Beginners climbing guide, hints, tips and general climbing techniques

[MattyF]

Not really looked at the tree hog harness before but looking at it now and for the money it looks good.

As a sit harness I imagine it would be quite comfy so handy for getting confidence up in gear for beginners as there is not a lot of pressure on your legs but they definitely have less movement, but at least it had sliding d rings which are good for positioning and your kidneys

[Midge]

Hi guys, I have no experience of climbing at all either in an arboriculture role or just as a hobby but im wanted to get my CS 38/39 tickets. My problem isn't with the climbing but with the ropes, making knots etc. I'm not very good at tieing (struggle with my boot laces ) and keep thinking this will cause a problem on the course. I obviously know I will be shown the correct methods and such on the course but I don't know wheather it will be to much for me what with all the different climbing methods, knots, equipment used etc. Ive been trying to learn as much as I can reading the threads on here and the Internet but it doesn't compare to the real thing!

 

Basically I want to get the tickets but doubting my abilities, any advice?

[tree-fancier123]

the knots you can learn with a bit of rope and the knot guide from the menu on arbtalk, bowline, blakes hitch, anchor hitch, prussik, to get started

[Joe Newton]

Hi guys, I have no experience of climbing at all either in an arboriculture role or just as a hobby but im wanted to get my CS 38/39 tickets. My problem isn't with the climbing but with the ropes, making knots etc. I'm not very good at tieing (struggle with my boot laces ) and keep thinking this will cause a problem on the course. I obviously know I will be shown the correct methods and such on the course but I don't know wheather it will be to much for me what with all the different climbing methods, knots, equipment used etc. Ive been trying to learn as much as I can reading the threads on here and the Internet but it doesn't compare to the real thing!

 

 

 

Basically I want to get the tickets but doubting my abilities, any advice?

 

 

Midge,

 

Go on amazon and buy the "Tree Climbers Companion" by Jeff Jepsen.

 

About £15 I think, and it covers all the basics you'll need to start out.

 

If you can gets yourself a couple of short bits of rope, you can practice the knots you'll need on the sofa, till you can do them with your eyes closed.

 

From memory the ones you'll need to know are:

 

Bowline (and running bowline)

Blakes hitch

Prussik

Fishermans

Fig 8

 

All simple knots, and the course should teach you them all, but if you're worried about trying to remember too much on the course, knowing these will help you out.

 

Might want to swot up on idents as well.

[Mick Dempsey]

When I was learning I would sit watching the tv with metre of rope practicing the important knots. Again and again, until they're firmly stuck in one's head.

[Joe Newton]

When I was learning I would sit watching the tv with metre of rope practicing the important knots. Again and again, until they're firmly stuck in one's head.

 

 

When you get bored you can make it into the shape of a willy on the coffee table and laugh to yourself.

[Mick Dempsey]

They were happy days, the nineties, such simple pleasures.

[Joe Newton]

They were happy days, the nineties, such simple pleasures.

 

 

Plus replicating mine was easy. Never needed much rope.

[maria warwick]

I bought "The Tree Climbers Companion" about 6 months before doing my CS38 and because I had not done any climbing before , found it a great help.

As has already been said , get a length of rope and practice …… you may be surprised how good you can become at making the knots/hitches.

 

Good luck

 

[stihlmadasever]

As all of the members have said practice the basic knots and hitches,you'll pick it up quicker than you think.

As for the course dont get too worried about it we all get nervous and question ourselves and have doubts,once you've had your 1st couple of climbs with the instructor and start to trust your equipment you'll start to enjoy it.

We all have to learn sometimes and pushing yourself into doing new things is character building and breeds confidence in your own abilities.

Dont sweat the small stuff...just take it slow and enjoy it.

All the best