MONKEY® Instruction Manual and Tips
(Please read carefully before use!)
In order to have fun in climbing, bouldering, training attractions or adventures with the MONKEYS®, we merged several hints.
Of course, your individual creativity should be accentuated too. We appreciate every new hint that expands and improves the fun factor.
- Preparatory work: For the different grips choose the appropriate screw length. Please make sure that no screw thread sticks out! The best way is to prepare the MONKEYS in advance at home. The grip has to be placed so that it guarantees the maximum foothold. The provided laces just serve for carriage on a carabiner and ought to be pushed from the front through the 5cm (2 inches) cut of the MONKEYS and knotted behind (this is no security-loop!).
- Selection of a tree: Make sure beforehand if it is permitted to climb on the tree. For the fact that the owner is anonymous, the forestry office will help. The thickest trees are said to be the strongest. Beginners should choose preferably straight trees with few branches. If you can embrace the tree pretty much you can apply the tension belts quickly. Clear away all the items that might endanger your health. Consider that close-by trees may cause head injuries.
- Attach the tension belts: If the belt can be pulled about 5cm from the bark in one position it is attached correctly. Do not put more tension on the belt!
- MONKEY: Slide the monkey underneath the pulled belt. Insert the belt into the slot under the upper notch at the top of the MONKEY. We recommend 1-2 MONKEYS per belt. After fitten, move the MONKEY to the desired position and tighten the strap with maximum force. Therefore wrap the strap end around your wrist and press the buckle at the mechanisms with your second hand. Then tighten the belt firmly (use body mass) and release the clamping mechanism. Attach the next tension belt in a distance of 15 - 25 inches, depending on the body size or your desired level of difficulty.
Tip: If the MONKEY should be installed on slippery bark or overhangs, attach a second tension belt at the bottom of the Monkey (optional). If the circumference of the tree is too large, connect two tension belts.
- Footsteps: Install MONKEYS without climbing hold at the bottom and use use the upper surface of the MONKEY as footsteps. Therewith soiling of the climbing holds can be avoided.
- Below 10 ft: If you stay with your system below 10 ft hight, attach the supplied carabiner on the waist belt. When climbing up the first MONKEYS, take a tension belt with you, which you can stretch around your belly. Secure yourself with the carabiner on the highest tension belt next to the MONKEY. Now you have your hands free again and can fasten the next tension belt to the tree. After all the material is attached, start bouldering. In order to minimize the risk of injuries, we hereby expressly point out to use a suitable cushioning mat.
- Above 10 ft: From this point on, the safety regulations of climbing apply, which need to be complied. Proper and suitable climbing harnesses, certified carabiners, ropes and helmets are for yours and your partner's protection. You must secure yourself with hose straps (anchor stitching and screwdriver). For convenient, functional set-up of a tree we use a s.g. MONKEY bag (Backpack ORANGUTN), carrying MONKEYS, Allen keys, band slings, carabiners and if necessary a branch saw or similar. The bag is attached to the top tensioning belt with a carabiner.
Tip: To hang on to the next tensioning belt, attach a 30 inch long cord with a second carabiner to bag. Similar to a fixed-rope set, the bag is secured upwards.
The following points are of particular importance:
- The use of MONKEYS® is a form of climbing and should only be operated by a competent person or under guidance.
- The use of MONKEYS® is only permitted up to a height of 3 meters without additional climbing-specific protection.
- In any case, a crash pad should be used to prevent possible injuries.
- The personal climbing equipment is subject to a certain wear and tear and should be constantly checked and, if necessary, renewed.
- The usual rules of the climbing sport apply for the partner securing, the abseiling, etc.
- When the MONKEYS are dismantled, hold the tensioning belt at the open end after releasing. Although the MONKEYS are equipped with a slip protection, unfavorable circumstances (heavy handles, jerky movement) can effect the braking effect. During the excavation nobody should be under the tree. Climbing helmets are also recommended for this reason.
- For the optical protection of your MONKEYS and handles, it is recommended to package them individually after use. We are still working on suitable transport facilities.
We can not assume any liability for accidents caused by the use of the MONKEYS.
MONKEYS® in nature - rules and tips
In order to ensure a harmonious coexistence of humans, animals and plants and to avoid unnecessary restrictions of climbing, you should pay attention to a few important points:
- Keep parking bans and park properly. There is a general driving ban on all forest paths - even without a road sign! Approaches are essential for fire brigades and rescue vehicles.
- If possible, use marked access and descents to protect the vegetation. Respect private property.
- Take all the waste back, even cigarette butts do not belong to nature.
- Avoid noise (loud shouting, radio) in order not to disturb fellow humans and animals.
- Commit yourself to the preservation of your local hiking and climbing areas, so that subsequent generations can still pursue their leisure activities without restriction.
- Climb only on suitable trees and make sure that you do not damage the tree. The breaking or cutting of branches is prohibited. Bark injuries are also to be avoided.
- Do not climb trees that have bird housing. Woodpecker caves/wooded caves serve as a refuge for a variety of animals (birds, bats, insects). A disturbance during the brewing periods can lead to the birds leaving the brood.
- As soon as the tree has too many sensitive branches, or if you are not aware of its condition (rot or other damage), try to find a more suitable tree to protect nature and avoid personal risk.
Have fun using your MONKEYS®
