Tropical Tree Climbing

There are many reasons why one would want to ascend into the magical and diverse canopy of the world’s rainforests. Canopy research and an interest in biology, adventure, bird watching, nature observation, inspiration, photography, exploration, relaxation—all of these are possible. Making the climb into the monumental trees of a tropical rainforest is an unforgettable achievement that few people have the opportunity to experience. It is also a serious undertaking that demands keen awareness and respect for one's surroundings.

To enter the tropical canopy safely, the entire climbing party must be trained in a variety of skills that go beyond technique alone. Climbing in this environment presents potential hazards and difficulties that a climber must recognize and readily adapt to. Knowing your gear, acquiring proper climbing knowledge, and being aware of the environment are all keys to your safety and success.

Tim and students in a Canarium tree in the Honey Valley in the Western Ghats. This is a mountain jungle location where shade-
grown coffee monopolizes the understory.

Photo courtesy www.newtribe.com.

For over 15 years, TCI master instructor Tim Kovar has been climbing trees in the remote jungles of the world. Tim has taught tree climbing to canopy researchers worldwide, including those who study birds in Indonesia, primate nest building in Uganda, and climate in the redwoods of California. He was also the personal tree climbing instructor to Richard Preston, author of The Wild Trees.

Tim has worked with a film crew in the treetops of Costa Rica, canopy researchers in Taiwan, a tree preservationist in Japan, environmental educators in the Amazon, an eco-tour operator in Indonesia, and a herpetologist (someone who studies amphibians and reptiles) in India. He has also led tropical tree climbing expeditions into India, Central and South America, and into the tallest trees on earth in the Pacific Northwest.

In 2009, Tim and his colleagues at New Tribe demonstrated tropical tree climbing techniques at the 5th International Canopy Conference in Bangalore, India. After the conference, Tim guided several students into the canopy of India's Western Ghats, a mountainous jungle hot spot for biodiversity.

Tim is a strong advocate for detail-rich, practical training for climbing in the tropics. He helped established annual tropical tree climbing courses in the Brazilian Amazon, hosted by Tropical Tree Climbing. By special arrangement with New Tribe, you can bring Tim’s specialized tree climbing programs to your location anywhere in the world.

If you are an experienced tree climber wanting to explore the roof of the tropical rainforest, join Tim on one of his annual Amazon expeditions. Or, if you are interested in pursuing tropical tree climbing for science, research, designing an eco-tourism project, leading tropical canopy expeditions or just for a new perspective on pristine life, let the professional expertise of Tim Kovar and New Tribe help make your project a reality.

For more information on how to participate, or to organize your own tropical tree climbing venture, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Tim Kovar is co-founder and principle instructor for New Tribe’s tree climbing training center, Tree Climbing Northwest. Learn more at www.treeclimbingnorthwest.com/.