Advancing the lanyard
When advancing the lanyard , avoid holding on to the trunk or sliding the lanyard upwards . Moving too close to the trunk ( whilst attempting to hold on ) will cause gaff-outs and slips .
Sliding the lanyard up the trunk will cause it to become stuck in loose bark or under small stubs ( pictured above ).
‘ Bowling ’ a loop of slack from one hand to the other will allow the lanyard to jump well clear of the opposite side of the stem – this technique can be used to pass stubs or hanging bark without the lanyard becoming encumbered .
To ascend using spur climbing techniques :
1 . Step up onto the trunk until the lanyard is below hip height .
2 . Set spurs firmly into the tree approximately shoulder-width apart .
3 . Advance the lanyard by moving the body in to the tree to generate slack between the body and the arms whilst holding each side of the lanyard close to the trunk . ‘ Flip ’ or ‘ bowl ’ the loop of slack upwards - the lanyard will travel up the trunk well clear of the back of the stem .
4 . With the lanyard advanced above the hips , take small steps to move up until level with or above the lanyard , then advance it again .
5 . To descend , reverse steps 1 - 4 above .
Beginner spur climbing techniques :
1 . Take short steps when learning , trying to keep the lanyard as close as possible to horizontal with the hips . As skill improves , longer advances can be made with bigger steps .
2 . Try to alternate steps , in a similar manner to climbing stairs - avoid repeatedly ‘ leading ’ with one foot and bringing the other up to level .
3 . Try to climb on the top side of any lean - this will make it much easier to ascend and requires less effort . Be aware that if you slip or if the gaffs come out you may slide around the trunk .
4 . When in a stationary position , lock one or both knees to relieve leg fatigue .
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