Hello from Costa Rica

Hi - we live in Costa Rica and have tree farms and reforestation projects. I used to be a rock climber - but you are going to look long and hard to find much rock in this area. Too much jungle.

So, I am looking into tree climbing - after all, we have a lot - and there is a useful side too - a lot of time to harvest seeds, you need to climb the trees.

So, hello everyone!

So when can we visit and climb trees with you?

Sounds like you're building a wonderful life down there (in New England, everything is "down there" no matter what the direction) while doing very important work. Looking forward to hearing about your tree climbing adventures. You've come to the right place to learn more about tree climbing. Ask lots of questions, there is plenty of friendly expertise here.
-moss

Hey crtreedude,

Come on east a ways and cross the border into Panama. Every Janaury we're located just a few miles across the border on Isla Colon and we climb a lot, a whole lot, of the biggest and baddest trees in the area. We'll be there from 6 January to 20 January. Cross the border on the Carribean side and take the bus to Almirante; it's a half hour ride. Then take the 25-minute water taxi to Bocas del Toro. Catch another bus (or get a taxi) to take you to Boca del Drago and Playa Drago on the other end of the island. We're housed in the two-story wooden buildings just before you get to the cafe/restraurant. For info: itec-edu.org or treeclimbingusa.com.

Keep on climbin',
Wild Bill from Dawsonville
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Regarding visiting - by all means - I have MOST of the gear - but I think I need a new harness.

Unfortunately Wild Bill - I am far from retired and this is a heavy work period for us. No chance getting a break.

Regarding "experience" I have a story of my first attempt tree climbing in Costa Rica - I will post the link if it is permited and you all want me to.

Please do. It is an excellent story

Check out the New Tribe saddles if you haven't already. You can hang in them comfortably for much longer than a rock saddle. They are also more comfortable than a traditional arborist saddle:
New Tribe saddles

It is a touch of an embarrassing story.

All Tied Up in Knots

Great story. I too was a rock climber that got into tree climbing. My fist climb was like you, with a rock climbing harness. I went up with a shoulder full of slings and a lot of carabiners. I did however have the presence of mind to leave my chocks behind- couldn't see any cracks up in the tree, except possibly myself.

It did not take me long to get tangled up in the branches with all of those nylon runners. I only had my Dad watching, which was a good thing.

So welcome to our community here. I am sure you will find us of agreeable sorts. Don't feel hesitant to ask questions. I sure wish I had a place to talk when I started out.

I agree that you should check into a New Tribe saddle. A large majority of climbers use them that converse here.

Thanks for the willingness to help. I have an alpine climbing harness which is a little more comfortable - I am seriously thinking of adding a little more padding to it and I suspect it will be fine until I convince myself to buy something new.

Most of my issue has been moving up and down - of course down can be really fast, but that isn't the goal is it...

I have static rope, ascenders, etc - and even know how to tie some of the knots - I will almost always have ground crew with me as well.

I will admit, I love the idea of having a hammock slung in the trees for sleeping at night - I suspect the Howler monkeys will be a pest though...