Got my climbing line stuck in a red oak 50 feet up near Portland

I was trimming deadwood on a red oak in a client's backyard last week and my throw line got wrapped around a branch way out of reach. Tried the pole saw but it was too short, so I had to climb up and untangle it manually which took 45 minutes. Lesson learned - I need to practice my throw bag aim more, especially on windy days. Any tips for getting lines unstuck without having to climb back up?

3 comments

3 Comments

tessa_murray1mo ago

Ugh, I feel you on the "throw bag aim" thing. I got my climbing line stuck in a big maple last month and it took me like an hour to get it down. That whole "practice your aim" part hit home. One trick I learned from an old timer was to use a heavier throw bag when it's windy, like an 18 oz one instead of the 12 oz. It cuts through the wind better but you gotta be careful not to whack branches too hard. Also, if your line gets twisted around a branch in a knot, try shaking the rope from the ground in a steady rhythm rather than yanking hard. That usually loosens it up for me. What do you use for a throw bag weight usually?

avery_jackson1mo agoTop Commenter

You ever try cutting a slit in the side of your throw bag and filling it with a little sand instead of switching to a heavier one? Lets you fine tune the weight for different wind conditions without buying three bags. Also a tip for stuck lines - if shaking doesnt work, try spinning the rope like you're starting a lawn mower. That twist action can sometimes flip the line right over the branch.

sage_green1mo ago

That spinning trick for stuck lines is genius, never heard that one before. I'm gonna try the sand in the throw bag thing too, I've got an old 14oz that could use a little extra weight for those gusty days.