free climbing how often do you do it?

newguy18 · 7th January 2008, 11:14 AM

just a poll to see how often you guys freeclimb.

Ekka · 7th January 2008, 12:17 PM

Guilty for me on smaller busy trees where sometimes you cant swing a cat! Not sure if you did slip you'd make it to the ground.

Some of these tree would be Leopard tree, fiddlewood, bauhinia, Qld firewheel etc. They're busy little annoying blighters at times.

quercus · 7th January 2008, 10:52 PM

NEVER EVER CLIMB A TREE UNBELAYED. On small trees it could happen that I only use a flipline for safety.

Ekka · 8th January 2008, 12:02 AM

Two flip lines are good also.

You should never free climb though, and I never talk on the mobile whilst driving either.

Therrin · 8th January 2008, 12:56 AM

Well out of the 9 who've answered the poll so far, only 4 of us have actually said something. I'm thinking the other's don't want to be intimidated and stringently lambasted by Quercus.

Just ONE flip Quercus? Where does that leave you when you need to move around branches?

I free-climb on occasion, though I have to admit, with a lady-friend I'm rather fond of, and while getting older and realizing that I'm not as agile as I used to be, I only freeclimb rarely.

When I started I was doing 75 foot free ascent's up pine spars till the trunk was thin enough for me to get a line around it. And that's with a full gear rack and saw hanging off me. I don't do that crazy crap now though. Somewhere I seem to have gotten a higher appreciation for life.

Ekka · 8th January 2008, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Therrin

Just ONE flip Quercus? Where does that leave you when you need to move around branches?

Hahaha .... BUSTED. That's when you use the ole elbow hook, similar to a wrestler applying the headlock.

newguy18 · 8th January 2008, 05:08 AM

i'll have to get my brother taking pictures of me free climbing in that pine in my backyard.Its a little one at 50'.I can be from ground to the top of that treein less than 5 minutes without a rope or harness.

bigshea13 · 8th January 2008, 06:41 AM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well out of the 9 who've answered the poll so far, only 4 of us have actually said something. I'm thinking the other's don't want to be intimidated and stringently lambasted by Quercus.

i wasnt worried about the tounge lashing, to be honest...i didnt want to sound like i was condoning the practice. its one thing to be stupid....it another to open your mouth and prove it. im not sure of the caliber if people that are logging in and reading these tips that we are posting. i dont want to give anybody new to the field the wrong idea. when my little brother joined my crew he was always trying to outdo everyone even though he was brand new to the gig. i was always catching myself,trying not to take shoetcuts or do thing that could give him the wrong idea. the newguys have to learn from someone, hopefully its someone worth learning from.

Daveindubuque · 8th January 2008, 06:10 PM

I'll free climb quite often. Anything over 20 in. dbh I will usually buck in on the ground. I always have my saddle and climb line on. After 15 ft. I buck constantly. Mostly depends on tree and weather conditions.

Ekka · 8th January 2008, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigshea13

when my little brother joined my crew he was always trying to outdo everyone even though he was brand new to the gig.

Another Young Bull

quercus · 9th January 2008, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ekka

Hahaha .... BUSTED. That's when you use the ole elbow hook, similar to a wrestler applying the headlock.

Yups... BUSTED!!!

Intimidated? Stringently lambasted? I'm not sure what that last thing is... But I'm a sucker for safety that's all... It's already as dangerous enough as it is, so why does one have to challenge disaster?

newguy18 · 9th January 2008, 10:13 AM

This may sound stupid but for me the more danger the better I work.I'm not saying saftey wise I'm saying productive wise.i suppose you don't use leg locks to hold you on limbs while your rigging it.

Mangoes · 9th January 2008, 11:55 AM

Callous disregard for safety is an indicator of a severely selfish and self absorbed individual.

Lanyard or rope, I ALWAYS have a means of quick self rescue. About 3-4 years ago a climber in Vancouver died as a result of climber with only a lanyard. Cut his left arm, hit an artery, bled out.....died alone at the top of a tree. If he had a means of self rescue, he would have been on the ground in 30 seconds where his groundman could have applied pressure and at the very least he wouldn't have died dispairingly alone.

newguy18 · 9th January 2008, 12:03 PM

I never once said I'm without a second lanyard but to go out and set a tip tie I just use a leg lock to hold me.I only cut with a handsaw like that.

Mangoes · 9th January 2008, 05:14 PM

I think I understand your direction of thought. To review.....

