Page Contents:
Overview
Whether climbing DSRT, SRT or MRS, the use of an arborist throwball is the preferred way to get a rope in a tree. If the tree will be climbed again, leave a loop of paracord in the tree (a paracord preset) as described in the following video. See the Shopping List for product choices if you do not own a throwball. Small carabiners for rigging are also recommended.
Rigging Carabiners
When rigging a rope into a tree, wherever possible, JRB ties an overhand loop on the end of the paracord preset and uses a small rigging carabiner to connect it to the JRB End Loop.
Related Devices
The JRB End Loop was created for rope rigging. It works not only in a tree crotch, but also in a False Crotch or Floating Anchor. Please see the dedicated pages:
Throwball and Paracord Presets
How Much Throwline?
The more throwline we bring into the woods, the more we need to manage. It is important that we can reach both sides of the throwline when it is over the highest crotch we will rig. Assuming the climber can reach 7′ off the ground:
- Need 50′ of line for crotches up to 32′
- Need 60′ of line for crotches up to 37′
- Need 70′ of line for crotches up to 42′
- Need 80′ of line for crotches up to 47′
Basic Techniques
This video demonstrates basic throwball technique and how to rig and store a paracord preset:
Double Butterfly Coil
This video shows an alternative method for coiling up the throwline, so as to ensure it can’t get disorganized and tangled in transport and storage.
Managing Paracord Spools
This video shows how to make sure your paracord spool doesn’t become a mangled mess!
When the Spool Runs Out
This video show how to deal with the situation when you run out of paracord and don’t have quite enough left on the spool to rig a preset.
Attach Rope to a Cord
The following video shows options for using the JRB End Loop to rig a rope into the tree.
If there is no JRB End Loop and we simply need to attach a climbing rope to a throwline or paracord, use two bull hitches in series.
Old Paracord Presets
A paracord preset can last over a decade. But its best to visit them before the season to ensure that they are ready for us the day of a hunt.
Ready SRT System rigging
This video demonstrates a way to rig a “Ready” SRT system into a tree. A “Ready” system is one where all the life safety knots are tied in advance, including the friction hitch. The system can be rigged and retrieved by only attaching our rigging line to the system using a small profile knot such as the Running Highwayman’s Hitch.
Maverick Hitch, Houdini Rigging
The following rope rigging technique is useful in SRT scenarios where the first branch in the tree can be used to get a throwball into, but is not trustworthy for a climb. See:
Stuck Throwball Recovery
If a throwball gets stuck, one way to get it down is a hitch climb. If you try to pull it down, be aware that the throwball can get dislodged and come at you hard causing injury. Protect yourself by pulling AROUND the base of an adjacent tree, ensuring that you are not in the line of pull.