Sorry , didn't mean to get legalistic on you ie: "freak accident" or otherwise Tree climbers have to be very clear about what we're talking about, life or death can depend on it.

I'm sure you have great skills, no need to defend your ego. There are many trees that you can climb, there are many that you cannot, you're human (I assume). If you do a search on Bareroots in the TCI message board you'll find a kindred spirit. Bareroots has learned how to climb with rope, I'm sure he enjoys a free climb now and then, as I do.

Arborist professional organizations are the only ones I know of that hold tree climbing competitions. They require rope back-up because people have died in competition. Also, arborists need to be encouraged to climb safely, not the other way. There are already too many ways to be killed on the job.

Recreational climbers are generally non-competitive, mileage will vary from climber to climber. I like a challenge, and find many everytime I climb. We're looking for quality tree time, not a race to the top.
-moss

Tree climbing seems to be panning out in the history books very much like rock climbing. Slowly gaining in popularity, as the equipment progresses. It seems to be branching out simularly with the technical and the freeclimbers. Both new climbers and folks that are like "it's a tree, I climb it, allways have, what ropes O.K. I'm game" No one seems to Millitant about "there true way". I appretiate the mellow attitude.

It's said we may be evolved from monkeys, some more so than others.

Moss wrote:

hey require rope back-up because people have died in competition.

People have been injured during comps but as far as I know, no deaths.

Originally posted by Tom Dunlap
Moss wrote:

hey require rope back-up because people have died in competition.

People have been injured during comps but as far as I know, no deaths.

Thanks for the clarification Tom. I'd heard a second-hand report that a person (singular) had died in competition falling from low height. Glad to hear that it's not true.
-moss

I am from the UK and enjoy freeclimbing trees for thrills too! I have used ropes and harness at work and find them too restrictive to have any fun, I know they are essential for any professional tree work, and i know a lot of people to enjoy using them, but freeclimbing with rockclimbers has such more popularity and respect as a sport, why can't it be with trees?!