- Location
- Retired in Minneapolis
I use a portaledge with a rock climbing harness for sleeping. The single point suspension makes setting up a breeze. It takes much less spacein the tree, levels out in seconds and is flat.
Rec climbing
- Thread starter Tom Dunlap
- Start date
- Location
- Minneapolis
I use an econoledge from Fish Products. I tried a hammock but found it difficult to find the right limb arrangement. I was expending a fair amount of effort getting it in and out of my trees. You can hang the ledge from any suitable limb. It's also easy to hang close to the ground so a new climber can have fun getting in and out. Fish makes a double but it gets pricey. I think I'll buy my wife her own since she's usually in mine which leaves me to send up coffee. I need to check out the rock harnesses.
- Location
- Minneapolis
[ QUOTE ]
The catalog will be called Ascend from Sherrill Arborist Supplies.
When the catalog hits the mailboxes it will bring the fun that we all know about to more of the masses.
[/ QUOTE ]
I wonder how many catalogs are going out and what they used for a mailing list. Don't know, but I can think of a few hooligans in my neighborhood that I wouldn't want climbing the oaks. What fun they'd have with a saw up there! In reality, I think rec climbing will continue to attract quality people who know something about the trees they're climbing. But if it takes on "fad status" there will be a lot of educating to do. It will be interesting to see how Sherrill did the catalog.
The catalog will be called Ascend from Sherrill Arborist Supplies.
When the catalog hits the mailboxes it will bring the fun that we all know about to more of the masses.
[/ QUOTE ]
I wonder how many catalogs are going out and what they used for a mailing list. Don't know, but I can think of a few hooligans in my neighborhood that I wouldn't want climbing the oaks. What fun they'd have with a saw up there! In reality, I think rec climbing will continue to attract quality people who know something about the trees they're climbing. But if it takes on "fad status" there will be a lot of educating to do. It will be interesting to see how Sherrill did the catalog.
Gerald_Beranek
New member
- Location
- Ft. Bragg, Ca.
I've seen the catalog. It's very well done and most certainly touts rec-climbing as a new wave way to connect with nature.
While that climb was going on at the caves there was another happening on the Eel River in Mendocino County. About twenty climbers on that one. Ten years ago you never heard of such a thing. Yes, it is becoming popular. I get requests from people more and more to take them for a climb in the redwoods.
There's a Sitka spruce here that I haven been taking people to for over 20 years. A beautiful stately tree. This year alone 5 new people entered it. In fact, I made a video about the tree. Called the "Giant Spruce" The video is about the tree alright, but it's about the people too and how they connect with the spruce. Lot's of smiles.
Just east of town there was a big douglas fir we climbed for years. Unfortunately it blew down in a storm in 95, but before it did I recall some issues being brought up about our activities and impact on that tree. I knew the tree was destin to meet it's enevitable fate and the issue of impact on it wasn't really a concern to me. It was a very old and well developed tree, beautiful massive crown to climb through and rotten from stem to stern. It hung precariously over the Noyo River canyon. Oh, what a view for the top of that tree. Climbers could never hurt that tree.
Now the other side of that equation. There's a lot of big trees around here that are not necessarily so old for their size. Their still growing-developing and have tender tops and thin bark. I've seen a lot of climbers monkeying around in those young tops snapping limbs just to get as high as they can in the tree. It doesn't take too many acts like that to pernamently alter the development of such a top. I don't know why people got to do it, but they do.
Another thing is, and you can quote me on this, most of the people that come out here to rec-climb target the champion trees. The ones with the plaques saying they are the biggest or the tallest of their species. Ah, yes, the human condition to conquer the highest mountain.
I know it well because I targeted the tallest tree back in the mid-70s. And since then many others have too. The tall tree in redwood creek still has petons driven in it. That certainly doesn't fit the new wave today of entering and enjoying our trees. I started out old school in the early 70s, yes, spur and flipline, and grew into new school. In spite of my evolving towards acceptable methods of entry over the years I still recieve flak for my old practices of the past. Oh, I'll never live that down.
I've seen this recreational tree climbing evolve from just a couple of climbers in the early 70's who hiked into the woods to find a dandy to climb into groups and organized events today. Yeah, it's catching on alright. In the right direction for the most part, I feel. No doubt it's going through growing pains and will leave much room for arugment and debate. Lots to think and talk about.
