Bravo. I've been a tree worker for about 8 years now and some words from a former colleague never leave me: if you're too afraid to do the job, you should think about quitting. If you're absolutely unafraid about anything that has to do with the job, you should definitely quit.
My Jumpmaster told me something similar, when I chose to come down with the plane one day, and didn't jump. Even he, who jumped with the Golden Knights, stated he had even come down with the plane a few times. A healthy fear, and a great respect for what can kill you, can keep you alive for years to come.
This is good stuff. As an arborist in training one year in, I have had a few nervous moments. What helps me is preclimb gear inspection, sound limb to tie into and if I get still unsettled to keep telling myself to trust the equipment and myself. You can pause going up for a minute to collect yourself and nobody won't even notice. A real psychological technique for relieving anxiety is to stay in the moment. For example, when you start to get anxious, pause and focus on something. Stare at the rope your climbing on, notice it's color, it's feel, it's strength etc. Perhaps focus on the leaves near you, the shape of them, their purpose etc. Notice the air, how it smells, it's temperature. You might see an ant 60 feet up next to you. Think about and wonder how it got up there, why it's there, how it might get back down... The objective is to redirect your mind from racing thoughts about potential future events to really concentrating on things around yourself. If you can do that you will find the anxiety goes away. Takes a bit of practice but it is amazingly simple and helpful. It's almost like a conscious form of meditation that only takes seconds to do.
Relaxing breaths work wonders as well! 4-7-8..... in through the nose for the count of 4.... hold for the count of 7...... out through pursed lips for a count of 8. You can do it three times in a row, it works wonders!!
Yeah I agree with what you're saying it works...but when I find an ant that's 60 feet or more up I always find my self feeling envious that it can get around up there so easily without any gear or worries:)
any of you guys see a video of a dude in a tropical environment maybe Thailand i dont know but the guy has a saw bout like a 290 stihl no gear all hes doing is hangin on with his legs and chunkin 2 or 3 footers down and he looks like he sittin around sippin a cold beer not even sweatin its pretty wild you guys stay safe man fear keeps you alive and thinkin you will be like little squirrels in no time when you get confidence in your gear.
Thank you for you time and wisdom Reg. I just got down from a 100ft tree, highest I've been. I was up for hours last night in anxiety, I came across your video and just repeated the key points in my head until I fell asleep, and carried on doing that the whole way through the tree. I'm on lunch break now and my body is absolutely cooked. Hopefully these sardines give me some fuel for the next tree lol! Been at it about 2 months, and the unknown territory was the source of all my anxiety. It's becoming a bit easier now. You're a legend Reg!
I'm 66 years old and did my first 50 foot climb recently. Did a couple SRT redirects, pruned dead branches, limb walked and before I knew it 5 hours had passed. As I came down I was so happy with what I accomplished. I must be a kid at heart because I still love climbing in trees. Thanks Reg.
Sir, You are a master at problem identification and explaining on a level that anyone can understand. Thanks for the time and effort you spend helping people.
Reg when u hang up you're spurs you should look into teaching the up and coming tree climbers I honestly think people could benefit from your knowledge.
If it was up to me this video would be played at every college or arb training organisation certainty in the UK where I live. Outstanding, truely outstanding, thoughtful, eloquent, and provides an insight that is delivered in a manner that I found simply was not available, it would be a terrible shame if this particular video was not widely consumed within arb training and early years development. Thanks Reg, your one of a kind mate.
Well said! Havent commented before but I feel this might be useful to others, I've been a contract climber for 10years and the one and only thing I've found to really make the nerves go up are not having ground staff you trust or are even unsure their cerebral ability can comprehend the dynamics of rigging, it's all well and good working for a firm that has a boss that was and is very good, but for them to sometimes leave the job and leave the climber with ground staff that are doing the job for the summer or just dont care. I'd say to anyone going into subby climbing make sure everyone you work for has ground staff that can perform areil rescue make sure you can find out if they are even fit enough for resuce and can rig off well. I have been put into some seriously dangerous trees to only be told the decent chap wont be there and I will have to make do with the local crack head on 40quid a day. If someone had told me about these situations my stress and climbing ability would have improved to no end. Reg you make alot of sense mate thanks for sharing your knowledge and mega thanks for the arbtrolley
I have worked at height in construction for 40 plus years ,and you are spot on Reg ( different discipline but the same emotions ) I have thought about this a great deal and I think a lot of the problems come from perspective , you can look up at a Building or structure from the ground and it looks nothing but ,when you are on it and look down, it can be terrifying for the newcomer even for experienced hands, There is no shame in taking a moment to collect yourself. Your words are wise and really should be on every curriculum for potential climbers .
Very thoughtful. I retired after 20 years plus climbing for a variety of reasons. But the most important was that I felt it was the right time. I had no accidents but saw some bad one's, felt like I needed a new challenge and realised that if my head and heart wasn't 100% into it I should stop. Now I landscape and periodically miss climbing but I don't regret stopping ever.
Thanks again, Reg, for this awesome video. It's helped me immensely, and I've had my tree business for three years now. Working in the canopy is truly a blessing.
Reg, no illusions, you’re not perfect cause you’re human but you are also deliberate, thoughtful and incredibly inspirational. You’re the kind of guy one comes across, a total stranger, but yet, you think I’d like have a beer with that guy.
I think like you said it's a fear of unfamiliarity, and that stepping into something unfamiliar might trigger some panic and inability to handle things. It's a mental challenge that almost has nothing to do with heights or trees in the end. The good thing about trees is you can incrementally push your comfort zone bit by bit to become quite comfortable in a situation that would be scary if you felt thrown into it before you trust your tie-in/gear/whatever. I've found climbing trees in my free time hugely helpful to push my comfort without added pressures that come along with being on a job
Good teaching moment from you. That said, my last CPR class the instructor said 2500 Americans die each year from falls off 6 foot or less ladders. I tossed my 3 foot step ladder in the burn pile decades ago as I realized a 3 foot fall on concrete with tools laying around hurts. Worked in woods since 1975 and I have hurt myself more at home. Luck/skill for sure. 180' is the highest I found a yellow jacket nest while cone picking. Thanks for posting vids.
im 58 and i want to get into this profession. this was a great block of instruction and will definitely help me with regards to the perspective i should have on the fear aspect of this profession. well said and greatly appreciated.
Not many tree guys admit fear. But show me one who didn´t feel it, and I´ll show you a liar. I liked this video in particular. I feel the fear every time I am up there and controlling it is a bigger task for me, than planning the tree. You explained it very well
My first time spurred in I was 20 foot off the ground shaking like a leaf, and after my first gaff slip in loose bark I spent the next 2 years hammering my spikes into the tree, way way more than needed lol.
