In only a minute or so a breeze comes in strong, batting at the treetops. The ponderosa begins to sway. Surrounding trees, acres of them, start waving and churning in all directions. Soon everything appears to be swinging, clouds and mountains included. The effect is that of riding a dinghy in heavy seas.
Tree climbing done correctly, with proper safety equipment, is an exceptionally safe pastime.
As far as anyone knows, no recreationalist has ever died as a result of technical tree climbing. As the wind subsides, Ness descends to the thicker branches while his friends move up for their own tree-surfing sessions. From the bags of gear Ness retrieves three Treeboats. A Treeboat is essentially a rugged hammock, made of thick nylon canvas, with tie-off cords at all four corners. It is the invention that Ness and Sparks are proudest of.