Beginners climbing guide, hints, tips and general climbing techniques

[aesmith]

Hi,

 

Can I chip in with my question/requirements? We have a few trees on our grounds and every now and then I have to go up one to prune, or remove dead branches or other reasons. I've decided that I'd like to kit myself with some basic gear to enable me to use one or more ropes, primarily for protection and to rest on if I need both hands free. I'm not as this stage thinking of using the rope for actual ascent, more for assistance and static support.

 

For this sort of occasional ad-hoc use I don't want to splash out too much, but want to make sure that what I do arrange is reasonably sensible. I don't want to give myself a false sense of security.

 

What would be a good basic rig? I was thinking along the lines of using a single main rope, the bitter end attached to my harness, and a lanyard from the harness to a prusik loop around the main line. The idea would be to keep pulling the prusik loop up (or pull the line down through it) to take the slack out as I climbed. Then either pull it up nice and snug when I reach the desired point, or maybe I'd clip into a separate sling when I'm in position.

 

Does that make sense? What are the sorts of hazards that a newcomer wouldn't necessarily spot? FYI I sail so I am familiar with ropework and knots and splices in general, if not with the particular techniques for tree work.

 

Thanks, Tony S

[BenR]

Most basic way to go is one rope, two prussics and a couple of carabiners. Use both ends of the rope with a prussic on each. That's how I started! pretty slow though

[aesmith]

Most basic way to go is one rope, two prussics and a couple of carabiners. Use both ends of the rope with a prussic on each. That's how I started! pretty slow though

Cheers. Slow is OK. I also think the simpler the better for something that's not going to be used everyday so your completely symmetrical suggestion makes a lot of sense.

 

Tony S

[arbmansam]

Cheers. Slow is OK. I also think the simpler the better for something that's not going to be used everyday so your completely symmetrical suggestion makes a lot of sense.

 

Tony S

 

I do find the best thing about this system is u dont climb to your anchor point and look down at the ground realising your harness feels a little light because u have left your side strop in your kit bag

[Grais]

If its a thread for new climbers, how about we dont post pictures breaking cardinal rules, such as haveing a suitable tail off your friction hitch, with a stopper in the end, not a 1-2"tail with a stopper.

Have fun trying to grab that 3" chunk in an emergency slide situation.

The long tail is so you can instinctively grab the knot, follow the tail and pull to stop.

Ive had to do this more than once climbing in snow and rain.

Having a proper tail has saved me from taking a long unbcontrolled slide many times in fact.

Dont spread BS technique, keep it to yourself.

For an experienced climber, if you want to climb with a two inch tail go for it, I do not care one iota for your reasons, Im sure you have them but its your life not mine.

Good practices to be passin on to newbies ?

Dont think so.

[Le Sanglier]

If its a thread for new climbers, how about we dont post pictures breaking cardinal rules, such as haveing a suitable tail off your friction hitch, with a stopper in the end, not a 1-2"tail with a stopper.

Have fun trying to grab that 3" chunk in an emergency slide situation.

The long tail is so you can instinctively grab the knot, follow the tail and pull to stop.

Ive had to do this more than once climbing in snow and rain.

Having a proper tail has saved me from taking a long unbcontrolled slide many times in fact.

Dont spread BS technique, keep it to yourself.

For an experienced climber, if you want to climb with a two inch tail go for it, I do not care one iota for your reasons, Im sure you have them but its your life not mine.

Good practices to be passin on to newbies ?

Dont think so.

Could you "quote" that photo for us please? I can't find it going back through the thread.

Cheers.

[craigblues]

Evening All!

 

I have tried to read quite a few posts before posting on the forum but thought I best introduce myself.

 

I am a beginner arborist (correct term I hope). I thoroughly enjoy climbing indoors and now want to venture outdoors. Climbing trees etc. There is a large ash in the garden I love to climb but always stop so far up as ask myself "If I fell..."

 

Therefore I want to purchase some new equipment, possibly a basic kit to begin with. Nice comfy harness etc.

 

Any pointers or references would be appreciated. Also are there any good courses that are available?

 

Thank you in advance.

[arbmansam]

Evening All!

 

I have tried to read quite a few posts before posting on the forum but thought I best introduce myself.

 

I am a beginner arborist (correct term I hope). I thoroughly enjoy climbing indoors and now want to venture outdoors. Climbing trees etc. There is a large ash in the garden I love to climb but always stop so far up as ask myself "If I fell..."

 

Therefore I want to purchase some new equipment, possibly a basic kit to begin with. Nice comfy harness etc.

 

Any pointers or references would be appreciated. Also are there any good courses that are available?

 

Thank you in advance.

 

Hello mate welcome to the forum if i could suggest one thing it would be find someone who rec climbs or climbs as an arborist so u can try different ranges of kit available and next stop would be an arb supplier to try on harnesses and to get expert advice about equipment watch youtube vids until your eyes turn red and get on as many reccys as u can so where are u based anyway bud have fun hope this helps

[craigblues]

Hello mate welcome to the forum if i could suggest one thing it would be find someone who rec climbs or climbs as an arborist so u can try different ranges of kit available and next stop would be an arb supplier to try on harnesses and to get expert advice about equipment watch youtube vids until your eyes turn red and get on as many reccys as u can so where are u based anyway bud have fun hope this helps

 

Based in Worcestershire.

 

Thank you for replying. I love the atmosphere on here, everyone is helpful with advice even with beginners. Other sports and work people are very secretive as not to give anything away.

 

Haven't been able to locate a dedicated arb supplier near myself, just been looking online if I'm honest.

 

I have watched alot of YouTube videos, I'm impressed with the amount of videos available from others, shows that people have a real passion which is great!

 

Would I be right in thinking minimum equipment required; helmet, harness, rope, couple of karabiners, throw line plus weight.

 

I've been looking at the Petzl Navaho Sit Fast but unsure if I should splash out on a TreeMotion (perhaps a little over the top).

[arbmansam]

Very close on the list of kit add a few friction hitches and navaho harness i have one and i wouldnt suggest it try a seqiouia by petzl tree motion too expensive if just starting out tree climbing but all in all its up to you and as for enjoying arbtalk it is grear just ask those questions and jump in the conversation and talk to worcsswuss sure he is around your area and maybe able to help out :thumbup:have fun bud