How to Practice Climbing

If you are getting ready for a new job or just want to practice this will give you an idea of how to climb.

*Disclaimer* Safety is the most important thing. Never climb a pole without knowing that it is structurally sound. Never climb without knowing how to safely use your equipment.

1. Get a good set of boots with a good arch.

2. Make sure your pole hooks are new (or sharpened properly).

3. Before you ever get on a pole test the pole. Make sure that it’s structurally safe to climb. Hit the base with a hammer or wrench around the bottom to make sure that it sounds solid. Prod the base with a screwdriver to make sure there is no weakness or rot.

4. From the ground, stand on the pole. Imagine that you are aiming your gaffs for the heart of the pole when you sink them. This will make sure that you insert them as deep and secure as possible. Now pull yourself into the pole. Notice how secure you feel.

5. Take 3 steps up then 3 steps down. Repeat this until you get a rhythm. Then add some more steps. Make sure that your weight is balanced and that you not sticking your butt out away from the pole.

6. Do not look at your feet, get comfortable with the structure and look up!! Keep your head up when ascending. This will keep your body in the right position. Only look down when descending.

6. Practice climbing up to about six feet.

7. Now practice with your belt on and strap around the pole. Make a fist and put your arm between you and the pole. It should be snug this is a proper starting position.

8. Keep your skid above center. Now practice climbing like before. Make sure that your gear always stays above you or it will drag, and you will end up fighting it. If your skid is too long it won’t be supporting your weight.

9. While at the bottom of the pole, practice letting your skid out and stretching as far back as you can. Repeat this using a screwdriver to mark how far out you can reach.

10. Learn how to move around the pole at ground level.

11. Get a bucket and fill it with something heavy like rock or tools. Practice lifting the bucket from the ground and switching the bucket to the other hand.

12. As you learn to trust your gear continue higher on the pole. Relax and be loose the tighter that you are the more tired you will get.

13. Focus on what you are doing. Ignore the weather, the height, and playing what if’s out in your head. Focus on the things in your control, not the things that you have no control over.

14. Practice and stay positive and focused. You will continue to get better.