Thank you brother thank you thank you thank you this is probably the most thought-provoking video I've seen in years I've been doing tree work for 22 years 15 of it climbing. With all that time everything you said in this video Perfect it was dead on point as soon as you said the word complacency I got emotional and teared up. Because complacency is almost cost me my life tree work is no joke and you should have a healthy fear always but thank you again you're really good Man reg a truly awesome human being I wish I had someone like you to work with take care brother stay safe thanks again for the video truly remarkable
Hi Reg. I am a new subscriber. Buckin Billy Ray gave a shout out for you and I am so glad I made it over to check your channel out. This is psychology 101 for life and for being a tree climber. I truly enjoyed you sharing your common sense approach of what you do and how to build confidence for any thing we might attempt to do in life. I look forward to watching your videos and learning more about you. You are an interesting man. Thank you for sharing it with us!
“Weebles Wobble, but they Don’t Fall Down” kept me going in more than one tree early on! Thanks Reg for sparking some old thoughts I haven’t remembered for awhile.
Hi Reg, watching this has been a huge help for me! I froze on my first limb walk at height not long ago and it put a lot of doubt in me as to whether it was the right job for me. I told the guys I wanted to come down and did, but it has wound me up ever since. Can't wait to get back up and give it another shot now. Cheers!
Reg, you're such a good student of life and so good at relating your life lessons to others. Everything you said in this discussion rings so true and I could relate to it so well from my own past experience. I unintentionally got into doing tower work for the Amateur radio folk in my area and had to progress through the trust the structure and trust your gear aspect in my late fifties. Not until in my early seventies did I out of need to manage trees on my own property get into tree climbing. I'm now to the point that my only 120' climb line isn't long enough.
Reg in a truck talking tree climbing is the best .. Speaking of heights, I think you just topped yourself. Excellent video Reg . Thank for your time and effort .
Excellent talk Reg. Thanks for this. I'm relatively new to climbing and you certainly have addressed a lot of the common fears. One fear that I have that you didn't address is the fear of making a mistake that would lead to a fall. Such as when fliplineing up and bypassing a branch, or just moving around the canopy and having to unclip, move and then clip back in, and I think I'm clipped in and let go only to find that I didn't put the line in proper place or whatever, and now I'm falling because of a personal error. I'm sure there are a thousand examples of things that tree guys have done to hurt or kill themselves through personal errors and mistakes. Gravity is not very forgiving. My way of handling this fear so far has been to just move slowly and deliberately, and thinking through and calculating each move. I'm sure some of you guys have dealt with similar fears and I am interested in hearing your thoughts and how you've handled this. Thanks
Me too. I always still check my carabiners are working in the right way and analize the branch i want to pass my rope. This fear works on my favour (reg says....). Still thinking it's ok or not what i'm doing. Thank you
So well put by Reg regarding fear 'fear is keeping us safe if properly controlled'. or that's how I remember it (he said it much much better lol) But same with gravity, we rely on it daily to stay alive but it can kill us too. Main point is respect. A good climber has to have a healthy respect for all (including inconvenient) aspects of working in the tree. I found it was helpful to be self disciplined to follow "personal safety rules" I made up for myself. In time they become just really good habits and now contribute to a cooler head :)
Lowering your risk of falling helps to calm your nerves. I always climb with two fliplines on my saddle, a 12' and an 18'. 95% of the time I also have a climb line, that way I'm always double tied into the tree when moving any of the three.
Well said sir! Always enjoy this videos. Seeing you up a fir 150 plus makes me feel at ease in a 80 ft oak. You are correct about sitting back in your saddle and trusting your gear. Thank you for the words of encouragement!
Awesome talk Reg hopefully the people that need the information take the time to sit and listen to a "mentor" because you live the work that you speak of. Thanks Reg!
Thanks RC, this hit home with me! Once I get over 90’ and the wind picks up something comes over me and I have to talk myself through getting the job done. Thanks again for the great video ✅
I want you to know this video has been a great help to me ,, self taught, 62 years old , minimal gear , and no mates to climb with. But I love this stuff ,, and YES I am super careful. So far I have managed just over 30 feet, so this lecture helps . Thank you so much.. By the way I did get the book,, Body Language of Trees,, it was expensive at about 125.00 US but the book is as you described. Very informative, I have learned to better examine a tree and better assess it.. Thank you for the encouragement.. Good luck to you.. Joe
A truly exceptional video Reg. As you've touched on, complacency is a very real aspect of familiarity and I've seen an equal amount of injury from it as I have from beginners in any field. You've an immense ability to convey valuable information in a thoughtful way that invokes a strong sense of clarity. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. Though I've only been climbing for a few years, I've been doing forestry work for over a decade & I simply think about my children & my wife anytime I feel I'm getting too comfortable with things.
You are awesome at what you do brother! But of course,that goes without saying. Thank you for sharing with us. It's an honor and a real treat to watch "to me" one of the best in the 🌎. My helmet & muffs off to you my friend.
Another great video with powerful insights. I have been climbing for about 17 years and started with a fear of heights. Progressing slowly and steadily is the key I think. Also having the strength to leave your ego out of it as much as possible, it’s human nature to want to gain people’s respect, but people who are really worthy of respect will respect you for being honest if you are not happy about something. As someone who has suffered from anxiety, depression and a suicide attempt (not while up a tree!), and tried all manner of prescription drugs and therapy, by far the most powerful thing I have found to help is mindlfulness. Simply being in the moment as best as you can, breathing and letting go of any unhelpful thoughts. This too shall pass!! Peace ☺️🌲👊🏼
You're very good at giving advice ,you've done it a few times, just you speaking to the camera. In one of these you gave me the best advice any climber ever gave me " Never make a fuck it cut " .these types of videos are so valuable and helpful. Thanks Reg .
Thanks Reg! I am new to climbing and I got to a point where I was questioning if it was really for me. After watching this video I had a turning point in my climbing. It was a combination of reminding myself of how strong my gear really is and the place I’m tied in. The other thing that changed my climbing is changing my breathing. I noticed that I only felt scared or uncomfortable when I was breathing heavy and tired. So I started taking a lot more short breaks to control my breathing keep my heart rate down. All of a sudden I was moving around and climbing taller trees with less and less fear!
Great video Reg, a very real no bullshit video, no arrogance or showing off. Just genuine helpful advice, one of the best tree videos I’ve ever watched.
I FUCKING LOVE YOU MAN! Two days ago I climbed a spruce here in Sweden and I was mid way up and I got this sudden feel of anxiety, you know the heavy breathing and the ginger ale in my head and I can tell you I was not so cocky at that moment! I was VERY VERY scared and when I got down I cried like a baby. Thank god no one saw me! YOu gave me motivation to do it again! Thank you, Reg! Thank you!
It gets easier!! I was a total nervous wreck- thought I might never beat it. I'm not there yet but a little better each time. Thanks for lots of awesome advice! Love your videos
Generally have been super scared of heights my entire life I’ve never really figured out how I got into this career path but you’re exactly right trust in your equipment and being confident in yourself will supersede your fear of the height
August sent me over. How the YT algorithm has failed this bad in keeping me from your channel is beyond me. Look forward to your content and input in the future. Great video. Be safe. Thanks.
But seriously, scroll through the list, although I think only the previous 100 vids will be visible if you are viewing via cell phone. Still lots interesting stuff, old growth, explosives, hazard tree falling etc. I'm sure there will be something to your taste
Another great video, it's something we all must try to overcome. Having full trust in your kit is essential. Daily checks and a good look at the tree helps a heap. Thank you Reg!!
Thank you for the insight good sir. As an individual who is passionate about beginning this type of work later in life ( I am 47), and having at least 1 goal of ascending a tree at least once in my life, even if nothin else but to say "I did that". I've been a Paramedic for 25 years, but each time a call goes out for me to respond, its true that all those fears are what keep me doing the correct thing, and not missing important parts. Absolutely a wonderful video you made. Thank you kindly!
You know, after reading my comment, I found it wasn't quite what I meant to convey. Fear drives me to do well in the fact I go through in my head all of the "what if's", but once in the situation, it is the confidence from experience, and the knowledge I possess that carries me through. Much similar to your situation as you explained good sir. And I know what you are saying about the background becoming a blur too. Your concentration is on the task, and what's important, not so much on the outside bits that don't require as much of your focus. Still a wonderful video though! Thank you!
Thank you so much for your content. I’m relatively pretty new to climbing I need to overcome the fears. Your video is going to be embedded in my brain on tomorrow’s job. Thanks brother. Keep the content coming!
I fell off of a high dive ladder and landed face first on the concrete. Have been terrified of heights since then. This video actually helped me a lot over come the mental aspect of it. Thanks Reg!
Reg, thank you for sharing your insights and experience about fear at height. Very straight and to the point. I appreciate you taking the time to make and post up this video. I was encouraged listening to what you said. Thanks again and keep yourself safe! Randy
Love your humility and confidence in who and what you are as a human . Your a beautiful being Reg. I thank Christ for having come across your content and message
I started climbing 2 years ago. I was absolutely afraid of height's when I started. Thought I concured that. A few months ago I realized I'm still afraid of heights when I rappelled down the Kodak tower in Rochester, NY with my arborist co-worker. I held the life line to tight and rappelled to fast, to thoroughly appreciate the scenery and the moment. Burning my hand through the leather wasn't pleasant lol. Although, when I use my personal gear while climbing a tree I find myself at ease. In my short career I have not hesitated when purchasing what I desire to have while climbing tree's. I've grown to be very passionate about my gear and using it. Your remark about those who want to see us fail and not succeed with pursuing a climbing career really struck a cord with me. I have an injury do to an accident. Occasionally I need to evict demons in my ear that try to convince me that a man that was assisting me, intentionally made this accident take place. Anyhow, somtimes these demons are convincing. Especially when I often sense jealousy and coveting. Regardless with my situation, I know evil like this lurks around all of us. I feel that an inspection of my gear and a thank you to the almighty one for allowing me to be an owner of such magnificent devices and ideas, makes it possible for me to kill my haters with kindness. Practicing techniques in a manner that will make us 2nd to no one in a canopy comforts me with confidence. So, Choke it with a friction saver, Use a sling and a caribiner for that redirect, maybe a pinto pulley would be better, get that ART Snake anchor or tail, make one even and put a caribiner and a pinto pulley on it so your tide off twice, use 2 lanyards, use 2 cords hell use 3 cords, Well, maybe not 3 but what I'm saying is, climb proper. If you're not comfortable, not having fun, uncertain, than your not climbing proper. If it's not fun, you need to be asking yourself, why? Friction on your prusik cord to much? Try another hitch cord or hitch knot. Still not enough? Get that checkbook out, purchase a zigzag, zillon, rope positioner or a runner. Yeah I understand it's expensive. I'm a major green horn, again only 2 years deep in this. $8,000 dollars later, no regrets. I'm still making payments. Like this man say's that sense of accomplishment that's paid to you, no substitute for that. Best feeling in the world. Climb high, Climb smart, Climb happy, be kind, be humble, be the tide that rises all ships, bare much fruit, live large, live long and prosper. Fill your lives with love treeple!
I have been fortunate enough in my life to have great mentors. Listening to your video tonight brought me back to a time in my early climbing years. Having support from good mentors is the reason I chose this line of work. Thanks for offering your words of encouragement!
I would do anything to work beside you and learn from you I mean that I trust you a 100% just by watching your videos you are an amazing man I wish I had somebody like you to teach me
It feels strange to thank a person you "met" in a video but I'd like to. I'm starting to work as an arborist in Spain and I've had really good and also bad moments on a tree, the last mainly from this doubts and demons (mainly doubts in my case) you talk about. I've listened to you, top to bottom, and as I said, I really want to thank you because your words touched me, taught me and have helped me already to accept myself a bit more, to trust myself a bit more and encouraged me to learn more about trees, equipment and myself too. As a naturally curious person, I find this path also a way to find out more things about the way my body and mind work and how I can put them to work together in a more peaceful way. All the best!
Another aspect of the beauty of Reg's thoughtful lesson is that the entirety of the subject is simply about work, or if you want to break it down, work consciousness.
Excellent, this is a great conversation starter for many of us, we all have scares and deffo for junior climbers trying to figure it out . Repetition, knowledge and familiarity sums it all up well
Thank you, one of the most honest vids about this job i've ever seen, i love this job like i love skateboarding try and try again learn through the pain and celebrate the wins, knock on wood i've gotten lucky being caught by my rope a .5m from the ground after a fall from 20m, had croprice growth break off the stump and get dragged to the ground with it, and i've chickened out of heaps of climbs cause i don't like the feeling of the tree and some days thats what ya need to do, but its the drive to push yourself that keeps me wanting to go on, and things i've found that help is singing or making fun out of your anxiety like telling ya ground crew to stand back in case the shit falls out of ya pants, but having a break in the tree and just thinking of other stuff and resetting where your at....
Thank you so much Reg I want you to know that I explain this the exact same way I actually started having my apprentice watch your videos I had a good mentor when I started and I just put faith in everything he told me to do( he climbed several of the very broad maple trees with me) and very rapidly I just started building a wealth of knowledge in my head of what you can do in what species of trees based on how they were growing as far as tie ins limb walks what cuts work well in what situations in what trees and I tell everyone even my fellow foreman to be careful doing certain things while in trees and alternative solutions just so we can all grow together and always keep from being complacent our career is not one that you can ever come to work and just say blah blah blah same thing different tree I always run through the worst possible scenarios before doing a tree and the entire time I’m in a tree I’m focused on how to prevent them from happening
From a noobs stand point everything u said is spot on an the guys an girls around u can help make or break u thanks for ur input it’s helps a lot when a master at whatever tells u their troubles always helped me
As mentioned below mate you are an inspiration. Your experience and knowledge really shines bright when we can see how calm you are in certain situations. I have been climbing and working as an arborist here in New Zealand for only a year now and it is hands down the best job in the world. I study Arboriculture and advanced climbing and am now a qualified arborist, but I still sometimes find myself in stressful situations aloft. Experience is the number one teacher, I'm still learning and am happy to admit that, better than having false competence sometimes. Experience, trusting your gear and the rest of your crew, and most importantly trusting yourself is key. I have worked with many experienced people such as yourself and people like you can teach lessons that no tech classroom or climbing session can provide. Thank you for being you mate, this stuff helps more than you think I'm sure. Look after yourself and stay safe up there my friend. Muzz
That was amazing I have said the same things to many people over the years. Nice to have a video to reference for someone because sometimes we hear it different when it comes from somebody else glad you’re still putting out exceptional videos.
