Single Line Ascension Gear Check

[E.L.Green]

Originally Posted by daddle

I can't imagine slowly dragging myself up the rig (or a tree) by moving knots. The authenticity is not worth it. The ascender gear is so simple and quick. Three minute to step into the harness and I'm up the rig (60') in a minute or so. And down in seconds. Hands free, legs doing the work. Safety is my hands and the descender line which I tighten thru the descender ring every dozen feet. I do use a Prussic sometimes to boost myself above the masthead by stepping in it, or while switching to the descender. If it's nasty I have a tether around the mast. The gear doesn't scratch the mast...

You would be really suprised. It only takes about 30 seconds to ascend 50 feet or so when properly trained.

[the_alpine]

I've often wondered why more sailors don't learn how to ascend lines themselves solo - be it with mechanical ascenders or friction hitches.

I was born into a sailing family, then turned my life's focus to climbing and have now returned to sailing. Its funny how similar the two are concerning ropes and techniques.

I would recommend every boat has a set of ascenders and an auto locking desending device on board (as well as someone who knows how to use them). Sure the gri-gri requires 2 hands, but what are your feet doing? Mine are usually squeezing the mast on the way down.

Do yourself a favor and take a lesson at your local climbing gym on how to ascend and descend ropes. Or just come to mine and I'll show ya.

[the_alpine]

The stuff also comes in handy for playing with your mast: