Beginners climbing guide, hints, tips and general climbing techniques

[Midge]

Ordered The Tree Climbers Companion yesterday so should be here in next few days and booking onto the course for March

[silky fox]

Some excellent pictures which help with the lessons in that book....really well drawn.

[TIMON]

Cheers. I'm definitely going to go for it now but just going to make sure I get lots of practice in with the knots before the course and read whatever books I purchase on climbing. Worst case scenario is that I fail and have to save up and do it again!

 

 

A great book to get is The Fundamentals of General Treework by Gerald F Beranek.

It's got masses of great info in there.

[Midge]

A great book to get is The Fundamentals of General Treework by Gerald F Beranek.

It's got masses of great info in there.

 

That's another book which is on my Amazon whislist but will have to wait a bit longer to get that one.

[spspearpoint]

Hey guys! Have recently been looking at getting an art rope guide but am a left handed climber, i.e. When setting my anchor point I put the rope left over right over the branch. Does this matter? as all demos and pics indicate it has to be set up the other way? All help and tips greatly appreciated

[Tommy_B]

That's another book which is on my Amazon whislist but will have to wait a bit longer to get that one.

 

Controversial post alert

 

I wouldn't get Gerry's book at this stage in your career. The AA guide to good climbing practice is the best book for learners imo. Tree Climbers companion used to be the "go to" book but is sorely in need of updating. Gerry's book (as admitted by the man himself) needs an update as well.

 

The other bit of advice I would give is don't practice until you get it right, practice until you can't get it wrong. Big difference!

[Gerbutt]

That last bit of advice is very well said Tommy 👍

[Stoatally]

I read the whole of this thread last night. A couple of things I thought:

 

It would be good if there was some kind of stickied kit list for newbies like me who are looking to get started. I'd rather know what I'm looking for and build my own kit so I can get used to it and have stuff to practice with. There could be DRT and SRT kit lists - basic get you going lists and then add on lists

 

I was also wondering why it seems everyone is so against new climbers going for more advanced techniques, SRT and fancy gear and gadgets? Does it nor make more sense to take advantage of what's available now straight from the start? I understand that the basic techniques need to be understood, but can't see why starting with a mechanical device is frowned upon (say starting with a zigzag instead of a prussic). Surely there's an argument its safer as you cant tie a zigzag wrongly?

 

Anyway, it was an interesting read and I am trying to get a kit list together of what basic stuff, but also some more advanced kit together. What recommendations are there for a new climber.

 

Also, once I've got some stuff, what are the 'rules' on recreational climbing? Can I just rock up to a local park or field etc. and start swinging through the trees? Anyone near Bristol know of anywhere that I could go?

[Jake Andrews]

The problem with a kit list is it will vary from climber to climber and tasks to undertake on the job. I for one was heavily influenced by the climbers who trained me and the kit they used to work with. I am glad a started on the prussik and worked my way up as each new technique felt like progress in my climbing career. Starting at the top may lead to boredom and slower progress as each technique will teach you something different. Taking all the positives from each techniques makes you the best climber. Making your way through the techniques isn't degrading but proves your commitment and enthusiasm towards your job. If you want to better yourself, you will, but the key word is YOU.

I'm in Bristol and would be more than happy to go on a reccy.

[Jake Andrews]

Also by progressing through different devices and techniques you take all the best bits of each one making you a better rounded climber come your prime.