Starting climbing

[jmac80]

Hello All

 

You all maybe sic of this question by now

 

What's the best way to get into climbing trees?

 

Ideally i would like to start out climbing trees for fun with a view to doing a CS38 etc in the future (in a year or so) after i gain a lot experience with ropes / knots etc, I don't wan't to just turn up for a cs38 with absolutely no knowledge of knots and climbing..

 

What equipment or "stater kit" would you recommend for me?

How did you start the learning process?

What things can i start learning / researching right now, which knots etc.

I have a friend who is a level 3 rope access offshore that would like to join me on my first climbs as a safety measure, but I'd like to hear tips and kit recommendations from you all

 

Thanks (and go easy on me!)

[Will Cobb]

Hi Jmac get a copy of the Tree climbers companion it will give you all you need to know to get started, But don't do any climbing until you are 100% sure in what you are doing.

[what a feller]

checklist: rope, 13mm arborial static. ascending system, i use a vt system so pulley, eye to eye 8 or 10mm length for the vt knot, 2 3d karabiners. Secondary climbing system or personal lanyard.

Boots

Helmet

Throwline and throwbags (not essential if the first branches are low but it will stop you from having to swap between systems when you are off the ground)

Knot knowledge for what you intend to do, try animatedknots.com if you want to learn any. I would suggest learning blakes hitches, clove hitches, figure 8 on a bight, rethreaded figure 8, bowline, running bowline, distel, larks foot, alpine butterfly, prussiks (there are a few variations of prussiks so whichever makes the most sense and will hold you).

 

the most important thing you will need is someone with the knowledge to guide you through it in a practical environment so dont worry about going for your cs38 with no knowledge because the courses are designed to give you all the knowledge you need to climb safely. Also i can emphisize knots.... learn them... all knots are good to know and you can practice them whenever you want, the rest of the kit is harder/more expensive to come by.

 

hope this helps

[Arbtech Tree Services]

What's the best way to get into climbing trees?

 

Start at the bottom and work your way up...........sorry someone had to:blushing:

 

I don't wan't to just turn up for a cs38 with absolutely no knowledge of knots and climbing..

 

A good instructor should get you up to speed on knots, gear and technique and climbing in a few days on your course, that's what it's for.

 

What equipment or "stater kit" would you recommend for me?

 

The course will show you how you want to climb (prussik/VT/SRT etc.) and you will then know what gear to buy. Hopefully your course will include equipment hire so you don't waste money on unnecessary kit beforehand.

 

 

Hope this helps.

 

Regards,

 

Steve.

[jmac80]

Hi Jmac get a copy of the Tree climbers companion it will give you all you need to know to get started, But don't do any climbing until you are 100% sure in what you are doing.

 

Thanks Will, book ordered! Don't worry I want to put a lot of research in before just climbing a tree.

 

checklist: rope, 13mm arborial static. ascending system, i use a vt system so pulley, eye to eye 8 or 10mm length for the vt knot, 2 3d karabiners. Secondary climbing system or personal lanyard.

Boots

Helmet

Throwline and throwbags (not essential if the first branches are low but it will stop you from having to swap between systems when you are off the ground)

Knot knowledge for what you intend to do, try animatedknots.com if you want to learn any. I would suggest learning blakes hitches, clove hitches, figure 8 on a bight, rethreaded figure 8, bowline, running bowline, distel, larks foot, alpine butterfly, prussiks (there are a few variations of prussiks so whichever makes the most sense and will hold you).

 

the most important thing you will need is someone with the knowledge to guide you through it in a practical environment so dont worry about going for your cs38 with no knowledge because the courses are designed to give you all the knowledge you need to climb safely. Also i can emphisize knots.... learn them... all knots are good to know and you can practice them whenever you want, the rest of the kit is harder/more expensive to come by.

 

hope this helps

 

 

Thanks What a feller, started out on some knots earlier tonight, will be keeping a few feet of rope by my side 24/7 from now on

I hear you about the cs38 course but I always like to get as much research in about any given subject before doing a course, it's just the way I've always done it I feel like it gives me more time to soak up the instructors information and have a rough idea what there actually on about

[jmac80]

Hope this helps.

 

Regards,

 

Steve.

 

Thanks Steve

[Lukey-Loki]

Depends where you do cs38 but probably all you need is harness, climbing rope (x1. 25m or 37m) and two prussik loops. (helmet and boots with ankle support also) That's all you need to get off the ground!

[ChrisG]

Have a look out for rec climbs on here and you wont go wrong with the Tree Climbers Companion book.

 

Don't be afraid to ask as many questions as possible and GET FIT

[Joe Newton]

Have a look out for rec climbs on here and you wont go wrong with the Tree Climbers Companion book.

 

Don't be afraid to ask as many questions as possible and GET FIT

 

Get fit? I'll stick to my stick regime or beer, fags and kebabs!

 

I still do alright though

 

I'm bored, so I'll try and find the cheapest starter kit to get you going:

 

Arbortec TH5000 harness: £150

Yale XTC Plus 13mm climbing rope: £70

Marlow Boa 9mm friction cord 3m (enough for 2 prussiks): £5

Yale magma 13mm climbing rope 5m: £10

Triple action karabiners x2: £25

Petzl Alveo Vent climbing helmet: £43

 

Total £303.

 

Thats a very basic kit to get you going, you can add to it and expand as you gain experience. I've not tried that harness, but the rest is good kit. Might be worth spending a bit more on a harness and get one that is right for you.

[jmac80]

Get fit? I'll stick to my stick regime or beer, fags and kebabs!

 

I still do alright though

 

I'm bored, so I'll try and find the cheapest starter kit to get you going:

 

Arbortec TH5000 harness: £150

Yale XTC Plus 13mm climbing rope: £70

Marlow Boa 9mm friction cord 3m (enough for 2 prussiks): £5

Yale magma 13mm climbing rope 5m: £10

Triple action karabiners x2: £25

Petzl Alveo Vent climbing helmet: £43

 

Total £303.

 

Thats a very basic kit to get you going, you can add to it and expand as you gain experience. I've not tried that harness, but the rest is good kit. Might be worth spending a bit more on a harness and get one that is right for you.

 

beer fags and kebabs

 

Thanks for the kit list mate, very much appreciated!

I don't mind spending money to get a real nice harness