ropensaddle's post in the tie-in-point thread got me thinking a little about what rec climbers can learn from arborists and (hold on to your hardhat) what arborists can learn from rec climbers.
I've climbed with both categories of climbers and I'd like to offer my perspective.
Overall, folks who work in trees for a living seem to be able to do everything FAST. On group climbs, the arborists have their gear out, their throw bags set, their TIP established, etc. before I'm even done trying to identify the type of tree we're climbing. Once in the tree, the arborists seem really at ease moving around in the crown, re-setting TIPs, limb walking and setting new lines. Once I'm in the crown, I like to eat some food, have a sip of energy drink, get out the camera/binoculars or maybe see if I can lay flat on a big limb without falling off.
I think what rec climbers can learn from the arborist is to feel free to move around, limb walk, rig down dead wood and do other things like that. Maybe the arborists can feel comfortable kicking back, relaxing and taking it all in without a "job clock" running. I know several arborists who've commented on how quiet it is in the tree during a rec climb: no saws, no chippers, no bosses.
Life is a continuum, shades of gray, not black and white. I don't want to stereotype any one person, just offer some general perspective. So, take it with a grain of salt....
I've climbed with both categories of climbers and I'd like to offer my perspective.
Overall, folks who work in trees for a living seem to be able to do everything FAST. On group climbs, the arborists have their gear out, their throw bags set, their TIP established, etc. before I'm even done trying to identify the type of tree we're climbing. Once in the tree, the arborists seem really at ease moving around in the crown, re-setting TIPs, limb walking and setting new lines. Once I'm in the crown, I like to eat some food, have a sip of energy drink, get out the camera/binoculars or maybe see if I can lay flat on a big limb without falling off.
I think what rec climbers can learn from the arborist is to feel free to move around, limb walk, rig down dead wood and do other things like that. Maybe the arborists can feel comfortable kicking back, relaxing and taking it all in without a "job clock" running. I know several arborists who've commented on how quiet it is in the tree during a rec climb: no saws, no chippers, no bosses.
Life is a continuum, shades of gray, not black and white. I don't want to stereotype any one person, just offer some general perspective. So, take it with a grain of salt....
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