If I may impose further on you guys, could I get your thoughts on my post in this thread:

http://www.tci-forums.com/viewthread.php?tid=663&page=2

Thanks once again,
Ron

Originally posted by Ron
Maybe it's just me, but considering the effort we go to to try to keep a 10:1 safety margin in our climbing system, it seems binocular inspection and bounce testing is not in line with a 10:1 safety margin concept.

Bingo!
You purchase the finest equipment.
You adhere to every ANSI standard.
You follow all the rules.
But. . .
The one part of your climbing equipment that does NOT have any rating or comply to any safety standard is the tree! You can climb on 8100# Arbormaster and use the finest carabineers money can buy but the rating of the tree is always a guess. To be fair, I must say that the safety record of recreational tree climbing is very good, but it’s normal to be uneasy on rope until you get to “know” the tree your climbing in.
By Ron
But, again, due to lack of experience, fear, or whatever, I am very reluctant to do this on a pine limb. Tying the rope to the _base_ of the tree puts double my weight on the limb the rope is across.

Ron, I agree with both of your above points.
As compared to a healthy, mature, deciduous hardwood, why would you even bother with a pine? Then again, I guess we climb on what’s available, and if I was in tall pine country, I’d be foolish not conquer the pines. No?
Anyway, pine tree climbing is indeed a different sport than bouncing around in your typical oak or maple canopy (Me, stating this as a fellow novice of course).

Your statement about going single line and doubling your weight on the branch fits the “safety” dialogue perfectly! If your a tad uneasy doing DRT on a new, untested tree, using a tie in point that unfortunately has not been stamped with an ANSI rating, then you best be doubly worried if you single-line it and expose the limb to double the weight.
(Shows an understanding of good neophyte survival skills!)

By the way, what part of the country will you be climbing in?
Regards,
-Ej-

Electrojake,

Sounds like you've got a pretty good picture of where I am. I tend to err heavily on the safe side. I simply can't afford to to risk life and limb on something I don't feel like I've been able to evaluate adequately. And, I guess the greener you are at something the more it takes to convince you.

You guessed it, I've got big pines everywhere in my 1.75 acres and a few other trees, but the pines intrigue me for some reason - I think it's the challenge of climbing a tree without the benefit of limbs.

I'm just outside Chattanooga, TN.

"(Shows an understanding of good neophyte survival skills!) "

LOL!!! That's certainly a kind way to put it; the short version is fear!

Ron,

I am in Dawsonville, Georgia, which is only two hours driving time from Chattanooga. If you want to see how we do it, I have a climb scheduled this Sunday, Sept. 3, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at my farm for some boy scouts, etc. You have my personal invite to come join us at no charge. In addition to the kid-sized equipment, I have a couple of adult-sized harnesses, etc. also. If you would like driving directions, e-mail me.

Have you hugged your trees today,
Wild Bill Maher from Dawsonville
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Wow, what an offer! I can't turn that down. Thanks, that may be just what I need!

E-mail on the way.

This opportunity is exceptional.
Ron, as a new climber you probably don’t realize just how special an opportunity you have here. This is a modest group so I’ll take it upon myself to inform you. . .

Your time with Bill will be well spent.
You’ll probably learn more about “the right way to climb” in one afternoon with Bill than most people could learn on their own in 5 years.

Make the trip, It'll be great!
www.treeclimbercoalition.org/whoswho/biography.cfm?WhosWhoID=6