traveling around working in the US(from australia)

[aussie climber]

G'day. I was wandering if anyone could hepl me on a bit of query about traveling to the US and doing a bit of climbing. Where are the better places to look for a good paying with good conditions, do most employers there supply your gear? I have a fare bit of my own gear but it won't exactly fit in my suit case. And has anyone tried to ship over used gear? I wouldn't trust what ever sort of chemicals they might use on my gear as it might have a toll on the integrity on ropes and harness. I'm currently in asia and having a difficult time finding out reliable information. any advise would be a big help thanks

 

[sawn_penn]

Shipping chainsaws (or anything else that has had fuel in it) by air is a nightmare...

I think we paid something silly (silly like a grand?) to move a powerhead from Australia to New Zealand and back. It needed to to stripped and cleaned, empty spaces filled with soapy water, certified safe by an engineer, and shipped on its own pallet in the aircraft hold.

We only did this because:

1. The powerhead had a funny fitting and was used to power a core drill (3" rock sample drill)
2. (mainly) It was someone else's money.

 

[Nickrosis]

A lot of companies are well-equipped (over-equipped? ) with gas-powered things like chainsaws. You would probably want to bring your own saddle and whatever accessories you climb with like carabiners and eye-eye splices. Ropes are heavy and bulky, so you may be better off buying one here for $60.

What I mean is, you should bring whatever is very personal to you and don't worry about the rest because it's not worth it. Many companies will have a spare saddle, but is it something you would want to use? I'm not sure what your plan is, but it would be hard to find someone who would be very generous if you just showed up, planned to stay only for a little while, and wanted to use all of their stuff.

But no worries, mate! You would be better served with some of your equipment and a willing attitude to help wherever is needed, climbing if they have an opportunity for you, and building trust with them over a brief period of time. Some of the guys here might be interested in a recreational climb and perhaps something more serious and work related. I think in this industry like any other, it's all about building trust with a solid track record.

Good places? The redwoods... the Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington) have beautiful forests. You'll find trees across the country, but if you're able to, see the coasts if you can. Stay in between the coasts for a while to save money and get to know people. Bark twice if you're in Milwaukee.

 

[TimberMcPherson]

The US has so so so so so many cool places to explore, is one of my favourite places in the world. A couple of handy things to know are

NZ and Aus 10c peices work as quarters in some laundry machines, toll booths and vending machines. And kids love getting them as gifts.

When rating women from 1 to 10, your accent will enable you to jump 2 grades on the kind of women you can pick up from your normal browse.

Gear in the US is well priced, travel light-climbing gear that only gets used a few times but gets carried all the time is a pita.

Find someone you trust and give them copies of all your important documentation in a fed ex envelope. This way if you loose everything its only a phonecall and a day or two away (or less if they have a fax)

Keep a diary, write in it alot.

Stay away from the tourist trails

buy local clothing so you dont stick out like a tourist

If you cant find anyone that will hire you for money, offer to work for gear. They get the tax off, you get some good kit.

carry lots of pictures from home.

call your mum every now and then

 

[Stumper]

Ads already mentioned-It is easier to get new gearhere ratehr than try to ship things in. Is it true that Aussies will work for beer?

 

[jp hallman]

Reminds of the early 1980's. I was traveling in Australia and was doing there what you want to do here. I approached a few companies and was put to work. Was having a grand time! Last place I worked the Aussie cops showed up hauled my arse to the slammer. Later that evening somebody from the US Embassy showed up and told me my Visa had been revoked because American ciizens aren't allowed to take Australian jobs. I was carted to the nearest airport and shipped back to the states. Afterthought...Never did get paid for my last few days of work.
Anyway, good luck to you. If you end up in Oregon drop me a note. I know a few tree outfits that could always use another animal.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

I understand getting a work visa is a PITA, so look for companies that will work under the table or for room and board.

That is unless you've got the visa thing worked out. I understand it's hard if you donot have a company you are going to.

 

[clearance]

Maybe you could come to Canada, I hear all good terrorists start off here and then go south. Joking. Very good help from guys here, there is a lack of hardworking, dependable people around here, I am sure you would find something.

 

[dakota]

If find yourself near Milwaukee, Wisconsin I know someone looking for a contract climber. Thankless chores like pruning and removals - not much in the way of spectacular vistas except a bit along Lake Michigan. You ought to be able to make a bit of spending cash before heading off again.

You'll have to put some of our beer up against what you're used to - you may never go back.

 

[aussie climber]

thanks fellas

cheers for the tips mates
yeah aussies do work for a drop of the golden amber or two
I've been known to do a few jobs for a couple of cases now and then if yours is any good i just might stick around for a couple of years, depends on getting a work visa, don't want to draged off by the cops with out getting paid.haha
what the going rates for a climber with their own kit?