Climbing question....

[Gunther274]

Is there some kind of certification you folks have for climbing? Or is climbing all a self taught type of thing??? If it is self taught, how the heck do you learn??? I have done some tree cutting for profit, but only what I can reach from the ground, or with ladders. I would like to learn to climb, because it seems like I could do alot more without getting expensive equipment like a truck.

 

[RacerX]

I'm self taught with a bunch of pointers from a professional Arborist who lives around the corner and stops in when I'm rec climbing in front of my house.

IMO cutting with a ladder can be more dangerous than being in the tree. I should know I fell off of one cutting a tree down when I was a kid. Luckily I was not seriously injured after falling 15' onto a concrete sidewalk.

You should start with the excellent book the Tree Climbers Companion. It spells out many of the basics, and other stuff that can get you off of the ground without getting hurt. In the beginning keep it simple and low. Master your techniques only a few feet off of the ground.

 

[pdqdl]

I did an informal poll a while back. It turns out that some are formally trained, most are mostly taught by someone more experienced, and a fair number of use learned cold turkey.

I am in the learn without training camp. I don't recommend it; getting some schooling seems like a better plan.

 

[Defender]

Definatly get the book "The Tree Climbers Companion" . It gives you a great introduction to the basics. Then work with someone that knows what they are doing.