Enjoy your trees, Jerry B
While that climb was going on at the caves there was another happening on the Eel River in Mendocino County. About twenty climbers on that one. Ten years ago you never heard of such a thing. Yes, it is becoming popular. I get requests from people more and more to take them for a climb in the redwoods.
There's a Sitka spruce here that I haven been taking people to for over 20 years. A beautiful stately tree. This year alone 5 new people entered it. In fact, I made a video about the tree. Called the "Giant Spruce" The video is about the tree alright, but it's about the people too and how they connect with the spruce. Lot's of smiles.
Just east of town there was a big douglas fir we climbed for years. Unfortunately it blew down in a storm in 95, but before it did I recall some issues being brought up about our activities and impact on that tree. I knew the tree was destin to meet it's enevitable fate and the issue of impact on it wasn't really a concern to me. It was a very old and well developed tree, beautiful massive crown to climb through and rotten from stem to stern. It hung precariously over the Noyo River canyon. Oh, what a view for the top of that tree. Climbers could never hurt that tree.
Now the other side of that equation. There's a lot of big trees around here that are not necessarily so old for their size. Their still growing-developing and have tender tops and thin bark. I've seen a lot of climbers monkeying around in those young tops snapping limbs just to get as high as they can in the tree. It doesn't take too many acts like that to pernamently alter the development of such a top. I don't know why people got to do it, but they do.
Another thing is, and you can quote me on this, most of the people that come out here to rec-climb target the champion trees. The ones with the plaques saying they are the biggest or the tallest of their species. Ah, yes, the human condition to conquer the highest mountain.
I know it well because I targeted the tallest tree back in the mid-70s. And since then many others have too. The tall tree in redwood creek still has petons driven in it. That certainly doesn't fit the new wave today of entering and enjoying our trees. I started out old school in the early 70s, yes, spur and flipline, and grew into new school. In spite of my evolving towards acceptable methods of entry over the years I still recieve flak for my old practices of the past. Oh, I'll never live that down.
I've seen this recreational tree climbing evolve from just a couple of climbers in the early 70's who hiked into the woods to find a dandy to climb into groups and organized events today. Yeah, it's catching on alright. In the right direction for the most part, I feel. No doubt it's going through growing pains and will leave much room for arugment and debate. Lots to think and talk about.
Enjoy your trees, Jerry B
- Location
- Seattle, WA
Hello all...might be a first post ever for me.
I was with Tom D down in southern OR for the rec rendezvous.
Like Gerry I have been climbing trees for fun (as an adult) since the early 70's. Not always giant trees in the forest but often favorites that were convienient that I visited regularly for years. Although I was spending a lot of time on spurs at that time, often in very large trees, we usually climbed for fun without gear. When it got too freaky we used our rock ropes and protected the leader as if on a cliff. Never had a leader fall as we were all afraid of getting gored by a stub. We used direct aid when we got scared.
Some of "my trees" became known to freinds and got climbed often for a while. I found that it was easy to tell if there had been a lot of traffic but agree with Gerry that it would be hard to do real long term harm to the tree itself...but possible. I think damage to a tree ecosystem might be a different matter as the canopy researchers say they are fragile.
I was not surprised at the impact of the climbers at the rendevous...spread over about 10 trees...the camping trees had the most impact to epiphytes...the tree boats disturbed more than the single point ledges....more people and rope in the tree = more disturbance. We also had an impact on other folks on the popular trail that ran through the grove of trees we climbed.
One of my worries is that the "peak bagging" mentality that Gerry alluded to will get folks in trouble and bring bad juju to the rec climbing idea. My opinion is that unless you are helping with research or have a good reason to climb the biggest x y or z tree stay away from them!
Gerry has told me for years that there are a still lot of big trees out there...there are plenty of cool trees to explore that are off the beaten path.
Nuff said for now. Scottdb
I was with Tom D down in southern OR for the rec rendezvous.
Like Gerry I have been climbing trees for fun (as an adult) since the early 70's. Not always giant trees in the forest but often favorites that were convienient that I visited regularly for years. Although I was spending a lot of time on spurs at that time, often in very large trees, we usually climbed for fun without gear. When it got too freaky we used our rock ropes and protected the leader as if on a cliff. Never had a leader fall as we were all afraid of getting gored by a stub. We used direct aid when we got scared.
Some of "my trees" became known to freinds and got climbed often for a while. I found that it was easy to tell if there had been a lot of traffic but agree with Gerry that it would be hard to do real long term harm to the tree itself...but possible. I think damage to a tree ecosystem might be a different matter as the canopy researchers say they are fragile.
