 |
|
|
UER Store
|
|
order your copy of Access All Areas today!
|
|
|
|
Activity
|
|
635 online
Server Time:
2024-04-20 10:10:18
|
|
|
 vividdecay
 
Location: Baltimore
Gender: Male
 |  | Anyone ever climb a water tower?..
< on 4/7/2012 5:43 AM >
|  | | | I really like water towers for some reason. I'm honestly not sure why. I'm sure one of you have climbed one, any stories or tips for climbing them? etc.
Here's a few photos I have of them, these are water towers on abandoned property. Not the best photos in the world but here,
1
2
3
4
5
Number 5 has a pretty sturdy looking ladder. There's graffiti at the top of both of these towers so someone has been up there..
|
|
Devinsky
Location: Riemst, Belgium
Gender: Male
| | Re: Anyone ever climb a water tower?..
<Reply # 1 on 4/7/2012 12:56 PM >
| | | | If there's graffiti and no buried bodies at the bottom of the tower it's probably safe to use the ladder. Be careful though, it's hard to tell how recent the graffiti is, so the strength of the ladder might have deteriorated.
All warnings aside, if you think it's safe enough, go for it. The view looks good enough to murder for. Just make sure someone is either with you or knows where you are.
|
|
AnAppleSnail
  
Location: Charlotte, NC
Gender: Male
ALL the flashlights!
| |  |  | Re: Anyone ever climb a water tower?..
<Reply # 2 on 4/7/2012 2:11 PM >
| | | | Read up on RF hazards. If all you see is cell towers antennaes there isn't much risk, but if you get warmer than you should, leave. I do suggest further reading. Every few months some idiot climbs a tower in the US, strips off his/her clothes as they climb and start intercepting RF power, and dies up there. Vertical corpse recoveries are a bitch, don't add to rescue woes.
[last edit 4/7/2012 2:15 PM by AnAppleSnail - edited 1 times]
Achievement Unlocked
|
|
citrusleak
  
