Throwline techniques for tree work

last updated 28 July 2020

Situations for using throwlines:

Doing tree work
Climbing for pruning/thinning
Controling the direction of fall when cutting a tree down.
Breaking off small dead limbs.
Suspend food from tree limbs while camping in bear country.
Note: This technique is falling out of favor in place of using hard-sided canisters.
Throwing lines to people for water rescue.
Throwing a line across a river
see Line Crossings Training Material | DC Rescue

There are several techniques

Tossing a weight over the tree
Big Shot Sling shot. $160
Air-Powered Tree Access (APTA) $200
Fishing pole for a good caster

Equipment:
Throw Weight:

The throw weight is a "beanbag" ranging from 6 to 16 ounces in weight. About $10
The throw line is a 1.25mm to 3mm polypropylene or dynema line, which is usually 150 feet long. A skilled climber can lob such a line over a branch 70 feet high. Use an 8-10 ounce throw weight for the thinner throw lines (1.25-2.25mm) (parachute cord is 3 mm). Use a 12-16 ounce throwbag for trees with rough or flaky bark. Make sure the throw bag has a loop sewn in the bottom. That little loop gives you more options for throwline placement.

Links:
Throwline The throw weight is a "beanbag" ranging from 6 to 16 ounces in weight.

Throwing cube or bag to hold the line. $25

Tossing Techniques:
Tree Climbing: Getting the Rope in the Tree - Tossing | CornellTreeClimbing
Getting the Rope Up Into the Tree | Terry Hale - The Weekend Woodsman

Attaching a heavy line to the throw line.

See Getting the Rope Up Into the Tree | Terry Hale - The Weekend Woodsman

Links:
Line Placement Gear - Tree Climbers International
Westech Rigging Supply - Rigging Equipment, Rigging Hardware, Tree Gear & Logging Supplies
How to Stuff a Rescue Throw Bag - YouTube