Is it possible to rig a single-point dance trapeze to a tree branch?

topic posted Thu, August 14, 2008 - 4:11 AM by  David
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Anyone with such experience?

What kind of type of rope would you use? And how would you attach it to the tree branch (Would slinging it over the tree branch and anchoring it the the tree trunk do? Or is it absolutely necessary to climb up the tree and attach a strap over the branch?)? And does the carabiner have to be where the tree branch is, or can it be somewhere lower (assuming the tree branch is way up high)?


Thanks,
David
posted by:
David
Los Angeles
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  • Yes it is possible but it is no way safe.

    Rigging from trees is very dangerous. It is impossible to tell from the outside if a tree branch has the structural integrity to hold your weight. It may be rotting or have termites or some other bug or it may just be an old branch. You can't tell any of these things from the outside you will only find out when the branch drops off.

    This is something to be especially careful with because single point is a dynamic act so there is even more stress and movement put on the rigging point than a static act.
  • liz
    liz
    offline 5
    I fully agree with everything Blueberry wrote. There is no reliable way to ensure that the tree branch is strong enough to bear your weight through dynamic movement. Every swinging or spinning movement increases the amount of weight (G-forces) going through the branch, which are many times greater than your static body weight. Not to mention, if you do any kind of drops, then you have to factor in the shockloads.

    Just to let you know about one case I saw: my parents' crabapple tree looked very solid and sturdy, lots of healthy branches and blossoms for years. About 4 years ago, there was a really strong wind storm and the tree sheared in half right at the base of the trunk (just wind, no lightening) because the inside was completely hollow and rotted out. We had no clue there was a problem with the tree at all until we found it in pieces all over the lawn the next day. I'm so damned thankful I never tried to climb it or rig anything from it.......

    In short, rigging from trees is not a good idea, there are too many unknowns. Any rigging mistake is potentially fatal. Stick to steel support beams please!!!

    Cheers and safe flying,
    Liz