am i to old

[brookie]

cheers for the response lads had been told i was to old to start climbing so this has given me a real boost

[Paul Jenks]

Very few people start out climbing. The old adage of working your way up is particularly apt here. It helps to get to know what to do on the ground in and around trees that are being pieced down or felled. Often you'll get the chance to try your hand at climbing and you'll find that the fitness you develop doing hard groundwork is just an appetizer for the aerial work.

Some days jobs can be like playing rugby all day long. Every now and then you get a week of it so expect to be really, really tired for a while as you learn.

Oh, and expect to get covered in all manner of dirt, resin, faeces and dust. Rain, wind, snow, hail and sunshine.

Cuts, bruises, strains, sprains, breaks, creaks and groans.

 

Wouldn't want it any other way.

[tree monkey]

i started at 32 and im now an aveage climber that manages to do my jobs so crack on and have a go:thumbup1:

[brookie]

lol you know how to sell a job mate im under no allusion that its not a hard dirty job and am prepared to work hard and start at the bottom what would you suggest to gain some experiance realize im not overly qualified was thinking bout offering my service for free for odd days what you think

[scottythepinetree]

lol you know how to sell a job mate im under no allusion that its not a hard dirty job and am prepared to work hard and start at the bottom what would you suggest to gain some experiance realize im not overly qualified was thinking bout offering my service for free for odd days what you think

Wouldn't go further than offering a day or two free as a trial or you might get the mick taken. Should get your foot in the door somewhere.

[brookie]

sound advice mate thanks

[Little Steven]

cheers for the response lads had been told i was to old to start climbing so this has given me a real boost

 

Hi Mate,

did my Cs's in my 54 year.... please crack on, you will surprise yourself. Believe me when I say it will make you an even more interesting person!

 

You are the second person on here within the week who at this tender age have concerns, you will only be what you want to be!.... from my point 'young at heart'.

 

Steve

[WorcsWuss]

If you have the gear and want to come and 'have a go' you're welcome to come out to me for a day on a weekend, sure I can find a few nice trees to have a play in. I'm the other side of Kiddy at Tenbury..... cheers, Simon

[Jon Hartley]

Youve got a basic qualification that should help you get a groundies job. I dare say you have a first aid certificate from the security work too.

It definitely is the best way to learn the ropes, the best groundies are often climbers.

Dont be put off by any prima donna climbers shouting the odds, there are plenty of them! Its a great industry to work in and modern ergonomic climbing techniques are loads better for your body than they were even 15 years ago. Good luck

[Paul Jenks]

That's exactly what to do. Offer yourself about and work hard. However, working hard isn't all it's about. It takes time, and some never get it, to read a site.

 

I imagine that if you are working a door you get vibes about people and situations and generally manage to avert trouble, re-direct aggression and dissolve situations before they begin. Assuming you good at your job.

 

A similar type of skill set needs to be developed in tree work. The hazards are ever present and the operatives state of awareness and ability to adapt to situations using learned/taught skills is vital to the safety and efficiency of the site. This becomes harder as a person tires and this is when mistakes are made, so self awareness is important too. Knowing when to ask for guidance, take a break (and I don't mean slacking off), intervene etc.

Yes, tree work is hard and it's not just hard physically. It is more difficult to learn and ingrain skills as time marches on. Not only because the brain doesn't absorb skills and program muscles in the same way as it did when young. We get out of the habit of learning as it pushes us out of our comfort zone. We are no longer the master of what we do.

Break out and open your mind. Give it a go in your free time and don't be put off if you get knocked back. Expect to be tested. (I don't mean examinations/qualifications)