Callous disregard for safety is an indicator of a severely selfish and self absorbed individual.

Why:
Because someone willing to chance their life, be it talking on the phone while driving, free climbing or one handed chainsaw use etc. etc., does not respect the hierchy of people close to them.

1 - spouse/partner
2,3,4 - kids
4-6 - parents/inlaws
any number - siblings, cousins, grandparents
numerous - friends/acquaintences

There is no possible arguement against it. Such an individual is thinking only of themselves......and their machismo, or pride, or laziness... whatever.

mdvaden · 9th January 2008, 05:39 PM

In construction and other trades, it is completely professional to free climb an extension ladder.

When I know that a tree is loaded with strong limbs, and it's as solid or more solid than an extension ladder, I'll free climb it.

In fact, a lot of trees are more stout and more sturdy than ladders.

20' is typically my limit.

Higher for recreation if I find a really fun climbing tree. Usually a conifer with many whorls of limbs evenly spaced.

View Poll Results: how often do you free climb.
never i'm afraid to unclip while in a tree.	9	21.95%
only when the trees are small.	21	51.22%
all the time when I have adequte hand and foot holds.	11	26.83%
Voters: 41. You may not vote on this poll

7th January 2008, 11:14 AM	#1 (permalink)
newguy18 Tree World Icon Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Live Oak Florida home of the crapiest trees you will ever see. Posts: 2,196	free climbing how often do you do it? just a poll to see how often you guys freeclimb. __________________ Have your say join us today. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzkd_m4ivmc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzfzb...eature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-OqK...eature=related

7th January 2008, 12:17 PM	#2 (permalink)
Ekka Eric Frei Administrator - Brisbane L5 (Dip) Hort Cert III Arb + some Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 5,673	Re: free climbing how often do you do it? Guilty for me on smaller busy trees where sometimes you cant swing a cat! Not sure if you did slip you'd make it to the ground. Some of these tree would be Leopard tree, fiddlewood, bauhinia, Qld firewheel etc. They're busy little annoying blighters at times. __________________ Remember to use the "search" function, if you have answers/questions post them so everyone can benefit. Free Tree and Green Industry Link Directory Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping Brisbane Tree Care, Consultations and Arborist Reports Forum Sponsors

7th January 2008, 10:52 PM	#3 (permalink)
quercus Afterburner is shakin' Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: belgium Posts: 414	Re: free climbing how often do you do it? NEVER EVER CLIMB A TREE UNBELAYED. On small trees it could happen that I only use a flipline for safety.

8th January 2008, 12:02 AM	#4 (permalink)
Ekka Eric Frei Administrator - Brisbane L5 (Dip) Hort Cert III Arb + some Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 5,673	Re: free climbing how often do you do it? Two flip lines are good also. You should never free climb though, and I never talk on the mobile whilst driving either. __________________ Remember to use the "search" function, if you have answers/questions post them so everyone can benefit. Free Tree and Green Industry Link Directory Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping Brisbane Tree Care, Consultations and Arborist Reports Forum Sponsors

8th January 2008, 12:56 AM	#5 (permalink)
Therrin The Tree World Bandit Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lancaster, Ca Posts: 1,113	Re: free climbing how often do you do it? Well out of the 9 who've answered the poll so far, only 4 of us have actually said something. I'm thinking the other's don't want to be intimidated and stringently lambasted by Quercus. Just ONE flip Quercus? Where does that leave you when you need to move around branches? I free-climb on occasion, though I have to admit, with a lady-friend I'm rather fond of, and while getting older and realizing that I'm not as agile as I used to be, I only freeclimb rarely. When I started I was doing 75 foot free ascent's up pine spars till the trunk was thin enough for me to get a line around it. And that's with a full gear rack and saw hanging off me. I don't do that crazy crap now though. Somewhere I seem to have gotten a higher appreciation for life. __________________ Ken Fessia I.T.S.A. Tree Service (661) 916-4703

8th January 2008, 05:08 AM	#7 (permalink)
newguy18 Tree World Icon Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Live Oak Florida home of the crapiest trees you will ever see. Posts: 2,196	Re: free climbing how often do you do it? i'll have to get my brother taking pictures of me free climbing in that pine in my backyard.Its a little one at 50'.I can be from ground to the top of that treein less than 5 minutes without a rope or harness. __________________ Have your say join us today. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzkd_m4ivmc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzfzb...eature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-OqK...eature=related

