Hello!

I am a total beginner--took the BTCC three weeks ago with the intention of climbing the white oak beside my house, which is a pretty big tree. I estimate 80-90 ft tall, dripine circumference 80 ft, dbh 38", with very large but widely spaced branches. My gear just arrived from OR 10 days ago, and I have spent most of the time since then trying to get comfortable in the tree.

Anyway, so far I have set my rope on branches at 30 and 40 ft up and stood on branches at 20 and 35 ft (these are the first four branches in the tree). Today I was trying to scope out the next set, which is at about 55 ft, and it looks awfully difficult, well protected by foliage and smaller (3-4") branches). So I decided to try to get my line up there from the ground.

After throwing for over an hour at a small opening, I got my line over the big crotch. Unfortunately, it is also over a small branch about 3-4 ft above, almost, but not quite directly above. I pulled the throwbag up to it and tried to east it over, but no luck. I think it will take a stout jerk, and then of course I lose my set.

So I decided to sleep on it. Any advice? Or is it hopeless?

Thanks!

Starik

Can you put a bag on the other end of the throwline, pull it up and get it over the backside of the large branch? If you can, then just pull the other end up, flip it over and bring it down on the front side.

If not, how big is the little branch. Can you climb off it?

Be well.

Rod

Good idea! I'll try that. However, the big branch is at least 12" diameter, and the smaller branch is only slightly off-center. Through the binoculars it looks to be at least 3" diameter, but I think I would rather spend another hour throwing than risk a three-foot fall, even though I know the big branch would catch me, no problem.

Thanks!

Good idea! I'll try that. However, the big branch is at least 12" diameter, and the smaller branch is only slightly off-center. Through the binoculars it looks to be at least 3" diameter, but I think I would rather spend another hour throwing than risk a three-foot fall, even though I know the big branch would catch me, no problem.

Thanks!

Good idea! I'll try that. However, the big branch is at least 12" diameter, and the smaller branch is only slightly off-center. Through the binoculars it looks to be at least 3" diameter, but I think I would rather spend another hour throwing than risk a three-foot fall, even though I know the big branch would catch me, no problem.

Thanks!

Another method might help, depending on your particular configuration. It has worked for me many times. Tie a second throwline to the weight that is sitting on the ground. Now pull the weight up into the tree and flip it over the little branch. You can now lower it slowly with the second line. If it will fall on the desired side of the big limb, you're golden. If not, you can position it just above the big limb and swing it back and forth with the first line in the plane that will carry it over the big limb. At the right moment let loose of both lines for a moment and the weight should fly over the big limb. You might need to add a bit of weight so it will come down of its own accord, since you will now have the friction of 2 lines to deal with. Hope this helps...