First time free climbing

[skyhuck]

same logic though, climbing and moving round a tree with the use of ropes and slings for protection is free climbing. Climbing and moving round a tree without any kind of protection is soloing.

Paul

 

We tend to always be alone in the tree.

[alex_m]

'soloing' sound dodgy

[Graham]

From my early college days I was told that freeclimbing for initial access was ok but don't let the H&S police catch you.

 

I still do it occasionally to gain access in suitable trees. You climb with harness and attached line making sure you wind through the branches in case you slip with your mate on the ground as anchor.

 

Obviously I wouldn't condone the method but it does give a buzz.

[Steve Bullman]

 

You climb with harness and attached line making sure you wind through the branches in case you slip with your mate on the ground as anchor.

 

 

The theory obviously being if you fall you only fall as far as the last branch you climbed over, much like a rock climber setting his last piece of hardware in the rock.....big difference being the rock climber is climbing on dynamic rope designed to take these falls....a similar fall from an arborists rope will likely break your back

[Mozza]

'soloing' sound dodgy

 

Hahaha I bet he gives himself the absail on a regular basis!!

[Graham]

The theory obviously being if you fall you only fall as far as the last branch you climbed over, much like a rock climber setting his last piece of hardware in the rock.....big difference being the rock climber is climbing on dynamic rope designed to take these falls....a similar fall from an arborists rope will likely break your back

 

That's the theory but that was based on 3 strand back in the day! As for your fall length then you choose which trees do climb this way wisely. As I said before; I wouldn't condone the method.

[mikepage]

I'm really surprised at people's reaction to free climbing. thats right free climbing or soloing or leading or whatever ya'll wanna call it. even if it's in the work place. I'm not saying to be stupid. it's obviously dangerous to climb very high with no ropes. I do it but only if I feel I can handle it. I also free climb all the time at work. some trees are just impossible to set lines in because their so thick. 40 foot pin oak I did yesterday was like that. jap maples are pretty sensitive so I'll usually grab my little hand saw, ditch my boots and climb those bare footed. I think people are becoming too sensitive we can't bubble rap everything nor should we. and if you don't agree, then let us "stupid" people do our thing and kill ourselves off. ok I'm done ranting, sorry I just realy like to free climb.

[Paul Barton]

Check out this guy for a tree free-climber: My Own Hands on Vimeo

 

He's obviously really good but the trained pro in me kept wincing when watching the video...waiting for a branch to snap!

 

I guess it's like any free climbing (or soloing!) - you need to make your own judgements on the terrain.

[slack ma girdle]

good climb, nice and fluid.

 

Well done

[R0B]

This is soloing....... alone on the wall Excuse Japanese adverts at the start. The rest is edge of your seat stuff!!