How to Climb Palm Trees

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Some people climb palm trees for sport, but, in the tropics, this is usually done to obtain the green coconuts at the top of the tree. These coconuts are valued for their creamy flesh and rich juice. Coconuts do not fall off the tree until the flesh is hard and the juice is sour, so the only way to obtain them while they are fresh is to climb up. Tropical citizens use several methods to climb palm trees but the most popular, especially for beginners, are the frog and the front foot techniques.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Front Foot Technique

Step 1

Put your hands at the back of the tree, close to each other, and hold tight.

Step 2

Place your right foot on the tree trunk.

Step 3

Push against the tree with your foot while you bring your left foot up. Place your left foot on a spot above the right foot.

Step 4

Walk up the leaning base of the tree, as if climbing a mountain, and alternate the positions of your hands and feet as you proceed.

Step 5

Straddle the tree with your knees when it becomes difficult to walk up. Use your hands to pull your body up until you get to the top of the tree.

Step 6

Climb down. Lower your hands one at a time as you let your feet slide down the trunk of the tree.

Frog Technique

Step 1

Place both hands behind the tree trunk at chest level.

Step 2

Jump up and place both feet at the base of the tree. Grip the tree trunk with the balls and toes of your feet.

Step 3

Move your hands higher up the trunk.

Step 4

Hop up and place your feet at a higher level.

Step 5

Continue this process until you get to the top of the tree.

Step 6

Reverse your movements to climb down. Hop and place your feet at a lower spot on the tree and then move your hands down to chest level. Repeat this step until you are close enough to the ground to jump down safely.

Tips & Warnings

Pick a palm tree that fits your skill level. Practice climbing trees that are no taller than 20 feet until you acquire confidence in your climbing skills.

The Tree Climbers International advises that you check the health of a tree before you climb. Avoid trees that are diseased, dying or dead.

Article Written By Tina Amo

Tina Amo has been writing professionally since 2004. She has published Web content for various media companies and other clients. She enjoys writing articles on various topics including technology, business, parenting, gardening, fashion, relationships and home improvement. Amo holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a concentration in information systems.

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