good way to start?

Hi im completely new to tree climbing and im looking at starting out simple. For equipment i was thinking of arbor-plex 150 foot rope

http://store.baileys-online.com/cgi-...sku=12AP%20150

and this harness http://gear.sherrilltree.com/iwwidb....ti_item_submit

my main questions on the harness is it going to be comfortable when suspended

The technique I am planning on using is the double-rope technique, so any advice anyone has it would be greatly appreciated. Oh yes one last thing im planning to get and thats the tree climbers companion.

Read all the old postings and read the Tree Climbing Companion and similar entry books. Buy the Video from Peter Jenkins and finally if you can take a class from a Certified Arborist or Tree Climbing Facilitator/Educator. The climbing components will be explained in that information and you will make more informed choi ces for your gear.
Welcome tothe Community

Welcome, Canuck.

Why Arborplex? There are MUCH better ropes out there that only cost a little more. Consider XTC or Braided Safety Blue.

We can't tell you if the harness will be comfortable for you....unless you get a new tribe!

Seriously, though....you really have to try it on to know if it'll fit you. Mention any saddle and you get 50% of users saying it's great and 50% saying it hurts. The New Tribe harnesses, it seems to be about 90% saying it's great, and 10% that weren't too excited about it.

Check out www.newtribe.com Take a class (maybe at the Rendezvous this summer!). And DEFINITELY get the Tree Climbers Companion.

What brings you to climbing?

love
nick

Yeah ive definately been looking at the new tribe saddle and i think its what im looking for. But as far as rope i really dont want to spend too much which is why i was looking at the arbor plex but nowi found a cheaper rope which is the forestry pro hanks at http://www.wesspur.com/rope/forestry-pro.html
, so im not sure if it is really necessary to spend more money for a better rope but your input would be appreciated. Right now i plan on climbing with the least equipment possible. And what got me interested in climbing is liking rock climbing and not having many places to climb in minnesota tree climbing looked like a great physical activity as well as self rewarding.

I'm just getting into climbing too. The the book I found most useful was the Recreational Tree Climbing by Dick Flowers. And the most helpful was the Tree Climbing Basics with Treeman Jenkins. It also helps you get a good idea of what gear you will need and how to use it.
I ended up with a New Tribe Tengu saddle (which hasn't arrived yet) and a poison ivy rope.

Hey im just wondering where you guys climb, like in parks, or just around the neighborhood and have anyone had any complaints or have been kicked out of an area. Just wondering before i get get involved because id ont want to be restricted on having to go a long ways to climb.

Hi Canuck,

It is nice to hear that someone wishes to have an adventure in the canopy.
Any advise or help the TCI and the Tree Climber's Coalition are good places to go to.

Please let me know if I can help out.

In regards to places to climb.
As a DNR Ranger I have to be honest with you. Most Parks and NPS do not allow/permit TTC. Please understand that they have to be concerned with many factors: ecosystems, native plants, protected species, etc.
This is also a new wilderness activity compaired to others, so many do not know what this is about. Depending on your location and the Rangers and the Rangers duties for that area will varie if you can legally cllimb(that means to ask permission and permission is granted).


The site that I am located at this time does guided climbs(Event Climbs, Open Climbs, Wilderness Climbs, etc).
In fact, Wild Bill and I just got through with a wilderness climb today. Wild Bill will do any reporting on it.
If you wish to climb at my site you will need to contact me for futher information. My e-mail should be aviable on this site. If it is not then you can go to the Tree Climber's Coalition Webpage. They have my contact info in the links/reff. area.

Again I am coming for the standpoint of a DNR Ranger and the duties and protection of the public and the natural and historical resources.

I wish you the best.

Department of Natural Resources