"Beyond the Basics" (Advanced) Course

Learn how to take on more difficult challenges in the canopy with confidence, and your climb will be more fun! This course will excite novice and intermediate-level recreational climbers who want to expand their abilities “beyond the basics.”

Modules include use of a long double-ended lanyard, skills and techniques for advanced line setting (including the use of the line gun, "Big Shot" slingshot, and the "Yella Grapnel"), branch walking, and the hitch pulley system of climbing. When you finish this class, you'll want to spend more time moving up, down and around in the canopy.

Download the TCI "Beyond the Basics" Course Outline

• Prerequisites

  Must be in good health, with weight appropriate to height.

  BTCC or on-site demonstrated proficiency with the moving rope system (MRS, formerly known as DRT).

  TCI reserves the right to discharge students from our class (without tuition refund) if you come to class unable to perform basic tree climbing skills.

• 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.

• Young Climbers

  Only climbers over the age of 16 who are graduates of a basic tree climbing course will be accepted into this course. Teenagers 13 to 16 years old must take the course with a parent or guardian. Teenagers 17 to 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent, who is not required to be taking the course.

• Scheduling

  We schedule the "Advanced Course" upon request. Please call to register -- we do not schedule classes via 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

  Class meets at the TCI Clubhouse, 1290 Merry Lane NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, on the first morning. After orientation (and depending on the weather), you will go up to Blackburn Park for both days of training. The carport at the TCI Clubhouse is outfitted for teaching in the event of rain.

• Lodging

  Most of TCI's students stay at the TCI Clubhouse. 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.

• Gear

  Please bring your saddle and helmet to class, but no other personal climbing gear. TCI will provide all the other equipment you need for training.

• 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 in this course, and we do not overbook. If you don’t show up, your absence has a major impact on us and on other students.

  With that in mind, TCI has the following cancellation policy: If your plans change and 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 will 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.