Want to try climbing

Hey!

I have watched some videos from Treefool the past days, and man, tree climbing seems so cool. The only problem is where should I start... I guess I should go on a climbing course of some kind. So whats your recommendation? Is it possible to start small, buy a book maybe and learn it by yourself?
Also, what kind of gear do you need for tree climbing? I currently live in Norway, and thats where I will climb.

Thanks! - Bjørnar

I had the same question 6 months ago. Last Christmas wife ordered me Tree Climbing Basics dvd (peter Jenkins "treeman"). Then I ordered the tree climbing package from wes spur (comes with all you need- rope, helmet, throw line, ect.)

May I ask what gear you own?

I own a bunch of gear. Do not know if I can recount it here but will give it a try. An onyx new tribe saddle, 150 foot fire rope, 120 foot hedera helix rope, apta, saka, magthrow bags, Steel core lanyard, various tree rigging ropes, helmet, yella grapple, cmi foot ascender, 2 rope savers, 10 throw bags, double handled ascender, rope wrench and runner, another 25 foot rope lanyard, chest harness, 5 double locking carbineers, 2 steel Big dan carbineers, binoculars, 500 feet throw line, working climbing dvd complete set, the art and science dvd set, and basic tree climbing dvd. Art of rigging book, and all of jep jepsons books. Felt like I missed something but you don't have to buy all that. I am just curious and want to learn the best way that works for me. I consider myself more of a working climber. You must also realize that I am not a big fan of heights, but I do it because I want to try something different and make tree work safer. Six months ago I did not climb, I pulled trees with trucks and come-along. However, a year ago I had a close call with felling a tree from ground level, so I decided to learn how to climb. I do continue to try to learn everyday. Tommorrow I am heading to mountains for two days with Bob Wray to learn different ways to use knots and reach the outer branches.

Went out to my gear and knew I missed stuff 2 hitch climbers, 3 prusick cords, and a rescue figure 8 and a hand pump for my apta. I feel like a Christmas song coming on like this: 10 carbineers, 9 throw weights, 8 throwlines, 7 ascenders, 6 climbling ropes, 5 prusick cords, 4 rigging ropes, 3 cambium savers, 2 hitch climbers, and 1 tree climber standing. I might sing that at the next jambo.

Thanks so much for the response!

Another thing, I want to try to buy used gear, to save money, what should I look for in a climbing harness? What is important? Other than the fact that it is not worn out and damaged.

Just got back from climbing at Bob Wray's school. I will give an update once pics come in. As far as used gear, I would not buy any. You never know what the person used it for. It could be simple as a carbineer that they have used for rigging and you see no danger, but all rigging and climbing gear are used for their separate purpose. I say just buy new gear you can afford now. Read the reviews of different gear and compare costs. I have spent a lot of money on gear, but can tell you more money doesn't exactly equal the "best" stuff out there. Case in point: Just spent $375 on the "best" climbing spikes for dead tree removal. My friend doesn't like mine because they do not go around the shin. I thought I had the "best". But really you just have to learn what will work for you and buy new.

Thanks for the response! I think I'll buy new. But! what kind of mm should I buy on the static rope? I was thinking 10. I want to buy a grigri and an ascender, but its a bit more expensive than an atc tho.

All my ropes are 1/2"(13mm) and they are not static. Have 150' xtc yale fire and 120'stein hedera rope. I have not used a grigri or the atc. Eventually I will get a static rope, but not this year. I have heard people complain about the thinner rope gets hard to hold onto. Some other people on this forum would have a better answer for that equipment. Moss has been very helpful to me. You can go into his profile and send a message.

For the Petzl Grigri II (current model) any rope diameter over 10mm is like squeezing sausage through it. 10mm is hard to grab and a 10mm static kernmantle rope is much less supple than a rope designed and constructed for arborist/tree climbing use. The Grigri II is a bit flimsy for tree climbing but will work. The Petzl Rig is better for tree climbing and it fits a wider range of rope diameters. 11 to 11.5mm is a good all round range for a tree climbing rope. Visit the arborist supply web sites to see ropes that are specifically made for tree climbing.
-AJ

Hey again!
I think Ill buy 5 carabiners, but what types should I buy? Just auto locking carabiners? And maybe 1 oval or pear carabiner?

I have Petzl AM'D ball locking gate carabineers. I only issue I have had is the prusick cord sliding on the carabineer if your not paying attention. I used a piece of slingshot rubber to stop that. As far as the shapes and sizes of carabineers are based on what all you going to do. My rope runner suggests an oval Rock-o carabineer, so I have one. I do a lot of cinched Srt, so I use a steel big dan carbineer for that.