How to prepare?

rizzar08

rizzar08

Location
Columbus, Ohio
My first thread!!!

I've been working the past year being the groundman for a local arborist in Columbus, Ohio while recently dabbling in climbing with help from VIKING and MASTERARBOR. Although, I am getting deployed in the next few months...My question is...what can I do while overseas to prepare myself for climbing and treecare?? Any advice is welcome!!!

Oh, and i'll definitely be staying in shape but if there are certain workouts that help become a more productive climber, that would help also...
 
Welcome to the buzz....
Thank you for your service to our country.

First, come back safe!

I'm sure you'll be fit as a fiddle when you get back, so I'd suggest reading all you can about tree biology, the ANSI Z, tons of books on climbing, rescue, caving.... knots!
There's so much to learn, don't stop reading about arboriculture, and you'll be positioning yourself as best as you can be!

As far as exercises go... anything you can do to increase your core and hand strength is good.... I personally believe that flexibility is king.... so a strong yoga practice is my secret weapon! :-)

If you can get your hands on a little bit of gear, you can throw a friction saver and a rope over any girder in camp and practice... If they allow you that much personal gear?


Welcome! and Godspeed!
Yours in Trees,
Mark
 
Stretching and yoga type regimens would be great for the physical side. The climbing systems available these days don't require brute strength. Finesse and style will go further.

Stay in touch with us as much as you can when you're deployed. Good luck and be safe...there aren't many crafts more dangerous than arbo work. Mideast military deployments are though...assuming you're going to the Mideast.
 
Yoga eh? I'm not sure the Army has a routine for that...ha. I'll check it out though, maybe my wife will let me join in on one of her classes this month...maaaaaaaaybeeeeee.
 
You can learn a lot about tree care on this forum and, say, Arbtalk, the one in the UK, provided you spend your time in the topics with minimal BS.

Are you allowed to have at least one book?

If so, I'd recommend Alex Shigo / A New Tree Biology, even more so than, say, the ISA study manual. With Shigo's book you will begin to understand the trees, not just memorize the protocols.

Wish you the best, and thanks for your service. Our son just finished Marine Corps basic last month, and returned for more training. No idea what destination is in his future yet.

Again, seriously, if you have internet over there, there is a ton of wisdom in the arborist forums if you stay in the relevant topics.
 
I also thank you for your service.

Can't add much to the previous posts. I would only add that when you can get internet service and get on Treebuzz, feel fre to PM me or any of the folks on here. We'd all be glad to help answer questions and help you out.

Blessings, and return safe.
 
Check out this link: http://www.tacfitcommando.com/rope/

ignore the hype, although I find it amusing
grin.gif


These workouts are great. You only need about 20 foot of rope and something to hang it from. The main barrel of an M1 Abrams would do nicely.

Be safe, return in one piece, with all your pieces.

Tony
 
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