Tree Climber Tips For Tree Climbing on Spurs | Arborist Tree Climbing Techniques
Вставка
- Опубліковано 5 кві 2022
- Hey there! My name is Chris and I am a self-employed aborist and natural bodybuilder. I make videos about fitness, lifestlye, entrepreneurship, and tree work. In this video I discuss some tips for feeling more comfortable climbing a tree on spurs without a tie in point above you.
Follow me on Social Media
Twitter: @4amworkoutclub
TikTok: @chris_goulet
Video Keywords: tree climber, tree climber tips for climbing on spurs, arborist tree climbing techniques, tree climbing, arborist, arborist tree climbing, tree removal, tree removal with crane, climbing arborist, tree climbing for beginners, tree climbing spikes, how to climb a tree, tree climbing gear, tree climbing knots, tree cutting, tree work, tree service, tree trimming, tree pruning ,tree service business, arborist training, how to climb a tree with spurs, tree felling, logging
It has been pointed out to me by a few people how the ZigZag is not rated for srt by itself. Thank you for mentioning this because I certainly do not want to give off the wrong impression or mislead anyone. To clarify, I know the ZigZag isn’t meant for single line use and I do not use it for that purpose. For the sake of this video I happened to grab the climb line bag that had this line with the ZigZag already on it and I felt comfortable enough using it to help demonstrate what I was talking about throughout the video. However, I am definitely not advocating that anyone use a climbing device in a manner that is unsafe or against its intended use.
When I first started climbing with gaffs, I asked the experienced climber I was working with "what happens when BOTH spurs come out of the tree at the same time?". He replied don't worry you will hang on! At the time we only tied in on trees we could reach halfway round when we were ready to start cutting. Flip lines were used only on big trees while climbing. Climbing lines were used for working away from the trunk and descending. Now I'm approaching 80 and try every idea that may help overcome diminished strength and agility!
That’s great to hear! I think tree climbing / tree work is a constant learning process and you can constantly find ways to improve safety, etc.
For those of you who still may feel uncomfortable climbing on spurs without a tie in point above you, these tips are for you! Getting comfortable on spikes takes practice and repition, but I also believe that as climbers we need to do what we each feel comfortable with in order to get the job done safely and efficiently. Thanks for watching!
The concept of each person doing what they feel is necessary for themselves is definitely something I believe in as well.
@@samuelluria4744 Agree, I feel like it can be tempting especially for newer climbers to compare oneself to others, but ultimately everyone has their own climbing style and comfort zone. Doesn’t need to be a competition of who can get the job done quickest. There are many ways to go about doing things. Leave the ego at the door. If it means spending a little extra time to give yourself more piece of mind and added safety it’s worth it in my opinion. Whatever you have to do to get the job done safely.
That's why if ur not comfortable they make this thing called a trow line and a sling shot that will get ur line into a tree so that if u suck at climbing u have you second tie in point always
As I said in the video this technique was meant for a situation where you could not get an above tie in point for whatever reason. And just because someone chooses to take extra safety measures doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t a good climber or lack skill.
Hi Chris, you don't know me, but I noticed that you were looking directly at me as you were demonstrating those safety techniques and in essence, providing me with the encouragement to simply "climb on with confidence". Climbing is fun! Thank you!
Very helpful,Thanks!
Thanks for this Chris - very timely for me - starting lanyard practice next week
Nice! Happy you found the video helpful. Stay safe out there!
Nice. Thanks
My thoughts exactly. Good video.
Thanks!
For me, it wasn't a matter of comfort but one of safety. Our company required us to always have a climb line attached so we had a quick way down at all times in the case of an emergency or aerial rescue!
Wow what an awesome video!! Wish i would of seen this a year ago the cross over land yard…..
Great video man. Haven't seen many guys talk about this.
Thanks man, appreciate it!
I think that is great advice I just got my saddle rope and other tree climbing equipment I am just now starting I appreciate any good advice
Thanks! Have fun and stay safe. Enjoy every climb. Practice and repetition and learning to trust your gear is important. Whether you’re a new climber or have 20+ years of experience, there’s always opportunities to learn and expand your knowledge.
That is good to know good job
Thanks!
Can you explain how to setup the 1st lanyard??
I'm probably what you'd call an "advanced, experienced climber", been doing it over 40 years and I still use a climbing line along with my flip line. Sooner or later you WILL gaff out.
I got in that habit pretty much right off the bat when I first started climbing with spurs. Never got comfortable just being tied in with the lanyard. Worth any extra time for the additional piece of mind and added security in my opinion.
@@cgfitnessandarboriculture It gives great mobility too Chris when removing limbs. You can swing around to the safe side of the spar instantly to keep from getting smashed.
@@Snowfreak2507 Definitely, even with a steel core.
You will have a Easyer time climbing on your spurs if you tighten your lanyard you should be standing up and down you are leaneded out to far
Thank you for your input! For the sake of this video I might’ve not been paying too much attention to “perfect” form but more so trying to demonstrate what I was talking about in the video. However, I get where you’re coming from.
Thanks for the video bro. FYI you can also use a tree squeeze 😎
Yea I’m aware. Thanks for the input though, I appreciate it. Have a good one!
I use that method when I make cuts on my way up so I have double tie in when cutting
That’s smart! If you’re spiking up the tree instead of a rope ascent, could also toss your climb line over the nearest limb while being tied in with your lanyard and that might even be a little more comfortable for better work position while cutting.
Dear Chris Goulet, Have you had any experience using "Heidelberg" (a.k.a. "Euro") gaffs? Sincerely Yours, Roddy McGowan
Hi Chris! I am new to climbing with spurs; I use them to go up palm trees during my work as a biologist. I was wondering if you have any tips for a comfortable "resting position". I have to spend a decent amount of time "standing" on the side of the palm, while using a long pole with a camera to look for nests in the palm-frond. Sometimes this gives me a really strong pain around waist. Not all the times, sometimes I am super comfortable and can stay there for a long time without disconfort. I bet that in some cases I am putting my feet in a better position than others, but I am still not sure which one is the correct one. Any suggestions? (bending the knees, keeping them straight). Do you think a chest harness attached to a second lanyard would help? Thanks!
tie into the tree with your safety line and rest on it instead of your spurs
Great advice . Will use this now when training with spurs . Climbed a palm for the first time this week with tree gaffs that were too long . just awful and my confidence took a beating .
Spur climbing definitely takes some getting used to especially if you don’t have a nice and comfy tie in above you that gives you that extra secure feeling. If you do tree work for a living I would suggest practicing on the areas you lack confidence in or want to improve outside of the job when you have more time to really focus on your technique. Keeping your spikes sharp is important as well. I understand how you feel. I’ve had some times where things didn’t quite go as planned, and even so far as walking away from a job because of my anxiety / lack of confidence. I think it’s important to approach these scenarios as learning experiences rather than dwelling on them or beating yourself up. When you do that, they can make you a better climber and help you advance your skills. Keep moving forward and stay safe.
Tree squeeze thank me later
Well your not supposed to use gaffs on palms there bud. They will not heal
@@kevingoddard9287 well I guess it wont heal as I cut it up into 12 inch blocks , I follow the rule only use spikes on tree removal
@@stevemartin5581 well good! You never know….there are alot of people that dont follow the basic rules. Glad you do. Keep up the good work.
It's always good to have an extra security. Only I would not choose the zigzag in this configuration... In this configuration you are on a SRT configuration so the zigzag wouldn't do the job. It would be better to use the Rope Runner or to add the Chicane to the zigzag. In that case it would work.
Zig zag does work srt without the chicane iv done it
While yes the version of the ZigZag I was using in this video is not designed for srt, it could still prevent you from falling if you slip on spurs which is what the focus of this video was about. However, I totally understand what you’re saying. Appreciate your input. Thanks for watching!
@@outrightfishin9785 might work but it is not made for that application. Unsafe .
Can you spur on angled tree? I've done a straight pine tree no problem but my bent ash trees i slip out a lot on an angle.
I’ve climbed some, it can be awkward but takes practice getting more used to. If you can, I would try and go for some climbs outside of a work setting when you can take as much time as you like practicing getting into more comfortable work positioning and such. Couple tips: See if you can get a high TIP in a tree near you while chunking down wood that would make you more comfortable. If you can’t, cinch your climb line around the trunk and tighten it up and position yourself so your weight is on the line and that might make you feel more comfortable. Not sure if what I’m describing makes sense. If I get the opportunity maybe I’ll do a video on this, thanks for asking the question. Hadn’t thought about leaners.
Just a heads up man the zig zag by itself is not rated for single line use. The links aren't strong enough for it.
Thank you, I am aware that it is not intended for srt and I don’t actually use it for that purpose. In the case of this video, I felt comfortable enough using it to show the advantage of having a climb line be used as a second tie in when climbing a spar with spurs to catch you if you accidentally gaff out. Not to actually climb on like a regular srt line. My intention wasn’t to advocate single line use with the zigzag. Thank you for pointing it out though, appreciate your input.
@@cgfitnessandarboriculture no problem man just want all my tree brothers to be safe. What state are you based out of?
For safeties sake. A quickie would be a better option than a carabiner.
Thank you for the tip!
Where I'm from they say "real men climb trees, not ropes" if you can't flip a line you ain't worth much
That kind of mindset / advice is complete nonsense and can get people into trouble. It ain’t a competition of who can do what and choosing to climb a rope over spiking up a tree doesn’t make anyone any less of a climber from the next guy.
It definitely doesn't make you any less of a climber you're absolutely right. It's just the nature of the work environment depends on what part of the country you're in. I didn't mean you're not a climber if you can't spike, but if you can't spike, youll find it difficult to find a job in my area. Employers wanna see it.
@@XxtwichedxX I live and work in Western North Carolina. I'm thankful enough to be able to climb the trees in the area that I was raised. Around here there are some independent guys that climb ropes. But for the most part, everyone that I'm around all use spikes. The way that the forest grows around here just makes it impractical to try and throw ball every tree you come to. And it takes less time to spike up a tree. But absolutely nothing against guys who climb without spikes
Get yourself a treesquezze and make your life easier.
I’m aware of that climbing device and I appreciate your input, thank you!
are you drunk?