How To Climb Trees Part Two - Climbing Vertical Trunks

Ready to take your tree climbing skills to the next level? Join us as we explore a grove of black locust trees in Seattle and learn how to climb thin, vertical trunks like Tarzan!

In this in-depth tutorial, we’ll show you our favorite foot positions, grip techniques, and movement strategies to tackle narrow trunks safely and efficiently. Discover how to bridge between multiple trees, maintain traction on tricky surfaces, and use different angles and slopes to your advantage. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, these tips will help you build better strength, mobility, and confidence in the trees.

What You’ll Learn:
- How to position your feet and generate tension on thin trunks
- Different ways to grip with your hands, toes, and even pinch with your feet
- Strategies for moving between multiple trunks using stems and transitions
- Tips for maximizing traction (including how to handle bark textures and debris)
- Safe ways to climb low to the ground and condition your body over time

Black locust trees offer great grip but come with their own challenges, such as thorns and potentially fragile branches. We’ll walk you through how to safely and effectively navigate these obstacles so you can keep pushing your limits—without pushing your luck.

If you’re excited about incorporating nature-based movement into your training or just looking for a fun new way to get outdoors and stay active, this video is for you.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more tree-climbing tutorials and movement inspiration!

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Tree Climbing
01:04 Choosing the Right Tree
01:49 Basic Climbing Techniques
03:26 Advanced Footwork and Stability
04:36 Practical Demonstration
05:54 Safety Tips and Textures
09:08 Descending Techniques
09:59 Interacting with Multiple Trunks
12:33 Long Traverse Challenge

Want To Learn More?
Download Our Free Games Guide

Join Our Online Coaching Program

Spend an immersive week with us at one of our Retreats

[bfair]

Would love to attend a tree climbing workshop in Southern California if you ever have one.

[Thegreatresetoflife]

I really enjoy this... meme were great and the quality 😊

[marinkas]

Duuuude, this is so awesome! I sometimes need to climb trees as an adult (previously it was purely for fun, now just for some reasons), i intuitively use some similar techniques. i gotta try this how you show. Can't wait for the summer now xD

[bonnieh]

Rafe, I'm impressed by your skill, but doubly impressed that you're willing to go on camera and not do a perfect-perfect climb! Did you say you haven't done this for 6 years?! Makes it more doable for those of us who are unused to this type of movement!

[eccer]

Leo or Victor you have learned from, or other sources? :)