Best book to read when your job puts your life at risk = The Bible! I did not have the luxury of a mentor, just a series of greedy company owners who looking back were willing to put my life at risk for money because I didn't know any better. Prayers and faith got me through all those years and still gets me through when I am faced with a task that nobody else is willing to do. Lol about the many crazy excuses and shenanigans that people will do to get out of climbing or even just to get out of work. Sometimes, you just have to have faith.
This video went so in depth and you talked about things I haven’t heard anyone else say. Thank you for this video. I have always had a fear of heights but love Tree work and want to climb. I’ve set my mind to getting past the fear. I’ve also had the fear of the tree not doing what it should and just going opposite even though I do everything correct.
I had relatively no fear climbing trees for my first 5-6 years of tree climbing. when i did i used it as a tool to highten my awareness of the situation at hand. but that all changed when i found out i was gonna be a father. then as i went to top a pine at 85-90 feet i started thinking that if i fell, my child would grow up without her dad. its been 2+ years now and i still get that worry quite regularly while working at hights, but i am continously working at getting past all the thoughts that go through my head the higher i get. And it is improving greatly. got down a big pondorosa pine recently while getting that anxiety on the ground looking up at it, but having it go away the higher i got while working away all the negative thinking. Thanks Reg for this. I feel like this is a topic which goes under discussed in the tree industry.
Great perspective, and great to see folks like you on here to help coach and educate those who may not have access to a mentor. I have been climbing recreationally/ for personal tree care and I started with a pretty good fear of heights. It has helped my fear a lot, and one of the main things that helped is trusting the gear, trusting the rope, etc.
I walked away from tree work and jumped into abseiling, which made me realise i was pretty decent and capable on the ropes i had just been with the wrong person for to long. He was a terrible groundy shocked the tree when rigging, nearly broke my leg by holding firm a big top. I was proven to myself again when i got a call to climb for some old friends i was nailing it like i used to. Called another chap who with no questions asked is giving me work again. I feel back to being one with myself and climbing. Body language of trees is no doubt the best book i read when i started about 10 years ago.
Once again, Thanks Reg! I have agreed with your fear philosophy before and I do think it is a very good way to stay focused on the task at hand, staying alive and doing competent work. I did not start to climb until I was 55, and will turn 65 in a week a or so, problem I have is I just don't get to climb as much as I want, but it does get easier all the time, and funner, learning to trust the rope etc is as you say very important, anyway I think this is a great help to many thanks again.
I really needed to hear this today, I’m halfway through my tree climb & rescue course and my anxiety is a constant background hum while I’m in the trees. Great words from a tree Jedi. Thank you. I need this 🙌 By the way, there’s actually a name for that urge to jump from height - L’appel du vide … it’s a French phrase that means “The call of the void”, that’s the French expression’s literal translation, but more significantly it’s used to describe the instinctive urge to jump from high places.
great words of wisdom... i remember gaffing out in my first yr climbing at about 45 ft in the air and it took me weeks to have the confidence to get back up there..anyone crazy enough to get into this industry will get there confidence eventually to be ok and be a good climber..its like learning to swim..most all people will eventually learn but some much quicker than others..
Reg, yours is the best arborist channel I have ever seen on YT. This was a great video on the right mental attitude to have in this type of work. Excellent advice. It could even be called Zen in the Art of Arborist Work. Much respect for the work you do. All the best.
Alvaro Mejias Cabeza Hows the weather off the coast of Africa these days? I’ve been to Spain but never that far south. Greetings from British Columbia 😎
New and learning, that over the 20-ft comment is absolutely true LOL the rope and the gear are doing the same thing two feet off the ground or 200 ft. I NEED TO REMEMBER haha definitely going to see about that book. Trees that's have what looks like zero issues make me nervous. This video helped so much, thank you
Absolutely inspiring. I have a dear friend that does tree management and owns his own business. After watching and listening to you I'm almost tempted to hit him up to work with him a bit.
I have only just found your videos a day or two ago, but this video is exceptional. You are a perfect mentor, although I don't do your job, but you get what I mean. You have so much common sense. Thank You for sharing this video .
Wow Reg, that was truly brilliant. Only just stumbled across your channel and this video but I was enthralled. Even though I may never climb a tree again (since I was a ‘fearless’ kid) those were wise words that you could apply to many other things in life. No wonder you come across as someone with Zen like calm! Take care and thanks again 👍
Bravo. I've been a tree worker for about 8 years now and some words from a former colleague never leave me: if you're too afraid to do the job, you should think about quitting. If you're absolutely unafraid about anything that has to do with the job, you should definitely quit.
My Jumpmaster told me something similar, when I chose to come down with the plane one day, and didn't jump. Even he, who jumped with the Golden Knights, stated he had even come down with the plane a few times. A healthy fear, and a great respect for what can kill you, can keep you alive for years to come.
This is good stuff. As an arborist in training one year in, I have had a few nervous moments. What helps me is preclimb gear inspection, sound limb to tie into and if I get still unsettled to keep telling myself to trust the equipment and myself. You can pause going up for a minute to collect yourself and nobody won't even notice. A real psychological technique for relieving anxiety is to stay in the moment. For example, when you start to get anxious, pause and focus on something. Stare at the rope your climbing on, notice it's color, it's feel, it's strength etc. Perhaps focus on the leaves near you, the shape of them, their purpose etc. Notice the air, how it smells, it's temperature. You might see an ant 60 feet up next to you. Think about and wonder how it got up there, why it's there, how it might get back down... The objective is to redirect your mind from racing thoughts about potential future events to really concentrating on things around yourself. If you can do that you will find the anxiety goes away. Takes a bit of practice but it is amazingly simple and helpful. It's almost like a conscious form of meditation that only takes seconds to do.
Relaxing breaths work wonders as well! 4-7-8..... in through the nose for the count of 4.... hold for the count of 7...... out through pursed lips for a count of 8. You can do it three times in a row, it works wonders!!
I had 5 kids so that squashed any fear i ever had
Awesome pointer Gee Kay. Dissociation is one of the greatest psychological coping techniques in the world. This is powerful and true !!!
Yeah I agree with what you're saying it works...but when I find an ant that's 60 feet or more up I always find my self feeling envious that it can get around up there so easily without any gear or worries:)
any of you guys see a video of a dude in a tropical environment maybe Thailand i dont know but the guy has a saw bout like a 290 stihl no gear all hes doing is hangin on with his legs and chunkin 2 or 3 footers down and he looks like he sittin around sippin a cold beer not even sweatin its pretty wild you guys stay safe man fear keeps you alive and thinkin you will be like little squirrels in no time when you get confidence in your gear.
