New climber lost his nerve

I think every climber has had stage fright at time or two. Two days ago I was removing a double lead Black walnut. At 55' heard a moan and creak from the tree and just froze for a couple, asked the groundie if he saw any cracks that formed or anything he said nope and had the restart the brain to go higher.
I can remember when I first started climbing, I had an old production arb. blanting at me to higher do this do that. Most of my climbs where scetchy. Not until I met another arb. that cared to take his time say hey meet me here on the off time and teach me, the one thing that I really took away from him in knowledge was most everything is a mental game. You want to go higher dig in deep and one step at a time go higher hang a bit and enjoy and go higher again till you find yourself at the top. Take him on some rec climbs, sounds like he has potential,and honesty is the start of a good climber.
 
It would be best for him to get back into a tree even if he's going back to ground work. If he doesn't then he'll have to revisit the fear in the future where it has really entrenched itself. Has he talked about what went on?

My high school electricity teacher said don't fear something, have respect for the danger it presents. This way you'll react with a rational response vs. the fight or flight ignited by fear.

This first really sketchy tree I removed was a lesson in the process. No pressure to go any faster than I felt I could, Recognizing the boss wouldn't have anyone climb a tree he didn't feel was safe enough for the approach we would be undertaking. Seeing that my fears were rooted in unknowns, I assessed them and took action to clarify it all. At the end, slow steady approach and building confidence from the knowledge gained with each step, tie-in and cut.

This is not a job that you just sleepwalk through. Total awareness and a deep respect for the risks and dangers gets us through the day and home safely at night.
 
I had a great conversation with him and worked on some of the stuff that was renting space in his head.
Had him limb a cedar (30') and practice bypass cuts on the way down. He did GREAT.
One on one was the way to go. He felt removed from having the crews eyes on him.
He has read all the posts and feels there is a genuine brotherhood in this business. I couldn't agree with him more.
Thank you all.
 
That is a happy ending if I ever heard one before. Actree one on one training can never be beat in any profession. Glad the dude is climbing again and hopes he learns to handle the fear which will probably rear it's ugly head again sometime in his career. Climb Safe.
smile.gif
 
We have a good backlog of nice climbing trees, all in the 30-45' range. We are going to take a ride around tomorrow and check them out. Give him the chance to assess and make a plan. It will be good to here what he sees and add in when need be.
One tree at a time and learn from each one.
 
Couldn't agree more regardless the chest thumping and head butting that comes with this profession this is definitely a brotherhood! No matter how irritated we get with each other it doesn't matter once ones feet leave the ground. I hope he stays motivated to learn and reap the rewards of the best job on earth!
 
Another tree company.
I learned a few things through all this. Can't ever blame a guy if they want to better themselves.
The show will go on regardless.
 
Our equipment is great and well maintained. Our guys are straight up good people. The pay was good.
The problem may be with my way of thinking. I love the art of arborculture and have swore never to become a production company. I know cranes, trucks and 25 people working appeals to others, just not me. I realize a young guy can see all those things and want to be part of it.
To answer the question of what I would do differently, probably nothing. Anyone we have ever worked with has been treated with respect. We don't cut corners and we won't work unsafe. Every person is spoken to the way I like to be spoken to. There is never a bad time to talk about concerns or new ideas.
What I need to work on is my opinion about safety and how long of a work day we work.
 
[ QUOTE ]

What I need to work on is my opinion about safety and how long of a work day we work.

[/ QUOTE ]

What kind of hours were you working? What do you mean "opinion about safety"?

Was there an issue that the young climber had?
 
For what it's worth Cush if I did not own my own business and was looking for a job I would like to work for a guy like you but I ain't as nice, I am a bit fiery. Sorry to hear dude went but each is responsible for their own welfare, seems like you wished him the best which is the way to go. Another will come along.
smile.gif
 
Thanks for this thread everyone. I'm not a new climber, but relatively new compared to a lot of folks on here...a long road of learning ahead of me...

Just thought I'd re-mention a tip that RopeShield brought up in a thread several months ago, maybe last summer, that I've found very helpful...

and that is that sometimes, for some people, saying out loud to yourself the tasks that you are doing at height might help the heart rate drop, the muscles relax, the breathing settle...might help you work slower, smoother, faster?

For instance, I find it helpful to talk myself through certain tasks like resetting my climbing line, climbing alternate lanyard technique, changing over systems (say from secured footlock to DdRT), where there is a lot of clicking of biners, switching of ropes, tying of knots, all while aloft. Also when setting up rigging and thinking through rope angles, the path of the pieces when it is cut loose.

For me, at least, verbalizing out loud helps bring my prior training and work experiences to the forefront of my mind and widens my mental awareness of all the factors I need to consider to do the job safely and effectively.

It also makes me look a little loony.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Well....speachless!!!! Just got his 2 weeks notice. Greener pastures with another company.

[/ QUOTE ]

Lol. Ever think that posting the poor bloke's shortcomings on a professional arborist website might tick him off a bit?

jomoco
 
jomoco, it wasn't intended that way. I was hoping to get what I did, and that is opinion how to help him through it. We actually read the replies together and tried to work through it.
When he gave his notice, my first reply to him was that I was proud of him and the door is open if things don't work out.
All I am is what I am and certainly don't know it all. Was just looking to help him out when I couldn't come up with the answers.
 
[ QUOTE ]

For instance, I find it helpful to talk myself through certain tasks like resetting my climbing line, climbing alternate lanyard technique, changing over systems (say from secured footlock to DdRT), where there is a lot of clicking of biners, switching of ropes, tying of knots, all while aloft. Also when setting up rigging and thinking through rope angles, the path of the pieces when it is cut loose.

For me, at least, verbalizing out loud helps bring my prior training and work experiences to the forefront of my mind and widens my mental awareness of all the factors I need to consider to do the job safely and effectively.

It also makes me look a little loony.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hah! Me too Robert. It's a very good technique for prompting as well as relaxing. I do it more with new kinds of rigging stuff now, trying to remember how things get put together and where everything ought to get tied. It's funny how it looks easy on the ground and different when you get up there. And I'm used to looking loony sometimes. People can giggle or roll their eyes if they want. I'll still get it done.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

New threads New posts

Back
Top Bottom