Might even try getting with some of your local climbers and see if they will give you a few pointers and/or climb with you. Just started climbing myself a year or so ago. I really enjoy both aspects of it, talk about one heck of a workout- really made me have alot of respect for the guys that climb and make it look so easy. As far as the kits, might also look at Wespur.com - they have pretty good prices too. I pieced my gear together- found that it fit my budget better and made me learn my gear a little at a time. Get "The Tree Climbers Companion" by Jeff Jepson- 2nd edition before doing anything else- makes for some good reading and will give you an idea of the initial gear to buy and a system to use before ever climbing. One other thing- when you do finally get a saddle- go with a wide back and light weight- will make a night and day difference in your climbing comfort..... we don't have many tree climbers around here that I am aware of -most of the arborist in the area ride buckets- my climbing help has been from a close friend that is a utility lineman for the local electric company