"Fear is there to protect you, it's part of your checklist." great statement. Thank you.
Thank you for you time and wisdom Reg. I just got down from a 100ft tree, highest I've been. I was up for hours last night in anxiety, I came across your video and just repeated the key points in my head until I fell asleep, and carried on doing that the whole way through the tree. I'm on lunch break now and my body is absolutely cooked. Hopefully these sardines give me some fuel for the next tree lol!
Been at it about 2 months, and the unknown territory was the source of all my anxiety. It's becoming a bit easier now.
You're a legend Reg!
I'm 66 years old and did my first 50 foot climb recently. Did a couple SRT redirects, pruned dead branches, limb walked and before I knew it 5 hours had passed. As I came down I was so happy with what I accomplished. I must be a kid at heart because I still love climbing in trees. Thanks Reg.
9 months later I still watch this video this is the best video that I have personally ever watched on UA-cam as a tree climber
I agree.
Sir, You are a master at problem identification and explaining on a level that anyone can understand. Thanks for the time and effort you spend helping people.
i think its just the accent
@@everett3938 Lol, it definitely helps!!!
You are my hero.watched this 3 years ago and probably why I’m in business off this ❤
This guy is the epitome of chill, just amazing monologue videos. Mental strength- check
Reg when u hang up you're spurs you should look into teaching the up and coming tree climbers I honestly think people could benefit from your knowledge.
If it was up to me this video would be played at every college or arb training organisation certainty in the UK where I live. Outstanding, truely outstanding, thoughtful, eloquent, and provides an insight that is delivered in a manner that I found simply was not available, it would be a terrible shame if this particular video was not widely consumed within arb training and early years development. Thanks Reg, your one of a kind mate.
I agree
Well said!
Havent commented before but I feel this might be useful to others, I've been a contract climber for 10years and the one and only thing I've found to really make the nerves go up are not having ground staff you trust or are even unsure their cerebral ability can comprehend the dynamics of rigging, it's all well and good working for a firm that has a boss that was and is very good, but for them to sometimes leave the job and leave the climber with ground staff that are doing the job for the summer or just dont care. I'd say to anyone going into subby climbing make sure everyone you work for has ground staff that can perform areil rescue make sure you can find out if they are even fit enough for resuce and can rig off well. I have been put into some seriously dangerous trees to only be told the decent chap wont be there and I will have to make do with the local crack head on 40quid a day. If someone had told me about these situations my stress and climbing ability would have improved to no end.
Reg you make alot of sense mate thanks for sharing your knowledge and mega thanks for the arbtrolley
That's why I work solo. I only work on small to medium trees and I take my time.
I have worked at height in construction for 40 plus years ,and you are spot on Reg ( different discipline but the same emotions ) I have thought about this a great deal and I think a lot of the problems come from perspective , you can look up at a Building or structure from the ground and it looks nothing but ,when you are on it and look down, it can be terrifying for the newcomer even for experienced hands, There is no shame in taking a moment to collect yourself. Your words are wise and really should be on every curriculum for potential climbers .
Wow! This was like a guided meditation; it flashed a 1/2 dozen 'come to Jesus moments' thru my life experiences; priceless, thank you.
You should write a book man. Such great advice.
Very thoughtful. I retired after 20 years plus climbing for a variety of reasons. But the most important was that I felt it was the right time. I had no accidents but saw some bad one's, felt like I needed a new challenge and realised that if my head and heart wasn't 100% into it I should stop. Now I landscape and periodically miss climbing but I don't regret stopping ever.
Thanks again, Reg, for this awesome video. It's helped me immensely, and I've had my tree business for three years now. Working in the canopy is truly a blessing.
You are awesome!! I have watched this video at least 10 times. Hopefully one day I can take it all the way to the top of the tree…Thank you so much!!
Reg, no illusions, you’re not perfect cause you’re human but you are also deliberate, thoughtful and incredibly inspirational. You’re the kind of guy one comes across, a total stranger, but yet, you think I’d like have a beer with that guy.
Thanks thanks thanks Reg :-) as Buckin says “I am calm, I am at peace, I’m in no rush”.
Yes he does. I like that. I need to drill that conduct into my own.
Thank you. I needed that chat. This is perhaps the best video you've put out. Sincerely
I think like you said it's a fear of unfamiliarity, and that stepping into something unfamiliar might trigger some panic and inability to handle things. It's a mental challenge that almost has nothing to do with heights or trees in the end. The good thing about trees is you can incrementally push your comfort zone bit by bit to become quite comfortable in a situation that would be scary if you felt thrown into it before you trust your tie-in/gear/whatever. I've found climbing trees in my free time hugely helpful to push my comfort without added pressures that come along with being on a job
Good teaching moment from you. That said, my last CPR class the instructor said 2500 Americans die each year from falls off 6 foot or less ladders. I tossed my 3 foot step ladder in the burn pile decades ago as I realized a 3 foot fall on concrete with tools laying around hurts. Worked in woods since 1975 and I have hurt myself more at home. Luck/skill for sure. 180' is the highest I found a yellow jacket nest while cone picking. Thanks for posting vids.
im 58 and i want to get into this profession. this was a great block of instruction and will definitely help me with regards to the perspective i should have on the fear aspect of this profession. well said and greatly appreciated.
You're still young. Go for it. I'm 69 and in my 4th year climbing.
Not many tree guys admit fear. But show me one who didn´t feel it, and I´ll show you a liar. I liked this video in particular. I feel the fear every time I am up there and controlling it is a bigger task for me, than planning the tree. You explained it very well
My first time spurred in I was 20 foot off the ground shaking like a leaf, and after my first gaff slip in loose bark I spent the next 2 years hammering my spikes into the tree, way way more than needed lol.
This is probably one of the best videos on You Tube .Not only does it help a new tree climber, but anyone trying to achieve a new goal.
Thank you brother thank you thank you thank you this is probably the most thought-provoking video I've seen in years I've been doing tree work for 22 years 15 of it climbing. With all that time everything you said in this video Perfect it was dead on point as soon as you said the word complacency I got emotional and teared up. Because complacency is almost cost me my life tree work is no joke and you should have a healthy fear always but thank you again you're really good Man reg a truly awesome human being I wish I had someone like you to work with take care brother stay safe thanks again for the video truly remarkable
Fear is the sum of Lack of Knowledge and Lack of experience... Thanks for sharing your exerience, reg.
Hi Reg. I am a new subscriber. Buckin Billy Ray gave a shout out for you and I am so glad I made it over to check your channel out. This is psychology 101 for life and for being a tree climber. I truly enjoyed you sharing your common sense approach of what you do and how to build confidence for any thing we might attempt to do in life. I look forward to watching your videos and learning more about you. You are an interesting man. Thank you for sharing it with us!
