Loose Leaf Notes

~The following was originally published in Natural Awakenings of Southwest Virginia

In the 10 years that Blue Ridge Tree Climbing instructor Bob Wray has been climbing trees on his 40 acre Blue Ridge Parkway property, he hasn’t run out of new trees to climb or the enthusiasm for teaching others how to do it.

“We all climbed trees as children. The trees called us and we heard them,” says the Eagle Scout outdoorsman.   He believes there is no reason to stop tree climbing and that there are many benefits to reap by taking up the sport.

“Once you’re proficient, you can climb a very tall tree in the late afternoon, watch the sun go down, and be back in your car or home by dark. And you will feel better and more energized,” Wray relates.  His Blue Ridge Tree Climbing motto is: As your altitude changes so does your attitude.

After years of cave diving, kayaking, and a few years rock climbing, Wray discovered tree climbing, a recreational sport introduced in the U.S. 30 years ago that has since
become internationally popular.  Over time, he adapted his own style of climbing and teaches weekend classes at his property in Meadows of Dan, limiting classes to 2 people for the best one-on-one results.

“I try to keep my life simple and my climbing system is the same way.  It’s very simple with very little equipment required,” the retired electrician says.   Basic gear includes rope, carabiner clips, a harness, helmet and gloves.  Knot tying is an important part of the instruction, as is cultivating the right mindset.

“It’s not work.  It’s fun.  You’re on rope all the time, so there’s no worry of falling to the ground.  If you’re in reasonably good shape, regardless of your age, you can learn to climb a tree on rope,” he explains.

But Wray doesn’t just climb; he sleeps in trees and teaches his advanced students to do the same.  He’s climbed as high as 240 feet (a California redwood) and has slept at 150 feet, using a portaledge, which he says is as comfortable as sleeping on a couch.   Along with “camping in the canopy,” tree-to-tree traversing, wildlife observation, photography, and night climbing are other advanced class options that Wray offers.

Wray has trained some of the best climbers in the world and most of them stay in touch.  Twice a year he hosts a Climb-in, a tree climbing social event that draws lovers of trees and nature from all over the country.   Through Facebook and email he interacts with tree climbing enthusiasts from all over the world.

“I love it and I love to teach. I can’t wait for the students to come down the drive and get them started,” Wray says. As much as he loves to teach, when his teaching duties are over, he heads for the trees to relax.   Unlike rock climbing, which for safety reasons tends to be done in pairs or groups, tree climbing can be done alone.   “I consider it a meditation.”

Sometimes Wray names the trees he regularly climbs, mostly poplars, oaks, and maples.   And he always thanks them for all that they provide: food, shelter, shade, oxygen, beauty and recreation.

“The trees are still calling us,” he reminds others.  “You just have to get close, get quiet and listen.”

~ Colleen Redman

Post note: Demonstration videos are HERE, HERE, and HERE.