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What is Recreational Tree Climbing (RTC)? Professional or Technical Tree Climbing utilizes specialized equipment and techniques to ascend into trees. Think back on how you may have climbed trees when you were younger, yet having the security of being supported by rope. The equipment and techniques are designed to provide the climber with the safety of rope and harness as well as minimizing our impact to the trees being climbed. Arborists climb to perform work for health and safety related goals, Scientists climb to research a wide variety topics relating to ecosystems, forests and the environment, Educators use tree climbing in environmental and adventure education programs, Therapists use the calming benefits of trees and climbing to help others find connection and personal insight. Conservationists and Naturalists climb to learn about and raise awareness for trees, forests, wildlife and the environment. Recreational Tree Climbers climb for some of the same reasons as well as for recreation, exploration, exhilaration, exercise and a deeper connection with trees, forests and themselves. |
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Why do we climb trees? (1:08)
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As children, our sense of adventure took us into the woods and up trees in search of adventure, discovery, and often times to simply escape to a quiet place.
Our tree climbing programs enable inexperienced climbers to enjoy this unique and rewarding outdoor activity. Our trained and skilled climbing adventure guides provide all of the equipment, instruction, and support you need to enjoy your time above the ground. Once you are in your harness and clipped on rope, you are free to ascend at your own pace and move about the tree as you feel comfortable with. |
You can swing, hang upside down, sit and enjoy the view, climb to the top of your rope and sit amongst the leaves, sit or stand on a limb, read a book, meditate, chat with a friend, study the tree and organisms, connect with Nature, relax...and breathe fresh air within the shade of the tree.
Facilitated tree climbs allow inexperienced climbers to discover the joy of climbing into tall trees!Watch as climbers take to the trees to climb during a climb! (0:52)
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Recreational climbers connect with trees 100's to 1,000's of years old!
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Enhance the experience by climbing alongside a tree climbing adventure guide.
Climber going up for first time. (3:25)
Video used by permission of Tree Climbing Colorado, Harv Teitelbaum is a founding member of the Global Organization of Tree Climbers. |
in the news:
Michael Schlesinger from CBS58 returns to the trees with us for a morning climb in Wauwatosa. (August 2020)
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Brian Kramp from Fox6's WakeUp spent the morning checking out all the fun to be had in Waukesha County Parks this summer, including recreational tree climbing. (June 2019)
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Journalist & mother reminisces about climbing trees when she was younger. JSOnline/Metroparent (July 2017)
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videos of the climbing process:
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Climbers pick up the easy-to-follow instructions quickly!
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The technique utilizes leg power rather than upper body strength!
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Simple knots are fun to tie and give climbers peace of mind.
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Climbers return to the ground when they are ready. Even descending is fun!
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WHERE ARE THE CLIMBS HELD?
We climb in community parks by permit. Most climbs take place in southeast Wisconsin, in and around Waukesha & Milwaukee Counties. We also have a number of climbs around the Fox Cities and greater Madison area, as well as a few points beyond!
We climb in community parks by permit. Most climbs take place in southeast Wisconsin, in and around Waukesha & Milwaukee Counties. We also have a number of climbs around the Fox Cities and greater Madison area, as well as a few points beyond!
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Weather-appropriate clothing that you'd be comfortable in hiking. Dress in layers as body temperature rises during climbing. We generally recommend sturdy-soled shoes like hiking boots, long pants to protect skin from scrapes against bark, poncho or light jacket if weather warrants. Hats can be worn under the helmet if they are thin enough and not attached to your shirt/jacket.
Weather-appropriate clothing that you'd be comfortable in hiking. Dress in layers as body temperature rises during climbing. We generally recommend sturdy-soled shoes like hiking boots, long pants to protect skin from scrapes against bark, poncho or light jacket if weather warrants. Hats can be worn under the helmet if they are thin enough and not attached to your shirt/jacket.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME?
We provide all technical climbing gear (helmet, harness, gloves, safety glasses). As a climber, you will want to bring a bottle of water, sunscreen, extra layers. If you will be a spectator, you might consider a blanket or chair as not all locations have picnic tables nearby.
We provide all technical climbing gear (helmet, harness, gloves, safety glasses). As a climber, you will want to bring a bottle of water, sunscreen, extra layers. If you will be a spectator, you might consider a blanket or chair as not all locations have picnic tables nearby.
CAN ADULTS CLIMB TOO?
Absolutely! Adults climb love tree climbing as much as kids! For those who used to climb, they find the safety of rope to be one of the key reasons they stopped climbing - we get cautious as we age! For those who weren't allowed to climb as a kid, it opens a whole new world! Not only do we offer Adult Climbs, you can also join us at Club Climbs, Open Climbs and many of our Rec Climbs.
Absolutely! Adults climb love tree climbing as much as kids! For those who used to climb, they find the safety of rope to be one of the key reasons they stopped climbing - we get cautious as we age! For those who weren't allowed to climb as a kid, it opens a whole new world! Not only do we offer Adult Climbs, you can also join us at Club Climbs, Open Climbs and many of our Rec Climbs.