I was not surprised at the impact of the climbers at the rendevous...spread over about 10 trees...the camping trees had the most impact to epiphytes...the tree boats disturbed more than the single point ledges....more people and rope in the tree = more disturbance. We also had an impact on other folks on the popular trail that ran through the grove of trees we climbed.
One of my worries is that the "peak bagging" mentality that Gerry alluded to will get folks in trouble and bring bad juju to the rec climbing idea. My opinion is that unless you are helping with research or have a good reason to climb the biggest x y or z tree stay away from them!
Gerry has told me for years that there are a still lot of big trees out there...there are plenty of cool trees to explore that are off the beaten path.
Nuff said for now. Scottdb
wow such a lot of valuable input, thanks to all you guys i now have several different types of sleeping systems to check out and as always climbing with INTEGRITY is always a must thanks for all your input.
Gerald_Beranek
New member
- Location
- Ft. Bragg, Ca.
Thank you, Scott. Hope I see you in Columbus. This is a good thread and one that I'm sure will be continued for years to come.
Jerry B
Jerry B
allmark
Participating member
That was the climbin northern Ca. 2 people would be tough I would think in a tree boat.
Lots of reports of past events, so here's an announcement of a climb that is going to be happening next week in conjunction with the World Treehouse Convention.
It will be at Out 'N' About, a private Treesort in the southwest corner of Oregon. It is just a few miles southwest of Oregon Caves National Monument.
Information & registration is at: World Treehouse Conference
Ox
It will be at Out 'N' About, a private Treesort in the southwest corner of Oregon. It is just a few miles southwest of Oregon Caves National Monument.
Information & registration is at: World Treehouse Conference
Ox
- Location
- Minneapolis
Got my Sherrill rec catalog today. Had myself a sit in my screen tent after work. Nicely done. Reminds of the West Marine catalog in terms of information content.
Just wanted to comment on the "Giant Spruce" video. It's a great story of the Sitka Spruce in Jughandle Creek, south of Fort Bragg.
This tree is a common thread in the lives of many climbers who have had the benefit of Jerry's guidance. Thanks for showing us the way.
This extra large specimen is in great condition, and the video tells many facts about the species characteristics and role in the ecosystem. What a coincidence that Tree Services magazine also picked spruce for it's species profile this month. They didn't go into detail about Sitka, however.
This tree is a common thread in the lives of many climbers who have had the benefit of Jerry's guidance. Thanks for showing us the way.
This extra large specimen is in great condition, and the video tells many facts about the species characteristics and role in the ecosystem. What a coincidence that Tree Services magazine also picked spruce for it's species profile this month. They didn't go into detail about Sitka, however.
- Location
- Home of the New Jersey Devils
Wlecome Scott! That climb sounded really great, but I couldn't get there with you all.
Jerry's video of the spruce is amazing. I am grateful that you sent that to me Jerry. I love those videos from Jerry. I get a lot of tree-visitors at my house who always seem to ask "got any cool videos?" Well, let's just say that hours go by after that. /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Jerry's video of the spruce is amazing. I am grateful that you sent that to me Jerry. I love those videos from Jerry. I get a lot of tree-visitors at my house who always seem to ask "got any cool videos?" Well, let's just say that hours go by after that. /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif
- Location
- Atlanta, Georgia, USA
It is yet to be seen how far a jump recreational tree climbing will go forward with the Sherrill Recreational catalog. There has been a steady growth of recreational tree climbers for sure, but it is far away from “mainstream acceptance” as of now.
The slow growth has been a good thing. It has given TCI and other rec. tree climbing schools time to refine teaching standards and practices without dealing with mobs of people (inexperienced at that) making a bad name for us in the forest and parks.
This is not to say more work is ahead of us in the recreational arena. As the numbers of participants grow, so does the impact on the trees and forests. That is why a more directed conversation is taking place on the TCI message board. TCI has discontinued the mandatory $20 membership cost to participate on the board, so now would be a good time to add your input into the discussion if you are interested.
The two main areas of discussion are: 1. Climbing ethics (not hurting the trees and environment) 2. Accepted climbing practices (not killing or hurting ourselves).
