Wanna-be climber needs advice.

[Tyz05]

Basically,I've been wanting to learn to climb for several years,I'm not currently in the arb industry, more for recreational purposes at the moment with a view to possible career change in the future. So, I'm booking my cs38 and need some advice of what to expect and what I should do to prepare for it.Any thoughts or advice appreciated.

[born2trot]

For most people the climbing is just a natural progression from doing ground work . There are exeptions of course but some time groundying for a climber is the best way to approach things imo . The only advice on the course itself is to listen to what the instructor is telling you , simples....

[David Goss]

If it is for recreational purposes then you shouldn't find anything too taxing. Do you do rock climbing? If so your already more than half way there. When choosing a tree to climb you should look for ones with wide, open crowns (no epicormic growth where possible) and a nice high central leader for your main anchor point. Remember to use a cambium saver and try not to damage the tree in any way. Most of all just enjoy it, there is not many things that can bring a smile to your face like swinging around a big tree in beautiful surroundings.

[WorcsWuss]

There's always the old fashioned way of learning by doing.

Assuming you are of reasonable intelligence, understand trees - including how to spot a rotten bit - and have a healthy self preservation gland then there's no reason why you can't just 'have a go' at recreational climbing. There's plenty of information out there [and here] on how to use the kit, the AT knot guide is excellent, and so long as you start low & slow you'll be pretty safe.

My daughter started this weekend, she's 10... Here she is in action in a tiny little willow in our garden!

[Tyz05]

Thanks for input guys,I've got no previous climbing experience at all. Im assuming the training during the cs38 wont require any previous experience?? Although I am hoping to have a go before hand. I know of a few people who I'm hopeing to persuade to come and give me a few pointers to start with,just need to start getting some gear sorted. (I'm keeping a eye on the "lovely climbing gear" thread.

[born2trot]

Thanks for input guys,I've got no previous climbing experience at all. Im assuming the training during the cs38 wont require any previous experience?? Although I am hoping to have a go before hand. I know of a few people who I'm hopeing to persuade to come and give me a few pointers to start with,just need to start getting some gear sorted. (I'm keeping a eye on the "lovely climbing gear" thread.

 

Most people wont have climbed before , thats why they go on the course ! Its basic climbing youll be fine

[Arran Turner]

Read the nptc assessment critea booklet for the cs38, it can be downloaded from the NPTC website. If your familar before you do the weeks training its much easier, also learn the knots used as during the week it will be one less thing to think about

 

Double bowline

Larks foot

figure of 8

prussik knot

Timber hitch

Munters hitch

 

They are roughly the ones you will need, im sure as a climber already you know half of them

 

Arran

[Tyz05]

Nice one, just having a look at the schedule now thanks.

[Tyz05]

Just to update, I passed my cs38 today! Well happy now! Big thankyou to everyone on the forum, it's been a major help. Thankyou arbtalk :thumbup:

[Rupe]

Prevouse experience at rock climbing etc. is good just to make sure you have muscles in the right place. You will get shown how to climb a tree on the course but if you dont have the strength then you wont be able to do it.

 

So if you havnt climbed anything on a regular basis, but are strong enough then I would just suggest pull ups and press ups every day until the course, get some muscles moving. In the early days you will rely on strength until the tenchniques come together which can take years.