New climber/Gear/Tips/Help

[Guzzo]

Hi, I am Joey. I am 18. I have limited experiance to climbing, i can throw on some spikes and run up a tree. that is only because my uncle is a foremon for davey tree, And taught me that much. But i recently applied as asplundh. And the regional manager called me and told me that even with my little experiance. He will still hire me, And test my skills. (noy in those terms). But did say within the first week would let me show my climbing abilities. I can climb. My problem is i have no vclue about what gear, How to tie all these knots, I know the Blake's Hitch. But i really want to learn.

So what i am asking is, From you professionals. What knots do i need to learn asap? What gear do i need (I have looked at a couple sets). "just do not know exactly what i need to rope a tree, And spike aswell at times. I am pretty poor, And don't have a big budget. I mean between(200 bucks preferably. I am buying this gear just for at home use, to practice and train, And learn(under a master climber supervision of course). But was told i had tro get my own gear. I dont really care if the gear is used, If it is crap (as long as it will work for training purposes only, And wont kill me).

What are some knots that i basically need? If anyone has any spare gear that would fit me i wear a 36, And spikes and ropes and like a little set. Please do Contact me by email.
[email protected]

If i have missed anything please do let me know.

 

[RacerX]

Well to start you should buy this book:

Tree Climbing Technique Books

It's $16.00 and covers a lot of the basics, including gear and knots. Get yourself a few catalogs, many are loaded with illustrations and tips, Sherrill Tree or Wesspur for example.

As far as 200 bucks worth of gear you'll probably have to get some used stuff from E-bay. This is a list of the minimum gear you'll need to safely get off of the ground:
1-Saddle
2-Climbing Rope
3-Flip Line (complete setup with prusik)
4-One Carabiner

Forget about climbing spikes for now. They should only be used on a tree that's slated for removal so practicing on a healthy tree is NG.

 

[Guzzo]

Thank you, I am under the impression that i will be doing a lot of line trimming, And that consists or spiking a tree mostly doesnt it? and i believe some Trimming.

Edit: I have been looking at saddles, And i see some for 50, But they look like they are rock climbing or something like that. Is there any difference in saddles, Rock climbing/mountain?

I do know pole climbing is different. I want to get the spikes aswell, just to practice on those for needed situations.

Is buying used gear ok to do? thats about all i can afford right now.

I just bidd'd on that book. Thank you.

 

[Brian13]

Unless the you are removing the tree, you probably wont be using spikes. I am in the same boat as you, just getting started learning. And so far I have about 400$ in my gear. Harness and spikes I got used off of ebay, and the rope, flipline, and caribeeners I got new. I am sure most will agree any rope item is best bought new. And there is a pretty big difference in a rock climbing harness and a tree climbing harness.

The Tree Climbers Companion is an excellent book to get. I have read it cover to cover about twice and need to read it again. It has most of the knots you would ever need to know with diagrams of how to tie them.

Where in Florida are you?

 

[Guzzo]

i am in lehigh acres. Near fort myers. You around? like i said im really poor right now and am on a tight budget. so if possible i wanna get a cheap little set that will set me up in a tree safe. the spikes i would most probably use clearing line, or in needed situation, i want to get familiar with all aspects.

 

[Brian13]

I think I am about 1.5-2hrs north of you. I understand the budget, I still want to get more gear but cant afford it just yet. For any ropes though it is worth it to wait until you can buy new. Harnesses and spikes are easy enough to find used, but I dont think you would need the spikes that much. Look through Wespur, Sherrill, Baileys and some of the other sponsors links and look through their gear. It may not hurt to check out a couple of local saw shops to see if they have any climbing gear so you can see it first hand. If you keep an eye out on ebay, good deals on harnesses and spikes do come up if your patient.

 

[Guzzo]

I used my uncles harness but i am not quite sure brand or what not, i am going to have to call him up. But i have no problems with hand-me-downs and used stuff, i am patient. all will come i figure. but i have to meet with the regional manager of asplundh soon, and i want to know something before i go talking like a fool, and climbing the wrong way.

 

[Brian13]

Buckingham and Weaver are two popular brands of harnesses. My best advice to you would be read the Tree Climbers Companion several times. Save up for the best gear you can afford. And when you talk to the Asplundh guy, be honest on what you know and dont know. Climbing trees is one thing, running a saw while tied to a tree is another thing, and running a saw while tied to a tree near power lines is a whole different thing. And thats not a good time to learn. Start with dragging brush and prove your are worth being taught to climb, learn what you can on your own and pay close attention to the climbers you would be working with. Its not worth getting hurt or killed because of trying to rush getting into climbing.

 

[Guzzo]

Yea, i understand that. I don't want to rush. I figure cutting while still in a tree is hard. My uncle pointed out that when he does my climbing test, to use a handsaw. That seems smart, my only problem is that I learn hands-on. And generally hang a good idea in this line of work. I just need to learn knotting, roping, and cutting. The climbing part I feel comfortable with enough just need more practice.

 

[TreeAce]

Personally , I would go easy on buying things used online. Just get a job with Aspluhn and start workin! It will come in time. Chip some brush and pay attention to the older guys. Be careful here to...some will show u bad habits. Read the Tree Climbers Companion. Good luck and let us know how it goes. I will shoot u some rep :msp_smile:

 

[Konner]

I work as a line clearance tree trimmer, and usualy with no experience you will start out on the ground learning knots, chipping brush, cutting up big leads. Unless you have been told your starting out as a trimmer, this is more than likely what will happen. I think taking lessons at home under a journeymans supervision is a good idea, and once you get your trim spot you will have plenty of on the job training. Stay busy, watch and learn, and dont be afraid to ask questions. Good luck

 

[ropensaddle]

They will issue you gear, don't fret buying but as others said; get the book and study it.