I will be watching this thread here and commenting occasionally. Most of my attention will be at the TCI message board where the discussions are taking place. Please visit the TCI board, if for nothing else to hear what is being said. www.treeclimbing.com
I have not been to this board in a long time. Hello, Jerry B., Mark, Tom, Scott, and the TCI regulars that keep our message board active and informed. Good to read what you have to say here.
Your waving from a treetop,
Peter Treeman Jenkins
The slow growth has been a good thing. It has given TCI and other rec. tree climbing schools time to refine teaching standards and practices without dealing with mobs of people (inexperienced at that) making a bad name for us in the forest and parks.
This is not to say more work is ahead of us in the recreational arena. As the numbers of participants grow, so does the impact on the trees and forests. That is why a more directed conversation is taking place on the TCI message board. TCI has discontinued the mandatory $20 membership cost to participate on the board, so now would be a good time to add your input into the discussion if you are interested.
The two main areas of discussion are: 1. Climbing ethics (not hurting the trees and environment) 2. Accepted climbing practices (not killing or hurting ourselves).
I will be watching this thread here and commenting occasionally. Most of my attention will be at the TCI message board where the discussions are taking place. Please visit the TCI board, if for nothing else to hear what is being said. www.treeclimbing.com
I have not been to this board in a long time. Hello, Jerry B., Mark, Tom, Scott, and the TCI regulars that keep our message board active and informed. Good to read what you have to say here.
Your waving from a treetop,
Peter Treeman Jenkins
- Location
- Retired in Minneapolis
Good to see you here Peter!
- Location
- Victoria , B.C.
Hey Nick, if you are still around, i have a question for you. What line and throwball did you use to get up to 150' on your big shot. I have 1.75 mm zingit and a 14 oz throwball and i can just make around 110'. A few extra feet would make a huge difference.
thanks
Gareth
thanks
Gareth
- Location
- healdsburg, CA
Here in CA. shooting up into the Redwoods a 8 oz. bag often does'nt want to come back down, even with the 1.75 zing it.
I use the 10 oz. and have to work it down gently. I cant imagine using a heavier bag than the 10 oz. to go over 100'. You usually have to stand back a bit from the tree to make those longer shots and that increases the distance as well a the force needed to power the bag on an arching curve up into the tree. Standing right below the branch means you have to shoot the bag nearly vertical and that can take a lot of force as well.
I use a 6' Jamison foam filled pole w/ a 3' extension ( these are the only poles that dont flex so much) and pull the bag to about 4" from the bottom using a one way locking pulley system and quick release. Still pretty hit and miss using the zing it to go much over 120'.
Going over to fishing line increases the heights by a whole other factor but the damm line gets tangled very easily so I usually avoid using it.
I have heard so many people talk about the incredible heights they shoot but on these Rec. climbs in the Redwoods I dont see those shots being made too often.
frans
I use the 10 oz. and have to work it down gently. I cant imagine using a heavier bag than the 10 oz. to go over 100'. You usually have to stand back a bit from the tree to make those longer shots and that increases the distance as well a the force needed to power the bag on an arching curve up into the tree. Standing right below the branch means you have to shoot the bag nearly vertical and that can take a lot of force as well.
I use a 6' Jamison foam filled pole w/ a 3' extension ( these are the only poles that dont flex so much) and pull the bag to about 4" from the bottom using a one way locking pulley system and quick release. Still pretty hit and miss using the zing it to go much over 120'.
Going over to fishing line increases the heights by a whole other factor but the damm line gets tangled very easily so I usually avoid using it.
I have heard so many people talk about the incredible heights they shoot but on these Rec. climbs in the Redwoods I dont see those shots being made too often.
frans
- Location
- Retired in Minneapolis
It seems like Nick is off-line now. I'll have to burst his bubble 
The shot that he made was from a hillside into a tree lower down the slope. The slope gained him 20' at least. The set that he finally made was a nice one.
A trick that I learned about using fishing line, but haven't tested, is to pay out a few feet of line from the reel before shooting. It allows the bag to start running before it pulls the line off the reel. This seems to reduce the snatch effect of pulling line so hard off the reel.
The shot that he made was from a hillside into a tree lower down the slope. The slope gained him 20' at least. The set that he finally made was a nice one. A trick that I learned about using fishing line, but haven't tested, is to pay out a few feet of line from the reel before shooting. It allows the bag to start running before it pulls the line off the reel. This seems to reduce the snatch effect of pulling line so hard off the reel.
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KBNest -Midline Attachable SRS Canopy Anchor.
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