what you think

Kevin Staton

Kevin Staton

I've been ground man for same company for 4 years been doing all the roping last 2 years every morning me and the climber walk around tree and share ideals for best way to get it on the ground some times we use my ideals sometimes his .My question is im 36 years old never climbed before is it to late to learn how to climb?
 
I'm 46. Been climbing trees for 4 years. I came from framing houses. Very physical work with some free climbing.
Climbing trees is very hard work but you can learn to climb smart.
 
Thing is my boss 64 no kids I been round him my entire life he like a uncle to me he quitting it 2 years wants to let me take company over and being the person I am I want to be able to do every aspect of the job.Thats why I was wondering if I was to old to start climbing I been around it my entire life my dad climbed for years and he's one of the ones telling me I'm to old not to do it lol
 
Physical ability varies widely. How much have you cared for yor body? Do you keep strong and fit? Or just use and abuse it with no effort to heal and recover?
Go modern. Use your legs more than your arms. Haas.
 
Kevin, you are not too old unless you feel that way personally. Definitely go modern and use your legs. Good luck, stay safe.
 
In my humble opinion; grounded upon a career starting in 1994 (PT, FT in '97) and being only a year older than you -

Learn business.
Learn leadership.
Dabble in climbing.
Get the right people in the right seats on the bus.
 
I'm 61, not in great shape and started recreational climbing this spring. Obviously this is not as demanding as production climbing, but at 36, you're still young.

Mangoes laid out a good plan that I would follow. Use the next two years that you have to learn everything about running the business. Learn enough about climbing that you can do the job when necessary and so you know what you are asking of your future climber/s. It will also help you bid the jobs.
 
First climbed in my early 30s then after about 8 yrs out I came back to it at 43. I was not in great shape but did have the stamina. I quickly regained my conditioning. If you're planning on taking over the business then focus on that now as much as you can. It will make or break you.
 
Be sure if you decide to start climbing to pay attention to ergonomics in the tree. Much like weight lifting, you want to keep your elbows in and close when pulling yourself aloft. You will wear out your rotator cuff by cowboying up there. Get a foot ascender and learn how to footlock, using your feet will save your elbows and shoulders. Get hydrated before you work, and go slow and don't be afraid to try new stuff and find a new skill level.

And stay away from cut and chucking! Unless it is very small and manageable you will screw up your arms with this tactic. Learn to rig.
 
the weakest link will be discovered in this work. get to the gym and condition every part of your body so that link is not located by any movement working and injured. get all the best equipment and all the equipment necessary to do the job...usually found out on...here (Buzz and other forums). Then start low and slow with a mentor. this work is not nearly as dangerous as it used to be with current equipment and knowledge available. But you must find it as many live still in the stone ages. I know as I started climbing in 1969 and have bought any new equipment or bought into any new procedure everytime one comes out. I can cut and chuck all day looooong. Then I go to the gym. I am a dinosaur.

But if you are gonna be swayed by everyone's opinion and not strong enough of a person to decide to go for it...you likely are not meant for this work.
 
I do agree that if a business is what you seek then that should be the focus of your endeavors. Learn to climb and enjoy it. But maybe don't focus on production climbing long term. Use your climbing as knowledge to build the business, make good estimates, and hire good climbers in the future.
 
Kevin Staton said:
I've been ground man for same company for 4 years been doing all the roping last 2 years every morning me and the climber walk around tree and share ideals for best way to get it on the ground some times we use my ideals sometimes his .My question is im 36 years old never climbed before is it to late to learn how to climb?
Click to expand...

Ever think of starting own business. Might be a better choice, but its never too later to learn. I would at least learn basics incase theres ever an emergency
 
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