The vast majority of those who have climbed with us have been through a Rec Climb, Open Climb, or private climb. We love these climbs as they are where most people are introduced to the excitement and reward of climbing tall trees. If you have climbed, you likely reached a point where you were energized by the feel of being high above the ground. This height is quite variable depending on the person, and of course there is much more to experience up there in addition to the distance you are above the ground. Many climbers love the feel of making it up to the branches. For some, just reaching them or touching them is enough. Others like being able to pull themselves over to sit on them. Some have a level of comfort that allows them to stand on a branch and even swing off of them. Climbing in a Park Near You There is plenty of excietment to be had, even if you return time and again to the same tree; as many of you do with our Rec Climbs in your local park. This is part of the reason why we partner with numerous municipal Rec Departments, to introduce and make the recreational tree climbing experience accessible to as many people as we can. Most people have never seen or heard of climbing tall trees until they saw it in their Rec Department's Activity Guide. Some happen upon us during a stroll in the local park. However you first learned of us, our Rec Climb programs likely played a part with you and your children's introduction to this wonderful activity. Branching Out Into New Trees We offer our Open Climbs so returning guests can change it up and enjoy climbing in a different tree. Not only do we pick our favorite trees for these climbs, we get to share the experience of hammocking high above the ground. We meet a large number of new climbers at these climbs as well given they are offered on weekends (Rec Climbs primarily offered on weekdays). Under the guise of just another fun thing to do while tree climbing, the hammock actually adds a level of challenge as getting in and out of it while hanging on rope further engages a climber's problem-solving and creative thinking skills. Since our Rec & Open Climbs are open to the general public and do not require experience, our procedures and the situations can be limiting to some climbers. Out on a Limb Our Open-Advanced Climbs cater to people who have already climbed with us. This means that you are likely sharing climb-time with others who have worked through the initial fears and learning curve that limits first-time climbers. Open-Advanced Climbs attract participants who have really taken to the climbing experience and want to do even more up there. Climbers who are more comfortable at-height, would like to try new challenges, and excited to expand our movement around the branches. There are participants who are still working through fears of heights or maybe simply enjoy swinging. The common factor among the participants who come to these climbs is to take advantage of the longer sessions and not having to wait in line. There are more ropes than climbers, fewer people, and everyone has climbed with us previously. That enables us to allow climbers to try advanced challenges and more movement - like walking out further on a limb. We can even have a climbing guide in the tree to help participants work on various skills next to each other. Professional climbers enjoy much more movement and freedom when climbing, whether reaching higher points or more lateral movement and use of the climbing knot. Each month we offer up a new experience that we cannot allow in Rec & Open Climbs. Former students of our learn-to-climb classes are often in these climbs as well, working on the same skills; which makes for an exciting dynamic! Aspiring climbers of all levels, enjoying tree-time together. Each person focussed on their personal experience and intention for the day. For me, these types of experiences are what make the climbing experience more enjoyable, provide greater connection to the tree, and promote personal growth. If you or your child have climbed with us before & would like to continue to pursue the many benefits and rewards of climbing trees, I encourage you to learn more about our Open-Advanced Climbs. They are a great option for those who are too young learn to climb on their own and those not ready to make the investment in the equipment.
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AuthorAs a G.O.T.C. Recognized Master Instructor & Facilitator, I.S.A. Board Certified Master Arborist, and T.C.I.A. Certified Treecare Safety Professional, Curt has spent over 30 years dedicated to the study and care of trees. Categories
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May 2024
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