IS IT SAFE?
Yes. We follow the guidelines set forth by the Global Organization of Tree Climbing (GOTC), designed to keep climbers and trees safe from injury by minimizing the associated risks. By following these guidelines, no serious injuries have been reported in the 30+ years RTC has been an organized activity. With Treetop Explorer, LLC events, every tree is inspected by a Board Certified Master Arborist and GOTC recognized Facilitators prepare each climbing system and climber.
Yes. We follow the guidelines set forth by the Global Organization of Tree Climbing (GOTC), designed to keep climbers and trees safe from injury by minimizing the associated risks. By following these guidelines, no serious injuries have been reported in the 30+ years RTC has been an organized activity. With Treetop Explorer, LLC events, every tree is inspected by a Board Certified Master Arborist and GOTC recognized Facilitators prepare each climbing system and climber.
WHAT IF I HAVE A FEAR OF HEIGHTS?
The fear of heights is one of the more common fears people have, and many us have a fear of falling. Nobody will force or coerce you into trying anything you are not comfortable with. Each climber faces their own challenges. You can approach your fears at a pace you are most comfortable with. Often times we find that people are able to successfully challenge their fear of heights given the security provided by the climbing system. It is not necessarily about climbing high, since the adventure begins the moment your feet leave the ground. Out climbing guides are there to provide pointers, answer questions, and help support you through your challenges.
The fear of heights is one of the more common fears people have, and many us have a fear of falling. Nobody will force or coerce you into trying anything you are not comfortable with. Each climber faces their own challenges. You can approach your fears at a pace you are most comfortable with. Often times we find that people are able to successfully challenge their fear of heights given the security provided by the climbing system. It is not necessarily about climbing high, since the adventure begins the moment your feet leave the ground. Out climbing guides are there to provide pointers, answer questions, and help support you through your challenges.
WILL I BE ABLE TO DO IT?
Most everyone can! Climbers do not need special skills or previous experience when climbing under our facilitated tree climbing events. All climbers are given easy to follow instructions and individual attention. Climbers' abilities develop and improve rather quickly. A basic level of fitness is required, but perseverance can overcome most obstacles as technique is more important than brute strength.
Most everyone can! Climbers do not need special skills or previous experience when climbing under our facilitated tree climbing events. All climbers are given easy to follow instructions and individual attention. Climbers' abilities develop and improve rather quickly. A basic level of fitness is required, but perseverance can overcome most obstacles as technique is more important than brute strength.
DOES IT HURT THE TREE?
We take a number of precautions in order to keep our impact to a minimum. For instance, we utilize protective sleeves to keep the rope from causing undue injury to the tree. Any necessary pruning necessary to prepare the tree for a climb is overseen by a Certified Arborist to ensure the health of the tree is not compromised. Typically, the injury a tree sustains will come from participants who try to grab branches and twigs, which is why we ask climbers to refrain from such activities.
We take a number of precautions in order to keep our impact to a minimum. For instance, we utilize protective sleeves to keep the rope from causing undue injury to the tree. Any necessary pruning necessary to prepare the tree for a climb is overseen by a Certified Arborist to ensure the health of the tree is not compromised. Typically, the injury a tree sustains will come from participants who try to grab branches and twigs, which is why we ask climbers to refrain from such activities.
IS IT LIKE ROCK CLIMBING?
With rock climbing, the goal is to climb a wall or rock face without falling. Should you fall, the safety harness and rope are there to catch you. With tree climbing, you are able to keep tension on your rope at all times, which means you are sitting in your harness and in control. Another great aspect of tree climbing is that when you feel like resting, you can sit back, relax, and take in the view!
With rock climbing, the goal is to climb a wall or rock face without falling. Should you fall, the safety harness and rope are there to catch you. With tree climbing, you are able to keep tension on your rope at all times, which means you are sitting in your harness and in control. Another great aspect of tree climbing is that when you feel like resting, you can sit back, relax, and take in the view!
WILL I LEARN HOW TO CLIMB MY OWN TREES?
No. The intent behind our Facilitated Climbs, which includes Open, Rec, Private, Festival, Guided and Group climbs, is to provide a controlled environment where participants can safely experience recreational tree climbing. Participants can climb without the need to understand all of the intricacies involved with technical tree climbing, tree health, and climber safety. People looking to learn how to climb trees on their own as a recreational hobby or for their career can enroll in one of our Tree Climbing Courses.
No. The intent behind our Facilitated Climbs, which includes Open, Rec, Private, Festival, Guided and Group climbs, is to provide a controlled environment where participants can safely experience recreational tree climbing. Participants can climb without the need to understand all of the intricacies involved with technical tree climbing, tree health, and climber safety. People looking to learn how to climb trees on their own as a recreational hobby or for their career can enroll in one of our Tree Climbing Courses.
Treetop Explorer, LLC. - PO Box 2001, Waukesha, WI 53187 - (262) 894-4949. - TreetopExplorerLLC@gmail.com
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