SRT makes it possible to climb taller trees than the moving rope system (MRS, formerly doubled rope technique [DRT]) usually allows, giving you access to a whole new type of adventure.

In the past, SRT was used in primarily as a method of access to make long vertical ascents. Then, once in the crown, climbers switched over to MRS, or they used combinations of both climbing systems to move around in the tree. MRS and SRT are often 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 move around 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.

INFORMATION ABOUT OUR PROGRAM: Please read it 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.