A beginner’s guide to tree climbing
Fond memories of a childhood spent climbing in the trees? You can always relive it – ropes, carabiners and all….
For most of us, tree climbing conjures up memories of a long-lost childhood. Out in the back garden, challenging siblings to see who can climb the highest, with the winner claiming to be ‘The king of the castle’. One or two of us might have not-so-fond memories of falls, scrapes and nasty bumps.
But tree climbing has taken a whole new form over the past 30 years, from fun scrambling in the back garden to competitive climbing, complete with ropes, harnesses, helmets and a whole lot of nerve!
What is tree-climbing?
Simply put, it’s climbing and moving around a tree using ropes and harnesses. It all started back in the 19th Century when tree surgeons in the US started climbing trees as part of their day-to-day work.But it wasn’t until the 1980s that it stopped being just a practical necessity and became a recreational pleasure.
Peter Jenkins, a retired rock climber and tree surgeon, decided to open the first-ever tree climbing school in Georgia, USA. It uses modern climbing techniques, such as single rope and double rope techniques, rather than free-climbing without ropes or harnesses.
Now there are even competitive tree climbing events, where tree surgeons battle it out amongst the foliage.
Why do tree climbing?
Other than being an amazing work out – it’s good for the spine and strengthens arms and legs no-end – it’s as fun and invigorating as you want it to be (you can even string up a hammock somewhere in the crown).
It’s also a lot safer than ‘free’ tree climbing (the type without ropes/the type practised by fearless children), so long as you know some basic rope skills and are aware of which branches are safe to climb.
On top of all this, it has to be one of the most accessible outdoor sports of all time and is suitable for all ages. You just need some gear, a little bit of know-how and, well, a tree. Surely nothing can bring you closer to nature?
How to climb trees
Unless you already know your carabiner from the Caribbean, it’s best to start off with a beginner’s course to ‘learn the ropes’ (quite literally).
For the rope-savvy among you, here are a few guidelines:
- First up, select your tree - make sure it’s healthy, sturdy and within your ability. The branches you’re planning to loop your rope over need to be able to take your weight – so they should be at least 6 inches in diameter. You should also check there’s no potential hazards nearby, such as power cables.
- The double rope technique is the simplest and best way to climb trees.Loop the rope over a branch using a throw line and bag, and then set up a double rope system with a friction hitch, and attach a harness to it.
- Then use your arms to self-belay up to the branch.From there you can try branch walking, descents, more climbs or just take in the views.
Where to go
If your rope knowledge leaves a lot to be desired, best get yourself on one of these tree climbing courses first. They make for a great day out with the kids or mates:
Photos courtesy of Goodleaf climbing school in the Isle of Wight
About The Author
Mary Creighton
Outdoor Adventure Guide's editor based in the Austrian Tyrol. Lover of all things outdoors, but especially hiking, canoeing, camping and skiing.
steroids and antibiotics
What are anabolic steroids
[url=https://www.buysteroidsonlinestore.me/crazybulk-100-legal-rx-grade-steroids/]Legal Steroids That Work[/url]
steroids glaucoma
Pretty nice post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and
wished to mention that I’ve truly enjoyed surfing
around your weblog posts. After all I will be
subscribing to your feed and I hope you write once more very soon!
This design is wicked! You obviously know how to keep a reader entertained.
Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well,
almost…HaHa!) Fantastic job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how
you presented it. Too cool!
Hi, I do believe this is a great blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I
will revisit yet again since i have saved as a favorite it.
Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.
Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your site.
You have some really great posts and I think I would be a good asset.
If you ever want to take some of the load
off, I’d really like to write some material for your
blog in exchange for a link back to mine.
Please send me an email if interested. Thanks!
I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be just
what I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content
for you? I wouldn’t mind composing a post or elaborating on many of the subjects you write in relation to here.
Again, awesome weblog!
It’s an remarkable post in support of all the internet
people; they will take advantage from it I am
sure.
Aw, this was an incredibly nice post. Taking the time and actual effort to produce a
superb article… but what can I say… I hesitate a whole lot and never manage to get anything done.
After I originally commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now whenever a comment is added I recieve
four emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is an easy method you
are able to remove me from that service? Thank you!
Quality posts is the secret to be a focus for the people to pay a quick visit the web site, that’s
what this web site is providing.
Hi there, I do believe your web site could possibly be having browser compatibility problems.
When I look at your site in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in IE, it’s
got some overlapping issues. I just wanted to provide you with a quick heads up!
Besides that, fantastic site!
I always used to study paragraph in news papers but now as I am a user of
web thus from now I am using net for content, thanks to web.
Hello There. I discovered your blog the usage of msn. That is a
really smartly written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and come back to learn more of your helpful information. Thank you for the post.
I will definitely comeback.
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally,
it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point.
You definitely know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to
your weblog when you could be giving us something informative
to read?
Hi there great website! Does running a blog similar to this require a great deal of work?
I have virtually no knowledge of computer programming but I was hoping to start my own blog in the near
future. Anyways, should you have any suggestions or tips for new
blog owners please share. I understand this is off subject nevertheless I just had to ask.
Cheers!