I think a new climber doesn't use those safety opportunities because they are just that, new. It takes some time to digest the teachings and habitually put them into practice in the tree. Sort of like new drivers. They're a trainwreck. With time they become fluent in automatically incorporating...
The more I think about it, the more comes back to me. That tree that I swatted the wire down with was a favor. I was both in pain, and working for free. I can't remember offhand who milked me for that favor.
I gaffed out of a creosote treated utility pole once. It was the only time I ever climbed a pole and damn did it mess me up. Old pole. All splintery and rough. I bear hugged it just about to the ground and then felt pain that I wish on no one. Big splinters, a few 5 inches long and maybe a half...
Yes, I'm suggesting that you work the tree at a slightly different angle. Gaffs that are sharp(not over sharp) will kick out like a dull gaff if you are constantly moving or standing with them pointed straight downward. They ride straight downward through the wood that you are gaffed into. As...
Don't push or arch yourself. RELAX back into your saddle. Fatigue will hurt you faster then gaffing out. Try this. Set your lanyard so you can move up the tree like normal. Let another 2, 3inches of slack out. Do it consistently. Let me know if you kick out as much.
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