complex appearance
B y M i c h a e l " H o u s e " Ta i n
The footlock, a method of ascending smoothly and efficiently into the canopy, has been a mainstay of the tree care
industry for years; though the element of "security" in the
term secured footlock is a relatively recent development.
Not all that many years ago, the only security provided
when footlocking was by the climber's hands and feet; and
a failure of either set of extremities could lead to an abrupt
and painful descent.The ability of the climber to perform
an "on-rope rest" while ascending with the footlock was
intended to give them the opportunity to regain their energy and vigor to continue the ascent, but once again relied
solely on the grip of their hands and friction of their feet
for any security.The days of footlock ascents in this manner
are long gone; and any climber using the footlock technique must be secured in some manner — not only to
satisfy the applicable standards/regulations, but also to prevent their untimely and speedy descent to ground level.
The original method that brought "security" to the secured
footlock was a length of cordage attached to the climber
forming some type of hitch around the line being ascended, but modern times have brought a variety of tools and
methods that provide security. Regardless of which method
or tool of security is employed, users of the secured foot14 Arbor Age / November/December 2013
A three wrap, or six coil, Prusik tied and dressed on an ascent line.
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