Grooming a Climber

Come on mowerr we’re looking for some substance here
I learned on the job so most of my development happened there so I do agree to an extent. Problem is, like dsmc said that you need to be more specific.
You don't have to work for a tree crew or work overtime to become a very good climber but I do agree with what I think your trying to say.
Generally the guys who put in the most time/work are going to get better much sooner than those who don't...generally speaking, this applies to many things in life.
 
... If your looking to take the ten year path to proficiency sure work a forty and learn by osmosis. But if you want to fast track your progression you need to take your training into personal time

Not true. Learning by osmosis? Assuming the new climber is working with a quality company, there is no better or faster way to learn a trade than on the job, under the tutelage of a true professional.
 
Last edited:
All Great climbers have one thing in common. It’s a way of lifetime to them, and they live and breath this shit. It’s their identity. It is who they are. Sure they put in their 40 hours a week, but they also work on their craft away from the job. These are the type of individuals that are worth taking the time to raise up right, and the only ones I bother fucking with these days.
 
Last edited:
Not true. Learning by osmosis? Assuming the new climber is working with a quality company, there is no better or faster way to learn a trade than on the job, under the tutelage of a true professional.
I’m talking about the climber who thinks if he’s just there the knowledge will just magically enter his brain. Sure yea if we’re assuming every new climber has a seasoned vet to take him under his wing and dedicate each day to on the job training sure 40 hours is plenty of time. But the fact is the majority of the industry doesn’t have this ratio of trainer/ trainee going around. So In reality you can get tips, watch, discuss, ask and listen to people with more experience but it’s up to every individual climber to come up with their own consistent thought process for success. And the more free time they spend to master their craft the faster they will get where they want to go
 
I've known some great climbers who did not identify with the work, it is possible. Not all people need to spend their time off trying to improve. Skills and knowledge come easier to some while others try really hard and never get to be as good as the natural.
 
I've known some great climbers who did not identify with the work, it is possible. Not all people need to spend their time off trying to improve. Skills and knowledge come easier to some while others try really hard and never get to be as good as the natural.
I’m not sure what you consider a great climber, but when I hear that description I think of men like Mr. B, Reg, August, or Dave Coleman. You think they got by on their natural talent and good looks? You think they reached that level by putting in their 40 hours and clocking out? Bullshit! Natural ability, intelligence, hard work, good teachers, and a willingness to put in the extra effort and time to improve ones skill set. That’s what makes a great climber.
 
Okay, but I'd be surprised if you asked all the people you mentioned what is their identity and who they are they'd all say "tree climber" maybe but I doubt it.

I'm just pointing out that not everyone learns at the same pace, some try really hard for a long time and never become as good as others who put in less effort.

Natural ability, intelligence, hard work, good teachers, and a willingness to put in the extra effort and time to improve ones skill set. That’s what makes a great climber.
I agree with that but I don't think you need to take it on as a identity or persona to be great at something.
 
I think @rico is right in what he is saying.
To be truly good at being a climber/arborist, you have to be extremely passionate about the job.

Not everyone works in a place where there are great climbers to learn from, so in order to get better one must use their spare time out of work to reasearch, practice, read, study etc.

Where I first worked we had some ok climbers, within 12 months I was at there level and had no one to teach me anything new, so I turned to the forums, books etc to continue my growth as a climber
 
I think the same mentality goes for tree work in general.
To be any good at your chosen role be it a groundie, tower operator, climber you have to want to do it.
When I interview people for a job, they could be the smartest, hardest worker around, yet if they don’t really want to be in the tree industry they won’t be getting a job.
I would rather employ a one legged dumbarse who can’t spell his own name who is passionate about saws or trees or climbing etc
 
I’m not sure what you consider a great climber, but when I hear that description I think of men like Mr. B, Reg, August, or Dave Coleman. You think they got by on their natural talent and good looks? You think they reached that level by putting in their 40 hours and clocking out? Bullshit! Natural ability, intelligence, hard work, good teachers, and a willingness to put in the extra effort and time to improve ones skill set. That’s what makes a great climber.
Bahh, I think you're over glamorizing tree work here. It's not as complicated as tree guys would like to make people think. You don't need more than full time gig to get really fucking good at this shit. Tree guys thinking they are doing god's work are a dime a dozen.
 
Bahh, I think you're over glamorizing tree work here. It's not as complicated as tree guys would like to make people think. You don't need more than full time gig to get really fucking good at this shit. Tree guys thinking they are doing god's work are a dime a dozen.
There are also lots of tree guys who do this full time that really aren't very good at all. I know plenty (yet they are still honest, good people) It all depends on your mindset and intention. Depends if you really desire to flourish or only looking to take home the check. There is a difference in my eyes. And I don't shame anyone who just wants the check either. Different strokes for different folks...all good.
 

New threads New posts

Back
Top Bottom