Learning the Ropes

There are many reasons why people climb trees. For some, it's a way to relax and "get away from it all." For others, tree climbing is a career choice, such as tree work or canopy research.

No matter what your purpose, TCI and our colleagues can provide tree climbing instruction to anyone who wants to learn, either in courses held in Atlanta/Jacksonville or through other tree climbing schools where the instructor's expertise is more appropriate to a student's needs.

Tim Peter Abe Peter Jenkins (left), Tim Kovar (center), and Abe Winters (right) are all well-known and loved in the recreational tree climbing community. All three (and many others!) helped to build TCI into what it is today.

In these pages you will find a complete description of TCI's training programs for recreational and professional climbers. Please read them carefully, and then call us for further information.

SRT for Tree Workers

Cost

$500 per person
Length of Program

2 full days
Prerequisites

Must be in good health, with weight appropriate to height

Must speak some English

At least six months climbing experience with the moving rope system
Maximum Class Size

3 students

In this two-day course, tree workers will learn how to access and move around in trees safely using the single rope technique (SRT) climbing system.

In the past, SRT was used in tree work primarily as a method of access to make long vertical ascents. Then, once in the crown, climbers switched over to the doubled rope technique (now called the moving rope system, MRS), or they used combinations of both climbing systems to work the tree. MRS and SRT are still used in a single climb. However, switching between them increases the possibility of errors and accidents.

In recent years, many climbing tools and accessories have been developed to allow SRT to be used not only for ascent, but also to work and traverse in the tree without needing to switch over to MRS. SRT requires more physical strength, but it allows the climber to be more efficient in the tree. SRT also enables safer rope settings and improved ergonomics and positioning in the tree.

PRACTICAL TRAINING

As with our other training programs, most of your class time is spent in or under a tree. And, due to our small class size, you'll get plenty of individual help.

Download the TCI SRT Course Outline

YOUR INSTRUCTORS

TCI instructors are known for their vast knowledge and experience, patience, and ability to communicate clearly. They're also alot of fun to be around.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT OUR PROGRAM. Please read all the way through and then call with questions and/or to schedule.

Cost

$500 per person. We take a $250 deposit by credit card with course registration. The balance ($250) will be due by cash or check on the first morning of class.
Prerequisites

This class requires proven ability and experience in climbing trees using the doubled-rope technique (moving rope system, MRS). If you are not able to climb with the MRS, you will not be able to perform the tasks necessary to become proficient in SRT climbing. ALL STUDENTS MUST TAKE AND PASS A SKILLS TEST USING THE MOVING ROPE TECHNIQUE before the first SRT lesson. If you do not pass the skills test, you will forfeit your tuition and not be allowed to continue in the class.

Tree workers: Must have six months of work experience using the moving rope system.

Recreational climbers will need to submit a "Tree Climber's Journal" with evidence of at least 10 MRS climbs before we will register you into this class. If you haven't climbed for a while, you may want to review our "Tree Climbing Basics" DVD, available in the TCI webstore.
Scheduling

This course will be scheduled by request. A minimum of two students is required for a class to be confirmed. Please call to register — we do not register students by email.
Illness

Safety is TCI's highest priority: safety for our students and safety for our instructors. Fortunately, protection against Covid, the flu, etc. is pretty easy, since the vaccinations against these infections are so effective. Also, TCI's courses are taught entirely outdoors, adding another layer of protection. So, while we prefer that you are vaccinated, we do not require vaccination for participation in our class(es). As has been our policy in the past, we may require the wearing of masks if/when you are in close proximity to our instructors and the other students in the class.

Whether you are vaccinated or not, if you have been exposed to or tested positive for Covid (or flu, etc.) just prior to taking our class, please call us, and do not come! We will work with you to get you scheduled into a class at a later date.

Thank you for your cooperation.
Location

This class is taught at the TCI Clubhouse, 1290 Merry Lane NE, Atlanta 30329. We have some very tall trees here, and the Clubhouse carport is fully equipped for teaching in the event of rain.
Gear

Students should bring your own saddle and helmet but no other personal climbing gear. TCI will provide all of the rest of the equipment you need for training.

Also bring shoes (such as hiking boots) that cover your ankles. Fancy climbing boots are not necessary.

The HitchHikerXF is the main piece of gear you will learn how to use in this class. It and their SAKA (self-advancing knee ascender) are available at Climbing Innovations and major arborist suppliers.
Lodging

Most of TCI's students stay at the TCI Clubhouse, where the program is taught. When you register, we will talk with you about transportation details and how to get to the Clubhouse from the Atlanta International (Hartsfield-Jackson) Airport.

There are other good places to stay in the immediate area of the TCI Clubhouse. If you want a recommendation, please feel free to ask.
Cancellation Policy

PLEASE READ THE INFORMATION BELOW THOROUGHLY !

The success of each TCI class depends upon every student's participation. We schedule a maximum of only 3 students per course, and we do not overbook. If you don’t show up, your absence has a major impact on us and on the people who are waiting to take our training.

With that in mind, TCI has the following cancellation policy:

If you need to cancel, you must call us at least three weeks ahead of time. (We prefer to know as soon as you know.) This gives someone on our waiting list enough time to make travel and personal arrangements to take the course. We will refund your deposit minus a $50 cancellation fee.

If you cancel fewer than three weeks ahead of time, you will forfeit your entire deposit unless you are able to fill your slot with someone else. In that case, we may refund your deposit minus a $50 cancellation fee.

In the event of a health or family emergency (for which we may require documentation), we will refund your tuition deposit minus a $50 cancellation fee.