Thanks for putting this so clearly. I wish I had you as a mentor 30 years ago.
“Weebles Wobble, but they Don’t Fall Down” kept me going in more than one tree early on! Thanks Reg for sparking some old thoughts I haven’t remembered for awhile.
Hi Reg, watching this has been a huge help for me! I froze on my first limb walk at height not long ago and it put a lot of doubt in me as to whether it was the right job for me. I told the guys I wanted to come down and did, but it has wound me up ever since.
Can't wait to get back up and give it another shot now.
Cheers!
Reg, you're such a good student of life and so good at relating your life lessons to others. Everything you said in this discussion rings so true and I could relate to it so well from my own past experience. I unintentionally got into doing tower work for the Amateur radio folk in my area and had to progress through the trust the structure and trust your gear aspect in my late fifties. Not until in my early seventies did I out of need to manage trees on my own property get into tree climbing. I'm now to the point that my only 120' climb line isn't long enough.
Hey, good for you, brother. I'm 69 and in my third year of my solo tree business and love this work. A 70' white pine is my highest climb so far.
This is not just good advise for climbing trees but for life in general. Subscribed!
Reg in a truck talking tree climbing is the best .. Speaking of heights, I think you just topped yourself. Excellent video Reg . Thank for your time and effort .
Excellent talk Reg. Thanks for this. I'm relatively new to climbing and you certainly have addressed a lot of the common fears. One fear that I have that you didn't address is the fear of making a mistake that would lead to a fall. Such as when fliplineing up and bypassing a branch, or just moving around the canopy and having to unclip, move and then clip back in, and I think I'm clipped in and let go only to find that I didn't put the line in proper place or whatever, and now I'm falling because of a personal error. I'm sure there are a thousand examples of things that tree guys have done to hurt or kill themselves through personal errors and mistakes. Gravity is not very forgiving. My way of handling this fear so far has been to just move slowly and deliberately, and thinking through and calculating each move. I'm sure some of you guys have dealt with similar fears and I am interested in hearing your thoughts and how you've handled this. Thanks
Sounds like the fear is working in your favor, exactly how it should. You are doing everything right, well done 👍
Me too. I always still check my carabiners are working in the right way and analize the branch i want to pass my rope. This fear works on my favour (reg says....). Still thinking it's ok or not what i'm doing. Thank you
So well put by Reg regarding fear 'fear is keeping us safe if properly controlled'. or that's how I remember it (he said it much much better lol)
But same with gravity, we rely on it daily to stay alive but it can kill us too. Main point is respect. A good climber has to have a healthy respect for all (including inconvenient) aspects of working in the tree.
I found it was helpful to be self disciplined to follow "personal safety rules" I made up for myself. In time they become just really good habits and now contribute to a cooler head :)
Lowering your risk of falling helps to calm your nerves. I always climb with two fliplines on my saddle, a 12' and an 18'. 95% of the time I also have a climb line, that way I'm always double tied into the tree when moving any of the three.
Well said sir! Always enjoy this videos. Seeing you up a fir 150 plus makes me feel at ease in a 80 ft oak. You are correct about sitting back in your saddle and trusting your gear. Thank you for the words of encouragement!
I would say this was much more than just help, it was what I consider mentoring - WELL DONE!
Awesome talk Reg hopefully the people that need the information take the time to sit and listen to a "mentor" because you live the work that you speak of. Thanks Reg!
Thanks RC, this hit home with me! Once I get over 90’ and the wind picks up something comes over me and I have to talk myself through getting the job done. Thanks again for the great video ✅
I want you to know this video has been a great help to me ,, self taught, 62 years old , minimal gear , and no mates to climb with. But I love this stuff ,, and YES I am super careful. So far I have managed just over 30 feet, so this lecture helps . Thank you so much..
By the way I did get the book,, Body Language of Trees,, it was expensive at about 125.00 US but the book is as you described. Very informative, I have learned to better examine a tree and better assess it..
Thank you for the encouragement.. Good luck to you..
Joe
Good for you, Joe. I also learned climbing trees later in life, at 65. I'm now 69 and had my tree business 3 years.
A truly exceptional video Reg. As you've touched on, complacency is a very real aspect of familiarity and I've seen an equal amount of injury from it as I have from beginners in any field. You've an immense ability to convey valuable information in a thoughtful way that invokes a strong sense of clarity. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. Though I've only been climbing for a few years, I've been doing forestry work for over a decade & I simply think about my children & my wife anytime I feel I'm getting too comfortable with things.
Your my choice for climbing guru. Thank you so much for all you share...it is the ground.
Thanks for your advice Reg. We look to folks like yourself as guides
You are awesome at what you do brother! But of course,that goes without saying. Thank you for sharing with us. It's an honor and a real treat to watch "to me" one of the best in the 🌎. My helmet & muffs off to you my friend.
Another great video with powerful insights. I have been climbing for about 17 years and started with a fear of heights.
Progressing slowly and steadily is the key I think. Also having the strength to leave your ego out of it as much as possible, it’s human nature to want to gain people’s respect, but people who are really worthy of respect will respect you for being honest if you are not happy about something.
As someone who has suffered from anxiety, depression and a suicide attempt (not while up a tree!), and tried all manner of prescription drugs and therapy, by far the most powerful thing I have found to help is mindlfulness. Simply being in the moment as best as you can, breathing and letting go of any unhelpful thoughts. This too shall pass!!
Peace ☺️🌲👊🏼
You're very good at giving advice ,you've done it a few times, just you speaking to the camera. In one of these you gave me the best advice any climber ever gave me " Never make a fuck it cut " .these types of videos are so valuable and helpful. Thanks Reg .
Reg, you should write a book.
Ah yes! I would buy that
Agree
But make it an audiobook.
New age G.F. Berenek
Thanks Reg! I am new to climbing and I got to a point where I was questioning if it was really for me. After watching this video I had a turning point in my climbing. It was a combination of reminding myself of how strong my gear really is and the place I’m tied in. The other thing that changed my climbing is changing my breathing. I noticed that I only felt scared or uncomfortable when I was breathing heavy and tired. So I started taking a lot more short breaks to control my breathing keep my heart rate down. All of a sudden I was moving around and climbing taller trees with less and less fear!
Great video Reg, a very real no bullshit video, no arrogance or showing off. Just genuine helpful advice, one of the best tree videos I’ve ever watched.
I FUCKING LOVE YOU MAN!
Two days ago I climbed a spruce here in Sweden and I was mid way up and I got this sudden feel of anxiety, you know the heavy breathing and the ginger ale in my head and I can tell you I was not so cocky at that moment! I was VERY VERY scared and when I got down I cried like a baby. Thank god no one saw me!
YOu gave me motivation to do it again! Thank you, Reg! Thank you!
absolutely true !very helpful, i was out of the game for a long time and recently restarted and the fear is back but I'm loving every minute !
It gets easier!! I was a total nervous wreck- thought I might never beat it. I'm not there yet but a little better each time.
