Learning to climb..?

[Gunther274]

I realize this is probably asked alot, and I dont know if this is the right place to ask, but here goes anyway.

How did you learn to climb? How does one go about learning to climb from scratch, IE me knows nothing about it, would like to learn it, and Im wondering how to go about it... Cant seem to find many or any classes..

Thanks!

 

[Tree Pig]

You are going to get a few different opinions on this one. opcorn:

But, for what its worth I think its all going to boil down to few main points.

1. Find someone locally that is willing to teach you hands on. Either by working for them as a ground person, rake man what ever until you work your way up. Or offer to pay a respected climber for teaching you. (this is the best option if you can find a good knowledgeable safe instructor that is willing to help)

2. Read. Tree climbers guide, tree climbers companion are a good place to start.

3. Scroll down to Aroborist101 forum. Start spending time in there. Read, ask questions learn.

2 and 3 should coincide with some help from an experienced climber.



Get comfortable and safe in a tree before you even think about doing any cutting up there.

I think you will find that tree people in general are willing to share their knowledge you just have to ask politely, be humble, listen to what you are told and be willing to offer something in exchange for the knowledge IE money, work or other services that will benefit the teacher.

 

[capecodtree]

climbing

go to work for a large tree company. large tree companies will train you in climbing, safety, rescue, first aid, etc. ignore the bs and focus on advancing your ability to be a good all around tree guy. Bartlett tree trained me, gave me the fundamentals to start my own company 13 years ago. good luck, jim

 

[brookpederson]

You are going to get a few different opinions on this one. opcorn:

But, for what its worth I think its all going to boil down to few main points.

1. Find someone locally that is willing to teach you hands on. Either by working for them as a ground person, rake man what ever until you work your way up. Or offer to pay a respected climber for teaching you. (this is the best option if you can find a good knowledgeable safe instructor that is willing to help)


2. Read. Tree climbers guide, tree climbers companion are a good place to start.

3. Scroll down to Aroborist101 forum. Start spending time in there. Read, ask questions learn.

2 and 3 should coincide with some help from an experienced climber.


Get comfortable and safe in a tree before you even think about doing any cutting up there.

I think you will find that tree people in general are willing to share their knowledge you just have to ask politely, be humble, listen to what you are told and be willing to offer something in exchange for the knowledge IE money, work or other services that will benefit the teacher.

Well said- sir - well said!!
Their are classes to be found you might have to drive though, I had to drive all the way to Cuyahoga falls, OH for basic and advanced arborist classes. That was 11 years ago though. I think the place was called A.C.R.T
The best classroom has been up in a tree though!!

 

[Bigus Termitius]

go to work for a large tree company. large tree companies will train you in climbing, safety, rescue, first aid, etc. ignore the bs and focus on advancing your ability to be a good all around tree guy. Bartlett tree trained me, gave me the fundamentals to start my own company 13 years ago. good luck, jim

Not bad advice, but why go large? Plenty of good small outfits that could give more one on one teaching. I know a few fairly large companies that I wouldn't advise working for. Not that there aren't some good people in some of them.

 

[sharkfin12us]

learn to climb

Work on the ground for at least a year.Pay attention to the climber how he handles each different situations.

 

[pdqdl]

Sometimes knowing how NOT to do something is as valuable as learning how.

Spend some time reading the threads in "Arboricultural injuries" and you gain many years of experience without any trips to the ER.

 

[capecodtree]

Not bad advice, but why go large? Plenty of good small outfits that could give more one on one teaching. I know a few fairly large companies that I wouldn't advise working for. Not that there aren't some good people in some of them.

I know what you are saying, it all depends on the people around you. I was fortunate to work out of the office that i did.