Who's a self taught climber?

[Joseph Hodgin]

Hi new to the Buzz. Just wondering who has taught them selves out there? I have been a utility arborist for 2 years working from a bucket. I have always been interested in climbing but never worked with a company that would teach me to climb. I fell into tree work late at 32 but love it and i want to climb. I got my own gear and rec climb as much as i can, I also do some private work on the side.
Im always reading and trying new techniques as much as possible( it helps having 2 massive silver maples in the backyard to practice in) I would love to be trained but my question is who has taught themselves in this field?

There are some what I feel is good information form TCIA and ISA . TCIA has something called the Tree Care Academy with many subjects just for us tree guys. Since we are talking about climbing you should check out the Tress Climber Specialist workbook/home study it cost around $100.00 if your not a TCIA member . ISA has something a little more involved with a written and skills test , which I think is cool! If you like check them both out online WWW.TCIA.ORG or www.isa-arbor.com

 

[AW4130]

Gotta disagree with the throw weight. That bowline loop will catch on w nub or twig. I use a simple clove with a long tail. Never ever had it untied. Again. See what works for you. Mick likes his set up. I like mine. See what works for you.

I really like using a slippery clove hitch.

 

[Kris Anderson]

Thanks to everyone for responding, you guys have have given me some great information and advice.
cheers

 

[Adkpk]

I owe my initial climbing advice to the Arboristsite. Moved over here to keep tuned up. But in the meantime have been to numerous rec climbs which really help get me hands on help. Read the recommended books and even came close to becoming certified and still might. Now I have become good friends with the esteemed, "Treehumper", and have had some hands on treework instruction which I must add make a tough job much easier to eliminate the doubt of your actions. Treework has been very good to me. And I do love the trees.

 

[Richard Mumford-yoyoman]

I owe my initial climbing advice to the Arboristsite. Moved over here to keep tuned up.....

Good move BTW, we will try to get you "fixed" from the advice and experience you had at the "other" site. Probably died for a good reason.

 

[dogwood]

I use Harrison Rocket bags with thin throw line and use a girth...not a loop girthed, just a bight made at the dead end of the throw line and girthed on.

That's a great little tip, Eric. I've been using a slipped anchor, and I've never had a problem with it, but this is even easier and more streamlined.

 

[oceans]

That's a great little tip, Eric. I've been using a slipped anchor, and I've never had a problem with it, but this is even easier and more streamlined.

Great! It's not the best with any bag other than the Harrison Rocket, only because the girth really can pull out when pulled hard enough. That square stock just seems to make all the difference in the world.

 

[oldtimefiddler]

I started out by tying a Swiss seat around myself and using a blakes hitch.. Had fun with it and then through online searches and this site I found Treestuff.com, spent some cash and bought all the goods. I do have a friend who owns a tree care service and he has gave me some pointers but for the most part self taught ! I just do it as a hobby , I'm no Arborist, other than a few prunes here and there around the house!

 

[Hoowasat]

When I told a couple "old time" (yet same age as me) local climbers that I prefer climbing by rope versus spikes they asked, "How do you do that and why would you?"

 

[Pelorus]

Started climbing back in '86/'87 with a linesman's belt...for several years.
It would slide up and was very uncomfortable when descending on a Fig 8.

 

[Jack Pine]

I'm self taught. I had the background in forestry and felling to gain ISA certification, which I used as a starting point in my arboricultural education. My climbing started when I threw $1000 at Sherrill Tree and wandered off into the woods. A few scarred up pines later I was comfortable enough on spurs to manage a few fairly tight removals.

The only reason I started climbing was a painful experience watching a "pro" crew struggle through a leaning Red Pine. I knew I could do better. That was about four years ago.

 

[TimBr]

I was just on Reg's channel watching his Grappling hook vid. Got one the other day but have not used it yet.

It has been awhile since you first posted this. If I recall correctly, that grappel that Reg had was really primo and expensive, between three and four hundred dollars? I was wondering if you've had a chance to use it, and if so, what you think of it so far?

Thanks in advance for any response you choose to give.

Tim

 

[monkeylove]

Tim, I got a different hook probably. I've used it a few times so far and like any other tool they have their place and time but thet are not the cure all for every situation. You can see mine in my video being used to grab my rope during a failed redirect attempt.

 

[TimBr]

[/QUOTE] I often climb with two ropes for safety and positioning. I switch between the two systems, though at any one time while ascending
only one rope is active and the second gets slack tended about every 20 feet, when I take a rest from ascending.[/QUOTE]

I used to do this. Until I finally realized that I was doing a whole lot of extra work, expending valuable energy, all for nothing.

I climb on two ropes most of the time, just like you. I use a Rope Wrench on one, Hitch Hiker on the other, just like you. I use triple attachment pulleys on both of my systems, and there is a standard triple locking carabineer in the top hole of each triple attachment pulley. They are there basically to keep my pulleys aligned the way that I want them, but also can be used as a big, easy-to-grab handle with which to tend the system, for short bursts. (Usually I use the middle hole that's empty to clip my over-the-shoulder tending strap into, with a small, spring loaded clevis.)

By simply clipping the two top carabineers on the two different climbing systems together, in combination with the self tending over-the-shoulder lanyard, you end up having both systems effortlessly self tending. I hope this all makes sense. Thanks for listening.

Tim

 

[TimBr]

Just call me "Threadkiller".

Tim

 

[kstreehuggerco]

I started out by tying a Swiss seat around myself and using a blakes hitch.. Had fun with it and then through online searches and this site I found Treestuff.com, spent some cash and bought all the goods. I do have a friend who owns a tree care service and he has gave me some pointers but for the most part self taught ! I just do it as a hobby , I'm no Arborist, other than a few prunes here and there around the house!

Ahhhhh, the good ole Swiss seat. I have used it for trees once or twice and that is a painful SOB. I descended a few feet rappelling using the Swiss Seat over my military career. Somehow its not as painful when your rapping out of a black hawk in the middle of the night onto a roof top.

 

[caleb miller]

Self taught, busted some shit up my 1st year, after that it's been pretty smooth sailing

 

[Mark Chisholm]

Self taught, busted some shit up my 1st year, after that it's been pretty smooth sailing

Busted property or body parts?

 

[fitz]

In the process of being self taught (started two weeks ago), read some books, been watching a lot of videos, one of the hardest parts has been trying to learn all the acronyms and terminology. Practice my knots everyday. Been taking it "low and slow" and having a blast, although I did go up to the top of my rope a couple of times, scary stuff, I'm assuming you get used to it? lol.

 

[TimBr]

I would recommend having more than one method of attachment to your rope, as a failsafe. If you can afford it, I like the idea of climbing using two ropes and two climbing systems. It gives you a backup, and can greatly improve or ease your ability to position yourself in the tree. Low and slow with all new gear is the way to go, good on ya. Feeling completely confident in the security of your ropes, saddle and climbing systems, once you get to the point where you just completely trust them all, will cause you to be able to relax, I think.

It's almost funny to watch some of Reg Coates' videos. He'll be 140 feet up a 6 inch diameter conifer tree, and looked as bored and relaxed as an accountant doing the bookkeeping.

Have fun with it, but climb safely, work safely.

Tim