Thanks for lots of awesome advice! Love your videos
Generally have been super scared of heights my entire life I’ve never really figured out how I got into this career path but you’re exactly right trust in your equipment and being confident in yourself will supersede your fear of the height
August sent me over. How the YT algorithm has failed this bad in keeping me from your channel is beyond me. Look forward to your content and input in the future. Great video. Be safe. Thanks.
On the contrary, I was just killing time until you got here.
But seriously, scroll through the list, although I think only the previous 100 vids will be visible if you are viewing via cell phone. Still lots interesting stuff, old growth, explosives, hazard tree falling etc. I'm sure there will be something to your taste
@@Recoates lol, if its trees, climbing, and education I'll watch it. Thanks again man!
Another great video, it's something we all must try to overcome. Having full trust in your kit is essential. Daily checks and a good look at the tree helps a heap. Thank you Reg!!
Thank you for the insight good sir. As an individual who is passionate about beginning this type of work later in life ( I am 47), and having at least 1 goal of ascending a tree at least once in my life, even if nothin else but to say "I did that". I've been a Paramedic for 25 years, but each time a call goes out for me to respond, its true that all those fears are what keep me doing the correct thing, and not missing important parts. Absolutely a wonderful video you made. Thank you kindly!
You know, after reading my comment, I found it wasn't quite what I meant to convey. Fear drives me to do well in the fact I go through in my head all of the "what if's", but once in the situation, it is the confidence from experience, and the knowledge I possess that carries me through. Much similar to your situation as you explained good sir. And I know what you are saying about the background becoming a blur too. Your concentration is on the task, and what's important, not so much on the outside bits that don't require as much of your focus. Still a wonderful video though! Thank you!
Join the club I’m 40 and love it
Thank you so much for your content. I’m relatively pretty new to climbing I need to overcome the fears. Your video is going to be embedded in my brain on tomorrow’s job. Thanks brother. Keep the content coming!
I fell off of a high dive ladder and landed face first on the concrete. Have been terrified of heights since then. This video actually helped me a lot over come the mental aspect of it. Thanks Reg!
So inspiring!!, you are such a thoughtful and generous person, love, love the channel.
Reg, thank you for sharing your insights and experience about fear at height.
Very straight and to the point. I appreciate you taking the time to make and post
up this video. I was encouraged listening to what you said.
Thanks again and keep yourself safe!
Randy
Love your humility and confidence in who and what you are as a human . Your a beautiful being Reg. I thank Christ for having come across your content and message
I started climbing 2 years ago. I was absolutely afraid of height's when I started. Thought I concured that. A few months ago I realized I'm still afraid of heights when I rappelled down the Kodak tower in Rochester, NY with my arborist co-worker. I held the life line to tight and rappelled to fast, to thoroughly appreciate the scenery and the moment. Burning my hand through the leather wasn't pleasant lol. Although, when I use my personal gear while climbing a tree I find myself at ease. In my short career I have not hesitated when purchasing what I desire to have while climbing tree's. I've grown to be very passionate about my gear and using it. Your remark about those who want to see us fail and not succeed with pursuing a climbing career really struck a cord with me. I have an injury do to an accident. Occasionally I need to evict demons in my ear that try to convince me that a man that was assisting me, intentionally made this accident take place. Anyhow, somtimes these demons are convincing. Especially when I often sense jealousy and coveting. Regardless with my situation, I know evil like this lurks around all of us. I feel that an inspection of my gear and a thank you to the almighty one for allowing me to be an owner of such magnificent devices and ideas, makes it possible for me to kill my haters with kindness. Practicing techniques in a manner that will make us 2nd to no one in a canopy comforts me with confidence. So, Choke it with a friction saver, Use a sling and a caribiner for that redirect, maybe a pinto pulley would be better, get that ART Snake anchor or tail, make one even and put a caribiner and a pinto pulley on it so your tide off twice, use 2 lanyards, use 2 cords hell use 3 cords, Well, maybe not 3 but what I'm saying is, climb proper. If you're not comfortable, not having fun, uncertain, than your not climbing proper. If it's not fun, you need to be asking yourself, why? Friction on your prusik cord to much? Try another hitch cord or hitch knot. Still not enough? Get that checkbook out, purchase a zigzag, zillon, rope positioner or a runner. Yeah I understand it's expensive. I'm a major green horn, again only 2 years deep in this. $8,000 dollars later, no regrets. I'm still making payments. Like this man say's that sense of accomplishment that's paid to you, no substitute for that. Best feeling in the world. Climb high, Climb smart, Climb happy, be kind, be humble, be the tide that rises all ships, bare much fruit, live large, live long and prosper. Fill your lives with love treeple!
I have been fortunate enough in my life to have great mentors. Listening to your video tonight brought me back to a time in my early climbing years. Having support from good mentors is the reason I chose this line of work. Thanks for offering your words of encouragement!
I would do anything to work beside you and learn from you I mean that I trust you a 100% just by watching your videos you are an amazing man I wish I had somebody like you to teach me
It feels strange to thank a person you "met" in a video but I'd like to. I'm starting to work as an arborist in Spain and I've had really good and also bad moments on a tree, the last mainly from this doubts and demons (mainly doubts in my case) you talk about. I've listened to you, top to bottom, and as I said, I really want to thank you because your words touched me, taught me and have helped me already to accept myself a bit more, to trust myself a bit more and encouraged me to learn more about trees, equipment and myself too. As a naturally curious person, I find this path also a way to find out more things about the way my body and mind work and how I can put them to work together in a more peaceful way. All the best!
Thanks for these thoughts. I'll be watching this again when I resume climbing.
Another aspect of the beauty of Reg's thoughtful lesson is that the entirety of the subject is simply about work, or if you want to break it down, work consciousness.
24:35 Brilliant, now I'm scared of driving too! Jokes aside, cheers Reg, your wisdom is always greatly appreciated.🙏
Reg - Thank you so much for your wise words! After this I believe I would just go anywhere and do anything if you told me to do it and how to do it!
People are lucky to have you as a mentor,for sure
Excellent, this is a great conversation starter for many of us, we all have scares and deffo for junior climbers trying to figure it out . Repetition, knowledge and familiarity sums it all up well
I cant thank you enough for this thoughtfully worded, helpful and inspiring video.
Thank you, one of the most honest vids about this job i've ever seen, i love this job like i love skateboarding try and try again learn through the pain and celebrate the wins, knock on wood i've gotten lucky being caught by my rope a .5m from the ground after a fall from 20m, had croprice growth break off the stump and get dragged to the ground with it, and i've chickened out of heaps of climbs cause i don't like the feeling of the tree and some days thats what ya need to do, but its the drive to push yourself that keeps me wanting to go on, and things i've found that help is singing or making fun out of your anxiety like telling ya ground crew to stand back in case the shit falls out of ya pants, but having a break in the tree and just thinking of other stuff and resetting where your at....
