Setup for Tree climbing in backyard?

Search
Go

Discussion Topic

Return to Forum List
This thread has been locked
Messages 1 - 11 of total 11 in this topic
deadherring

Gym climber
Bergen County, New Jersey
Topic Author's Original Post - Sep 29, 2014 - 01:43pm PT
Hey folks,

I have a number of large trees in my backyard and was hoping to find a way to get setup with some sort of climbing setup for my kids. I am not a climber myself, and of course safety is paramount, so I am looking for some advice in my initial research stage.

In an ideal case I would attach some climbing holds to the tree, let them climb maybe 20-25 feet up, then they could rapell down. Of course the setup would be such that if they fell while climbing they would be held up and not crash to the ground. Again, ideally, this setup could work without requiring a second person to have to control the rope on the ground.

Is there any way that what I am thinking about could work? If the no second person is not possible, is there a way to set it up with a second person in place?

Thanks!

Nathan
ClimbingOn

Trad climber
NY
Sep 29, 2014 - 01:50pm PT
This is not recommended. If you screw in a number of holes it is very likely your trees become sick due to infection or bugs. Screwing holds into the tree is also not advised as they will twist and turn. You could theoretically lash a piece of tree or a 4x4 30 or so feet up and rig a system to toprope belay off that. This is all far more contrived than it is worth.

One option would be to build a climbing wall out of framed plywood and use your trees as the back-bracing, so that the wall does not need to be free-standing. With all of the lumber, holds, T-nuts and other materials, for something your children may or may not enjoy long-term, it is almost certainly better to buy a gym membership for them and yourself. Get the proper instruction, make sure they are started correctly, and learn in a safe environment.
the Fet

climber
Tu-Tok-A-Nu-La
Sep 29, 2014 - 01:57pm PT
If this isn't a troll....

There are auto belay systems used in gyms but very expensive, like thousands of dollars. Climbers rig self belay systems out of simple gear but you couldn't use that for kids, too complex and dangerous.

As mentioned start them off in the gym. If they are into it and want to do it at home build them a bouldering wall. Preferably with a long traverse just off the ground.

However large trees, kids, and zip lines go together well. http://www.amazon.com/Fun-Ride-Deluxe-Zip-Line/dp/B001VT79UI/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1412024328&sr=8-13&keywords=zip+line

Or a slackline low to the ground over soft grass.
http://www.amazon.com/HopOn-Slacklines-Original-Inches-meter/dp/B00H7JLBF0/ref=sr_1_5?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1412024397&sr=1-5&keywords=slackline
Clint Cummins

Trad climber
SF Bay area, CA
Sep 29, 2014 - 04:22pm PT
If it was an adult climbing, they could use a MiniTraxion on a fixed line
as their belay, and then switch to a rappel at the top.
But it seems high risk to me, to have a kid switch to a rappel and do the rappel.
Adults mess these things up themselves on a regular basis.
You might as well just have an adult belayer with a grigri, who belays
and lowers the kid.

If it is the right kind of tree, you don't have to add anything to climb it,
and there is no belay or rappel needed.
You climb up free solo, and downclimb the same way.
That way the kid learns risk assessment on smaller trees, and progresses
to larger if they are motivated.
At least that's how I did it when I was a kid.
johntp

Trad climber
socal
Sep 29, 2014 - 04:30pm PT
Troll attack!

When we were kids we just climbed the tree. You fall, you break your arm..

Not too complicated.
NutAgain!

Trad climber
South Pasadena, CA
Sep 29, 2014 - 05:55pm PT
Climbing trees with no gear and "do not fall" mission parameters was standard issue when I was a kid. But I never had access to redwoods that would have upped the ante.
Paul Martzen

Trad climber
Fresno
Sep 29, 2014 - 09:59pm PT
Show us photos of the trees and the back yard. Advice has to be specific to the particular trees. Then, do you climb trees? If not, it will be hard for you to judge what is safe or not and hard for you to understand any advice given. The go to the climbing gym advice is sound. But many trees are awfully fun and educational to climb in.
dave729

Trad climber
Western America
Sep 29, 2014 - 10:44pm PT
Maybe this idea could help. Simple enough to make your own version.

Non damaging tree climbing aids.
Climb Paws climbing steps are the most stable, lightest, portable, quietest, stealthiest, legal climbing system that work on any tree.

[Click to View YouTube Video]




justthemaid

climber
Jim Henson's Basement
Sep 30, 2014 - 07:36am PT
bump
deadherring

Gym climber
Bergen County, New Jersey
Topic Author's Reply - Sep 30, 2014 - 08:28am PT
Thanks for the replies. For those thinking I am a troll, I am not, just a dad looking for some info on setting up a fun (and safe) backyard.

And, to the person recommending a zip line: I just finished putting one in, from the side of the house to a tree--the kids love it!

We have a number of large trees, so I was hoping to move on to the next project of some kind of climbing setup.

Sounds like the consensus is that what I am looking for can't really be done safely. Oh well :(

Thanks for all the replies.

Nathan
neebee

Social climber
calif/texas
Oct 1, 2014 - 03:15am PT
hey there say, ekat... this is a good bump... very interesting...
had not seen this...


say, johntp... yep, we climbed trees and so did all my kids...

was nothing like it...

well, hee hee, except for maybe rock climbing, ;)
Messages 1 - 11 of total 11 in this topic
Return to Forum List
 
Our Guidebooks
spacerCheck 'em out!
SuperTopo Guidebooks

guidebook icon
Try a free sample topo!

 
SuperTopo on the Web

Recent Route Beta