About Tree Climbing

What is technical tree climbing?

Tree climbing is an emerging adventure sport that uses specialized equipment to climb tall trees. This sport allows climbers to experience the forest from an extremely unique and rare perspective. Vertical Voyages offers group climbing programs and courses for both novice and advanced climbers.

The trees we climb are tall and mature with broad canopies. We climb trees to appreciate not just their aesthetics, but also to create a connection and better understanding of their significance to us. In addition to providing oxygen, trees play an important role in providing clean air, shade and beauty and for many, a spiritual value. Climbing a tree often leads to a deeper respect for nature.

Introduction

A “Take Off” Point for an Exceptional Program

We introduce each other, give participants a brief overview of what they will do, and in doing so, create a “take off” point for an exceptional program. We also cover “what to do” and “what not to do” for the best and safest experience.

Ground School

Learn About Safety and Responsibility

We give each participant an appropriately sized helmet and saddle. After everyone gears up, our guides demonstrate the Double Rope Technique method for ascending the tree. We believe it’s the safest and easiest-to-teach method of ascending a tree. We conclude Ground School by reminding each participant of their safety responsibilities while climbing.

Canopy Climbing Experience

A Different Perspective

This is the meat of the program – the climbing. Participants practice what they’ve learned during Ground School and they ascend their climbing system to enter the canopy. We encourage them to look around, learn, and “hang out”. We’ve found that after climbing the tree, climbers have a new and different perspective about their experience — far more powerful than merely reading or watching a demonstration.

Conclusion

Share Your Experience with the Group

Vertical Voyages creates an exceptional “landing” experience to maximize what climbers have just experienced and learned. Climbers share their experience with the group. We link the physical climbing experience with the educational and ecological messages we’ve given, emphasizing the importance of our forest resources.