Apprentice

[broadsword]

Climbing with both ends of the rope is a perfectly efficient technique and on occasion I use it myself on awkward/tricky limb walks. Its where most of us probably started with tree climbing and has been used for Donkeys years. A great place for a new climber to start and get a feel for the tree, equipment and the possibilities of aerial tree work. As he's an apprentice and a large part of his learning should be on the work-site you can pass on your expertise later....

[Joe Newton]

On my 38 I was taugh both. I'd climb with a main line and lanyard but they taught us how to use both ends of your line. Since then I have always climber with a main line and lanyard, but the tail end of my rope has been used occasionally for a supplementary anchor.

 

Good to know all the methods as they each have their place.

 

If your apprentice is climbing safely that should be your primary concern. He can get fast with practice.

[john p]

I used both ends of my rope for years and still do on occasion, it's just as efficient as a lanyard IMO , and as has been mentioned can be really useful on really long limb walks

[Mr. Squirrel]

I was at college for 2 years and they never once even bothered with cambium savers. I understand the argument that when starting out simple is best but there is such a thing as over simplifying.

Even something as basic as using a hitch climber would be an improvement. It's not as though you're particularly great fresh out of college anyway so having to learn a whole new set of techniques while also learning to be productive is a bit of a pain. My first employer often asked what on earth they actually taught us?

[Ian C]

I just think college should tell you more techniques than just a prussic and 2 ends of you rope. But just my opinion, think more should be taught when it comes to climbing.

 

Sent from my LT26i using Arbtalk mobile app

 

I agree 100% the collage guys I have had after 2 years at collage are pretty poor imo.

 

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Arbtalk mobile app

[Ian C]

I disagree. Students don't get enough climbing time to explore all the available options. What time they do get should be focused on getting them used to just climbing the tree. Plenty of time following their course to progress

 

Your right they don't but they should.

 

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Arbtalk mobile app

[broadsword]

how does any of this relate to someone not being a good tree surgeon because they climb using both ends of their rope?I agree that lanyards, friction savers and alternative techniques need to be taught but using all of those things dosn't make you a good tree surgeon.....there are plenty of great Arborists that climb using both ends of their rope.

[pie eater pete]

Surely climbing experience can only be learned by climbing? If people either at the colleges/or employers do not allow trainee climbers enough practise time how do they expect them to be competent? I realise its peoples money at stake but they need time up the tree.

[devon TWiG]

Most college courses are in " arboriculture " not just tree surgery, although most employment is in tree surgery, a qualified arborist after some experience will usually be a better tree surgeon . Physical fitness, attitude etc are probably as important . Different climbing techniques matter very little as a keen enthusiastic arb will seek out and try new equipment and techniques and settle with what they feel suits them the best . Also multiple gadgets etc can lead to confusion if an aerial rescue is required ! . Many people are out there every day doing good work, safely and efficiently and enjoying it, in many different ways .

[martwizz]

I think I am glad that College students, including myself, are shown a simple and SAFE method first and foremost. There are plenty of opportunities to learn the fast/efficient/modern/alternative methods once in the workplace.

 

The alternative to this are the 'apprentices' who are learn on the job with the man who has been climbing on a prussik for the last 20 years and perhaps still wears spikes when he feels like it, whilst using a top-handled saw in one hand by default.

 

I must add that my tutors encouraged my group to learn alternative techniques, and there were hitch-climbers and things kicking around at the end of my college course. But certainly, the amount of climbing we did didn't really allow us to get the most out of these, and the pruning works that we undertook barely scratched the surface in comparison to real life scenarios.