Thank you so much Reg I want you to know that I explain this the exact same way I actually started having my apprentice watch your videos I had a good mentor when I started and I just put faith in everything he told me to do( he climbed several of the very broad maple trees with me) and very rapidly I just started building a wealth of knowledge in my head of what you can do in what species of trees based on how they were growing as far as tie ins limb walks what cuts work well in what situations in what trees and I tell everyone even my fellow foreman to be careful doing certain things while in trees and alternative solutions just so we can all grow together and always keep from being complacent our career is not one that you can ever come to work and just say blah blah blah same thing different tree I always run through the worst possible scenarios before doing a tree and the entire time I’m in a tree I’m focused on how to prevent them from happening
From a noobs stand point everything u said is spot on an the guys an girls around u can help make or break u thanks for ur input it’s helps a lot when a master at whatever tells u their troubles always helped me
I've been watching you so long Reg. I'm glad I have. You've rubbed off on me quite nicely, man. Awesome compliments to my all-around work balance. 😎🤙
As mentioned below mate you are an inspiration. Your experience and knowledge really shines bright when we can see how calm you are in certain situations. I have been climbing and working as an arborist here in New Zealand for only a year now and it is hands down the best job in the world. I study Arboriculture and advanced climbing and am now a qualified arborist, but I still sometimes find myself in stressful situations aloft. Experience is the number one teacher, I'm still learning and am happy to admit that, better than having false competence sometimes. Experience, trusting your gear and the rest of your crew, and most importantly trusting yourself is key. I have worked with many experienced people such as yourself and people like you can teach lessons that no tech classroom or climbing session can provide. Thank you for being you mate, this stuff helps more than you think I'm sure. Look after yourself and stay safe up there my friend.
Muzz
That was amazing I have said the same things to many people over the years. Nice to have a video to reference for someone because sometimes we hear it different when it comes from somebody else glad you’re still putting out exceptional videos.
Best book to read when your job puts your life at risk = The Bible! I did not have the luxury of a mentor, just a series of greedy company owners who looking back were willing to put my life at risk for money because I didn't know any better. Prayers and faith got me through all those years and still gets me through when I am faced with a task that nobody else is willing to do. Lol about the many crazy excuses and shenanigans that people will do to get out of climbing or even just to get out of work. Sometimes, you just have to have faith.
Amen brother. I pray before I climb. I'm 69 and love tree work.
This video went so in depth and you talked about things I haven’t heard anyone else say. Thank you for this video. I have always had a fear of heights but love Tree work and want to climb. I’ve set my mind to getting past the fear. I’ve also had the fear of the tree not doing what it should and just going opposite even though I do everything correct.
You're just amazing. Thank you for your service with this video.
Interesting thoughts, true words, thanks for sharing 🙏
I had relatively no fear climbing trees for my first 5-6 years of tree climbing. when i did i used it as a tool to highten my awareness of the situation at hand. but that all changed when i found out i was gonna be a father. then as i went to top a pine at 85-90 feet i started thinking that if i fell, my child would grow up without her dad. its been 2+ years now and i still get that worry quite regularly while working at hights, but i am continously working at getting past all the thoughts that go through my head the higher i get. And it is improving greatly. got down a big pondorosa pine recently while getting that anxiety on the ground looking up at it, but having it go away the higher i got while working away all the negative thinking. Thanks Reg for this. I feel like this is a topic which goes under discussed in the tree industry.
Welcome to fatherhood Dude. I'm pretty sure it happens this way with all of us. Once you have more to worry about than yourself, it all changes.
Wise words dude the more we do, the more we learn, the better we get. Enjoying watchin your content so had to sub.
Great perspective, and great to see folks like you on here to help coach and educate those who may not have access to a mentor. I have been climbing recreationally/ for personal tree care and I started with a pretty good fear of heights. It has helped my fear a lot, and one of the main things that helped is trusting the gear, trusting the rope, etc.
I walked away from tree work and jumped into abseiling, which made me realise i was pretty decent and capable on the ropes i had just been with the wrong person for to long. He was a terrible groundy shocked the tree when rigging, nearly broke my leg by holding firm a big top. I was proven to myself again when i got a call to climb for some old friends i was nailing it like i used to. Called another chap who with no questions asked is giving me work again. I feel back to being one with myself and climbing.
Body language of trees is no doubt the best book i read when i started about 10 years ago.
Once again, Thanks Reg! I have agreed with your fear philosophy before and I do think it is a very good way to stay focused on the task at hand, staying alive and doing competent work. I did not start to climb until I was 55, and will turn 65 in a week a or so, problem I have is I just don't get to climb as much as I want, but it does get easier all the time, and funner, learning to trust the rope etc is as you say very important, anyway I think this is a great help to many thanks again.
I really needed to hear this today, I’m halfway through my tree climb & rescue course and my anxiety is a constant background hum while I’m in the trees. Great words from a tree Jedi. Thank you. I need this 🙌
By the way, there’s actually a name for that urge to jump from height - L’appel du vide … it’s a French phrase that means “The call of the void”, that’s the French expression’s literal translation, but more significantly it’s used to describe the instinctive urge to jump from high places.
great words of wisdom... i remember gaffing out in my first yr climbing at about 45 ft in the air and it took me weeks to have the confidence to get back up there..anyone crazy enough to get into this industry will get there confidence eventually to be ok and be a good climber..its like learning to swim..most all people will eventually learn but some much quicker than others..
Reg, yours is the best arborist channel I have ever seen on YT. This was a great video on the right mental attitude to have in this type of work. Excellent advice. It could even be called Zen in the Art of Arborist Work. Much respect for the work you do. All the best.
Thanks from Gran Canaria Island, I learned a lot from your videos since 2009
Alvaro Mejias Cabeza Hows the weather off the coast of Africa these days? I’ve been to Spain but never that far south. Greetings from British Columbia 😎
New and learning, that over the 20-ft comment is absolutely true LOL the rope and the gear are doing the same thing two feet off the ground or 200 ft. I NEED TO REMEMBER haha definitely going to see about that book. Trees that's have what looks like zero issues make me nervous. This video helped so much, thank you
Absolutely inspiring. I have a dear friend that does tree management and owns his own business. After watching and listening to you I'm almost tempted to hit him up to work with him a bit.
Helped a bunch. Thanks Reg. As a new climber (3 years) it helps to receive this information from someone with your experience.
I have only just found your videos a day or two ago, but this video is exceptional. You are a perfect mentor, although I don't do your job, but you get what I mean. You have so much common sense. Thank You for sharing this video .
Wow Reg, that was truly brilliant. Only just stumbled across your channel and this video but I was enthralled. Even though I may never climb a tree again (since I was a ‘fearless’ kid) those were wise words that you could apply to many other things in life. No wonder you come across as someone with Zen like calm! Take care and thanks again 👍
rock solid talk! very practical advice, much appreciated
I appreciate this video more than you will ever realize sir. Thank you reg
As always , precise straight talking , love your vids . Amazing part of the world to be in your profession .