8th January 2008, 06:41 AM	#8 (permalink)
bigshea13 Afterburner is shakin' Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: hiding Posts: 388	Re: free climbing how often do you do it? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Well out of the 9 who've answered the poll so far, only 4 of us have actually said something. I'm thinking the other's don't want to be intimidated and stringently lambasted by Quercus. i wasnt worried about the tounge lashing, to be honest...i didnt want to sound like i was condoning the practice. its one thing to be stupid....it another to open your mouth and prove it. im not sure of the caliber if people that are logging in and reading these tips that we are posting. i dont want to give anybody new to the field the wrong idea. when my little brother joined my crew he was always trying to outdo everyone even though he was brand new to the gig. i was always catching myself,trying not to take shoetcuts or do thing that could give him the wrong idea. the newguys have to learn from someone, hopefully its someone worth learning from.

8th January 2008, 06:10 PM	#9 (permalink)
Daveindubuque Gettin' motoring Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Dubuque Ia Posts: 9	Re: free climbing how often do you do it? I'll free climb quite often. Anything over 20 in. dbh I will usually buck in on the ground. I always have my saddle and climb line on. After 15 ft. I buck constantly. Mostly depends on tree and weather conditions.

9th January 2008, 10:13 AM	#12 (permalink)
newguy18 Tree World Icon Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Live Oak Florida home of the crapiest trees you will ever see. Posts: 2,196	Re: free climbing how often do you do it? This may sound stupid but for me the more danger the better I work.I'm not saying saftey wise I'm saying productive wise.i suppose you don't use leg locks to hold you on limbs while your rigging it. __________________ Have your say join us today. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzkd_m4ivmc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzfzb...eature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-OqK...eature=related

9th January 2008, 11:55 AM	#13 (permalink)
Mangoes Gettin' motoring Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: n/a Posts: 24	Re: free climbing how often do you do it? Callous disregard for safety is an indicator of a severely selfish and self absorbed individual. Lanyard or rope, I ALWAYS have a means of quick self rescue. About 3-4 years ago a climber in Vancouver died as a result of climber with only a lanyard. Cut his left arm, hit an artery, bled out.....died alone at the top of a tree. If he had a means of self rescue, he would have been on the ground in 30 seconds where his groundman could have applied pressure and at the very least he wouldn't have died dispairingly alone. __________________ ?Perhaps a truer indication of mental illness?..can be found in the far more common tendency to passively accept the abuse of the very systems that keep us alive.? - John Vaillant; The Golden Spruce Last edited by Mangoes : 9th January 2008 at 05:07 PM.

9th January 2008, 12:03 PM	#14 (permalink)
newguy18 Tree World Icon Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Live Oak Florida home of the crapiest trees you will ever see. Posts: 2,196	Re: free climbing how often do you do it? I never once said I'm without a second lanyard but to go out and set a tip tie I just use a leg lock to hold me.I only cut with a handsaw like that. __________________ Have your say join us today. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzkd_m4ivmc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzfzb...eature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-OqK...eature=related

9th January 2008, 05:14 PM	#15 (permalink)
Mangoes Gettin' motoring Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: n/a Posts: 24	Re: free climbing how often do you do it? I think I understand your direction of thought. To review..... Callous disregard for safety is an indicator of a severely selfish and self absorbed individual. Why: Because someone willing to chance their life, be it talking on the phone while driving, free climbing or one handed chainsaw use etc. etc., does not respect the hierchy of people close to them. 1 - spouse/partner 2,3,4 - kids 4-6 - parents/inlaws any number - siblings, cousins, grandparents numerous - friends/acquaintences There is no possible arguement against it. Such an individual is thinking only of themselves......and their machismo, or pride, or laziness... whatever. __________________ ?Perhaps a truer indication of mental illness?..can be found in the far more common tendency to passively accept the abuse of the very systems that keep us alive.? - John Vaillant; The Golden Spruce

9th January 2008, 05:39 PM	#16 (permalink)
mdvaden Astronaut Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Oregon Posts: 578	Re: free climbing how often do you do it? In construction and other trades, it is completely professional to free climb an extension ladder. When I know that a tree is loaded with strong limbs, and it's as solid or more solid than an extension ladder, I'll free climb it. In fact, a lot of trees are more stout and more sturdy than ladders. 20' is typically my limit. Higher for recreation if I find a really fun climbing tree. Usually a conifer with many whorls of limbs evenly spaced. __________________ ____________________________________ Grove of Redwood TITANS Oregon BIGOOT trap