TCI reserves the right to deny future program participation to students who cancel without adequate notice.
Certificate

"Certification" of tree climbers is provided by any organization that we know of. However, upon satisfactory completion of our program, students will be given a certificate signed by your instructor.
ISA CEUs

16 ISA CEUs are approved for the following categories: Certified Arborist, Climber Specialist, Utility Specialist, Municipal Specialist, Aerial Lift Specialist, and BCMA Practice.

TCI's "At Home" Basic Tree Climbing Course

TCI's “At Home” Basic Tree Climbing Course (AHBTCC) makes tree climbing instruction convenient and available to anyone with access to a good climbing tree and a computer.

Though we believe that hands-on training is best, this course makes it possible for people whose budget or calendar is limited to learn in your own tree and at your own pace, without sacrificing safety or the quality of instruction. It has all the elements of our on-site Basic Tree Climbing Course -- except an instructor by your side. Like our on-site course, this is a practical course which emphasizes climbing safety in all aspects of the activity. The course is written for recreational climbers, but it's also useful to landscapers, who may want to be able to get into the treetops for minor pruning tasks, roofers, hunters, and others.

Our unique program has two components:

The first component is our DVD, “Tree Climbing Basics" (available in hard copy or streaming), a thorough and easy-to-follow practical guide to climbing. The lessons are taught by TCI Founder Peter “Treeman” Jenkins, the “father" of recreational tree climbing. In it, Treeman shows you:

How to place a rope in a tree
How to tie all the knots properly
Ascending and descending techniques
How to set up multiple “pitches” in a tree to climb high into the canopy
Other visual examples and demonstrations of the written materials.

The second component is our illustrated online course manual for doubled-rope technique (DdRT) climbing with detailed, illustrated chapters on:

Climbing safety and safe climbing conditions
Tree selection and inspection
Understanding tree climbing gear
Troubleshooting your climbing system
Climbing ethics

Take this course at your own pace. You can watch the DVD first, or read through the online manual before you tackle the practical skills. Either way, by reviewing both parts of the program carefully and practicing often, you will become a good, safe climber with unlimited opportunities for treetop adventure.

The online BTCC Manual is available on its own for $49.95. The entire course package price is $89.95, which includes the DVD (shipped for free) plus membership in TCI with all its benefits.

GEAR: TCI has designed two tree climbing gear kits for beginning climbers. We wanted to make it easy for you to purchase gear. After all, there's so much out there to choose from! If you are going to climb for fun, we suggest the TCI Climbing Kit for Recreational Climbers, which also lists items for folks who want a kit for advanced climbing. If you are just starting out in tree work, we suggest the TCI Climbing Kit for Entry-Level Tree Workers. Both kits are sold by American Arborist Supplies and WesSpur (scroll down the page). Click each link for pricing and ordering details.

TO PURCHASE: If you want to purchase this course, please register on our website first, then purchase the "At Home" Basic Tree Climbing Course in the Education section of our store. If you're already registered, you can purchase the course here.

There are many reasons why people climb trees. For some, it's a way to relax and "get away from it all." For others, tree climbing is a career choice, such as tree work or canopy research. No matter what your purpose, TCI and our colleagues provide tree climbing instruction to anyone who wants to learn, either in courses held in Atlanta/Jacksonville or at other tree climbing schools where the instructor's expertise is more appropriate to a student's needs.

Tim Peter Abe Instructors Peter Jenkins (left), Tim Kovar (center), and Abe Winters (right) are well-known and loved in the recreational tree climbing community. All three (and many others!) helped to build TCI into the international organization it is today.

In these pages you will find a complete description of TCI's recreational and tree worker training programs. Please read them carefully, and then call us for further information.

The TCI Clubhouse

All front TCI students are welcome to stay at the TCI Clubhouse when you come to Atlanta for one of our classes or events. It's a lovely little house that we have furnished modestly and comfortably for our students and guests. With two bedrooms and one bathroom, it can accommodate up to four people. Some parts of our courses are taught on Clubhouse property; this makes it easy to take breaks and meals during course sessions without too much interruption.

We provide bed linens and towels. The kitchen is fully equipped for cooking, and there are several grocery stores within easy walking distance. There is also a variety of restaurants nearby when you want to eat out. The Clubhouse is easy and inexpensive to get to from the Atlanta airport.

"Iris," the 24-inch DBH sugar maple graces our front yard. Lots of other big and beautiful pines, oaks, and tulip trees in the back provide excellent views of the Atlanta skyline during a night climb. There's also a quiet patio sitting area in the back for relaxing before class or at day's end. There are always plenty of birds around; if you're staying at the right time of year, you might see or hear barred owls, pileated and other woodpeckers, a variety of warblers, and even sandhill cranes as they pass through during spring and fall migration.

Price: The Clubhouse fee is $60.00 per person per night, regardless of whether you are staying in a room alone or with someone else.

Transportation: If you're flying into Atlanta and staying at the TCI Clubhouse, no need to rent a car! We will give you foolproof instructions for how to get here from the airport. We will discuss this with you when you register.

Availability: Clubhouse reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Smoking and pets are not allowed inside the house.

Students are encouraged to look through the enormous library of books about trees in our living room. You can see the bird feeders and "Iris" (our big sugar maple) from the front window.

Sometimes the dining room doubles as a work space for students.

We've stocked the kitchen with pots, pans, plates and other cooking paraphernalia, but you'll have to supply the food!

Our beds are very comfortable. This is one of two bedrooms.

Students may have the opportunity to climb one of the very tall tulip, oak, or pine trees in the forested Clubhouse backyard.

After an afternoon of climbing, some people want to sleep in a tentstile set up in the Clubhouse backyard.

We don't often get snow in Atlanta, but when we do, it makes for a lovely scene.