Jenkins established the world's first recreational tree-climbing school in 1983 in an Atlanta vacant lot. Returning to the Tree Recently, the new sport has caught on, and folks are flocking to Atlanta to climb Jenkins' two 90-foot white oaks, Nimrod and Diana. Jenkins' organization, Tree Climbers International, has doubled its membership in the last two years, with 700 members currently enrolled. And four new climbing schools, inspired by the Treeman, have sprouted in the United States. New tree-climbing schools are also debuting in France, Germany, and Japan.
People get a better perspective of their life and the world from up here.
The booming interest in tree climbing reflects, in part, the public's weariness with rote gym-based workouts. As a result, Ekeroth's organization has predicted that activities like tree climbing will be increasingly popular in coming years. The play element is also a big draw for exercisers, says Ekeroth. By using harnesses and ropes like those used by rock climbers and arborists, Jenkins' students safely launch themselves 70 feet and more into the treetops. Using Jenkins' methods, there seems to be little risk of falling.