Out on a limb: Urban tree climbing showcases cities from a sky-high view

Samantha Overgaard
Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:51:17 +0000
Adventure, Explore, adventure, explore, Madison, Overgaard, sport

By Samantha Overgaard

“A distance of fifty feet above the ground is known to climbers as the redline. They hold it as a rule of thumb that if you fall fifty feet to hard ground you will very likely die. Indeed, an adult human can easily die after falling ten feet, if he lands on his head.” –Richard Preston, “The Wild Trees”

Tree climbing is no longer a hobby simply for backyard daredevils. Climbing enthusiasts now rule the branches, using rock-climbing gear to maneuver up trees more than 300 feet tall.

It wasn’t until Marti Ryan read “The Wild Trees” by Richard Preston that she even knew people climbed trees recreationally. After reading the book, Ryan signed up for a class with Peter Jenkins, the “godfather” of tree climbing, to learn the required techniques.

“When I was reading that book I realized that was one thing I really wanted to do in life,” Ryan said. “Part of my bucket list was to climb a tree.”

Most people would consider tree climbing an activity to grow out of, but not Ryan.

She sees trees as problems to solve, which dovetails with her work as a business consultant. As she makes her way up the tree, tying knots to secure herself, Ryan focuses intently. When she reaches the top, she finds the ideal place to meditate and obtain a new perspective on nature. To her, it is a place of tranquility.

Ryan scouts trees to climb all over Madison, searching for those offering the best view. Her favorite spots are near the lakes or on top of a hill, which let her drink in the Madison skyline.

Sitting atop a giant tree can be a peaceful but dangerous place. Climbing requires proper training and technique, and climbers must learn to be aware of their surroundings.

“It’s not illegal, but it’s not legal,” Ryan said.

Some climbers sneakily employ the “ninja” climb, getting in and out of a tree as swiftly as possible.

Whether climbing to stay in shape or to get a better view of the city, the top of a tree is an easy place to get lost.

“I’ve been up in a tree, and I have no idea if I’ve been there for two hours or an hour,” Ryan said. “You just don’t know. They call it ‘tree time.’”