Recreational (technical) tree climbing has a number of distinct
advantages over many other adventure activities. Here are some of them:
Tree climbing is good exercise. Tree climbing is not
only fun, but it's also an excellent workout. Though it's not nearly as
demanding as it appears, climbing is great exercise for the arms and
legs. Climbers work many muscle groups they often don't use elsewhere,
and climbing is also great for the spine. The extra bonus to this
exercise is that it is stimulating and never boring.
Tree climbing is very safe.
When climbers carefully follow the basic "do and don't" rules, they are
virtually assured of a safe climbing experience. TCI has never had
anyone fall out of a tree or get badly injured during one of our
events.
Trees are everywhere! You don't have to look far to find a
good climbing tree, especially if you're in a natural area. Even in an urbanized setting
you can usually find a tree worth climbing.
Trees are alive and natural. There is something very wonderful about getting
outdoors and being related to the part of our environment that resides
there. Humans find peace and relaxation in the branches of a tree.
All your senses come alive. A whole new perspective is
added to the climbing experience through the feeling of touch as the
tree moves and sound as the wind whistles through the leaves.
Tree climbing is cost-effective.
Once you've made your initial layout for your basic gear, there are
very few further expenses. You won't have to travel too far to find a
tree, and you can climb most trees for free!
You don't have to build an expensive structure. Rope courses, climbing
walls, and alpine towers are expensive to build and maintain. They have
to be continually inspected for defects because the structures are
man-made. While trees need to be inspected every so often, there's no
other work to do before you have a perfect climbing structure!
Tree climbing is a year-round sport.
During the hot months, you have the canopy to provide an awning for
shade. In winter, the awning is taken down, and there's no barrier to
the warm sunlight.