WTCW - Experienced Tree Climbing Workshop, Emerald Bay, CA 2026

You asked for something more… and we are excited to offer the next level of tree climber training.  This WTCW Experienced Tree Climbing Workshop is for established climbers in a destination location - It’s here!

Our amazing Sponsor Support has underwritten your registration cost.  
THANK YOU to:

• Western Chapter of ISA
• WC-ISA’s Women in Arboriculture
• West Coast Arborists
• The Britton Fund 
• Maryellen Bell (Hort Science - Bartlett)
• Davey Tree Experts
• Cal-Fire

EVENT DETAILS:  

The Women's Tree Climbing Workshop® has created an Experienced Tree Climbing Workshop for professionals and climbers who are looking to develop their skills. This event is for climbers who possess a foundation in tree climbing.  

PREREQUISITES:
People should be comfortable performing the following skills, If you have doubt, please reach out: info@wtcw.org 

• Shall bring your own tree climbing kit, equipment & PPE.
• All your tree climbing equipment shall pass inspection prior to event.
  (Click on WTCW gear inspection form – bring with you.)
• Shall be able to ascend and descend safely without coaching.
• Shall feel confident moving away from the trunk of the tree.
• Should be able to advance your own climbing line.
• Shall have an open mind to learn. 

This unique opportunity is designed to enhance and hone your skills with other accomplished climbers. A fantastic location includes views aloft that most of us can only dream of. Come develop and master your competencies, train with passionate instructors who love to share their light, talent and ability to coach.

Take a deeper dive into equipment, climbing hardware, the nuisances of hitch cords & mechanical hitches, climbing lines, the whys behind tools behave the way they do; and then practice the skills to nail them into muscle memory.  Have you wanted to have your own personal coach work through reoccurring trouble spots in your climbing?  Have you ever wanted real time feedback while limb walking, work positioning or mastering throwline? Do you own a piece of gear and don't know how to use it? Then this workshop was developed with YOU in mind.

This workshop includes passionate, excellent instruction, food, lodging, round trip boat ride, swag and prizes, networking and professional CEU’s.  

NOT included: Travel to/from the event, nor the parking at Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, CA (~$20 for the weekend).

Dates: November 6-9, 2026
Arrival Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach, CA
Time: Arrive at Aquarium of the Pacific at 3:00 pm; leave time for parking & boarding - Boat departs at 4:30 pm sharp!
Location: Emerald Bay Camp, South Catalina Island, Avalon, California 90704
Departure Time: Monday, November 9, 2026 - 11:00 am to arrive back at Aquarium at 1:00 pm

Travel to the Island by Boat:
People should arrive by 3:00 pm at the Aquarium of the Pacific at 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA and walk to Dock 2. Yes, plan for about 3:00 pm arrival for time to park, shuffling your gear to the boat and for the boarding process. The boat departs sharp at 4:30 pm. You will need time to park prior to boarding the boat, which can take 15+ minutes. The boat will bring you directly to Emerald Bay, and the length of ride is approximately one hour to the Island. The same boat will take you back to the same location on Monday, November 9. Your boat ride is included in the ticket price, but not parking.

Logistics:
Best way to get to Emerald Bay is to drive/fly into Long Beach, CA (LGB). Consider this workshop as a “destination” location. The Aquarium of the Pacific is approximately 15-20 minutes commute from the Long Beach Airport.

Check in:
Check in is on Friday on the boat ride over. We will cover logistics and collect signed paperwork. A waiver form will be emailed to you, please sign and return by email.

Lodging:
Your lodging is included in the price of your ticket. You are responsible for your own bedding, pillow, towel, and toiletries.

Food:
All meals are included in your registration cost! Friday: dinner; Saturday: breakfast, lunch, dinner; Sunday: breakfast, lunch, dinner; Monday: breakfast. If you have food allergies, the food gurus will do their best to fulfill your requests, please let us know. If you need special snacks, please bring them.

Topics:
This workshop will cover all aspects of tree climbing. The course will be adapted to all participant's experience and competence levels. For example: we will cover tree identification and biology, tie-in point selection, throwline mastery, climbing line installation, friction savers, ascending and descending with closed and open MRS, and several options of SRS, rope advancement, lanyard use and management, canopy route planning, rope retrieval, body ergonomics while working aloft and more. Additionally we will cover communication skills and networking with people who care for trees and for those who work in arboriculture.

Daily Practice:
Bring your yoga mat - Bear will lead asana and meditation practice each day.

Clothing:
The weather can change quickly along side the ocean; please come prepared for all weather! Please pack long pants, long sleeves, hiking (over the ankle) boots, rain and warm jackets, warm hat and gloves, and don't forget sunscreen and bug spray. Please come prepared.
Temperatures are typically: 60°F – 70°F in November.

Footprint Reduction:
Consider bringing your own cloth napkin, water bottle, travel mug, and snack container. 

Course Check Out:
The workshop ends on Monday morning; boats are not available on Sunday. Expect to arrive back to the Aquarium of the Pacific by 1:00pm on Monday.

Cancellation Policy:

• 8 weeks before event: Full refund (September 11)
• 6-8 weeks before event: Refund less $100 Admin Fee (September 11-25)
• After 6 weeks: No refunds (September 26)
• If Waitlist: Refund less $100 Admin Fee
• If medical emergency, communicate with us. We may be able to offer course credit.

Thank you for your registration and looking forward to climbing with you soon!

Thank you to the Western Chapter of ISA for all their support and logistics help!

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES are AVAILABLE -  Please click for more info.