Samoan Tree Climber

Click on the Samoan Tree Climber at the Polynesian Cultural Center web site to watch a video demonstrating the technique.

Ummmmm WOW!

That's cool!

What...no helmet?

Love it! SRT without a rope!

SRT? Isn' that STT???

Single Trunk Technique?

Who cares about the helmet...where's his 'drawers?

Icabod

I have seen this technique written about in other places. This is an ancient technique that requires the right kind of tree. To see it on streaming tape is fabulous! To see it in traditional clothing is even better. A great find! Coconut bark has a unique surface, quite conducive to this kind of climbing. I doubt it would work on a small pine with scaly bark, even if the stubs were cleaned out. The technique might work on a small oak bark surface. There can't be any interfering branches or stubs. Certainly not an invasive technique.

I tried it once on a small tree and sort of got the feel of how it works. That sure is some fast climbing on the tape! Possibly a useful technique in California or Florida. Don't let the safety folks see you however.

It works TOO well on pines. I wrote once about my first cat rescue here once...


Cat rescue...

Pine bark though is a little smoother on the way down.

Climb Safe!
Icabod

You might also want to check out the Fire Dancer video on the Polynesian Cultural Center website. Amazing!
My wife and I recently saw the show there; quite an experience!

Who is volunteering to do a session about fire dancing in the trees at the Gathering?
Patrick