Location: Indy
Gender: Male
Indy Explorer
| | Re: Anyone ever climb a water tower?..
<Reply # 3 on 4/7/2012 2:19 PM >
| | | | Posted by AnAppleSnail
Read up on RF hazards. If all you see is cell towers antennaes there isn't much risk, but if you get warmer than you should, leave. I do suggest further reading. Every few months some idiot climbs a tower in the US, strips off his/her clothes as they climb and start intercepting RF power, and dies up there. Vertical corpse recoveries are a bitch, don't add to rescue woes.
|
Why would this be a hazard with a water tower?
|
|
MrSivalls
This member has been banned. See the banlist for more information.
I'll be a-surfin' in yer blood on Saturday night
| | Re: Anyone ever climb a water tower?..
<Reply # 4 on 4/7/2012 3:21 PM >
| | | | Posted by citrusleak
Why would this be a hazard with a water tower?
|
It's become common practice to use any high spot for cell and other antenna farms. Stay away from them, and know what their frequency, power output, and transmission pattern is to determine if it's safe.
Tank climbing is fun, and as safe as you make it.
Use three point of contact climbing technique, don't goof off when climbing; stay focused.
Don't climb wet steel.
Never jump off ladders when descending, climb down the whole way.
Wear a good pair of boots, and gloves suitable for climbing.
On the tank, don't leave the center couple feet of a convex roof. People have gone out too far and slid off tanks to their deaths.
If you goes inside, make sure the air inside will support life, and there's a sound ladder inside to get back out.
Be wary of tanks that are in poor repair and/or have not been painted in the last 30 or so years.
Your security measures were inadequate.
How unfortunate for you. |
|
SuchundFind
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Gender: Male
| | Re: Anyone ever climb a water tower?..
<Reply # 5 on 4/7/2012 8:53 PM >
| | | | Posted by MrSivalls
Use three point of contact climbing technique, don't goof off when climbing; stay focused.
Don't climb wet steel.
Never jump off ladders when descending, climb down the whole way.
Wear a good pair of boots, and gloves suitable for climbing.
On the tank, don't leave the center couple feet of a convex roof. People have gone out too far and slid off tanks to their deaths.
|
Or you wear climbing gear and connect it to the points that are made for this purpose. Make sure that they are still in working condition.
And if you know how, you could even rappelling from it.
|
|
MrSivalls
This member has been banned. See the banlist for more information.
I'll be a-surfin' in yer blood on Saturday night
| | Re: Anyone ever climb a water tower?..
<Reply # 6 on 4/7/2012 11:07 PM >
| | | | Posted by SuchundFind
Or you wear climbing gear and connect it to the points that are made for this purpose. Make sure that they are still in working condition.
And if you know how, you could even rappelling from it.
|
No gear is needed. Use the ladder and don't let go.
Uncaged ladders, use the ladder sides not the rungs for hand holds.
Your security measures were inadequate.
How unfortunate for you. |
|
vividdecay
Location: Baltimore
Gender: Male
| | Re: Anyone ever climb a water tower?..
<Reply # 7 on 4/8/2012 3:20 AM >
| | | | Posted by MrSivalls
No gear is needed. Use the ladder and don't let go.
Uncaged ladders, use the ladder sides not the rungs for hand holds.
|
Both of the ones I'm interested in have recently been climbed. Just found that out today. Saw new graffiti up there! Thanks for the info guys, appreciate it! The smoke stack next to one of those towers actually has some type of transmitter on it.
|
|
MrSivalls
This member has been banned. See the banlist for more information.
I'll be a-surfin' in yer blood on Saturday night
| | Re: Anyone ever climb a water tower?..
<Reply # 8 on 4/8/2012 2:58 PM >
| | | | Posted by VividVisions
Both of the ones I'm interested in have recently been climbed. Just found that out today. Saw new graffiti up there! Thanks for the info guys, appreciate it! The smoke stack next to one of those towers actually has some type of transmitter on it.
|
That doesn't help your cause. Tagging attracts unwanted attentions and doesn't mean it's "safe". Make sure the ladder and catwalks are structurally sound.
First time up be careful and pay attention to where you put your hands and feet.
Take your time and do at speed that insures your safety. With practice your speed will increase.
Rest at 50 feet if you need to by interlocking your lower leg through the ladder bent at the knee joint hanging on the rung. This is a safe position as you can't fall while in it on an uncaged ladder.
Minimize time on the ladder(s) because you are easier to spot, be mindful of this if you sit on the top as well. On the old steep roof tanks, don't stray from the ladder while on the roof, always keep a hand and foot hold on it. Never use ropes as safety leases as they can be cut by the tank without special rigging gear. Use ropes to haul gear up and down if you need to.
Enjoy, tanks are fun to climb, and good exercise.
[last edit 4/8/2012 3:06 PM by MrSivalls - edited 1 times]
Your security measures were inadequate.
How unfortunate for you. |
|
vividdecay
Location: Baltimore
Gender: Male
| | Re: Anyone ever climb a water tower?..
<Reply # 9 on 4/9/2012 1:55 AM >
| | | | Posted by MrSivalls
That doesn't help your cause. Tagging attracts unwanted attentions and doesn't mean it's "safe". Make sure the ladder and catwalks are structurally sound.
First time up be careful and pay attention to where you put your hands and feet.
Take your time and do at speed that insures your safety. With practice your speed will increase.
Rest at 50 feet if you need to by interlocking your lower leg through the ladder bent at the knee joint hanging on the rung. This is a safe position as you can't fall while in it on an uncaged ladder.
Minimize time on the ladder(s) because you are easier to spot, be mindful of this if you sit on the top as well. On the old steep roof tanks, don't stray from the ladder while on the roof, always keep a hand and foot hold on it. Never use ropes as safety leases as they can be cut by the tank without special rigging gear. Use ropes to haul gear up and down if you need to.
Enjoy, tanks are fun to climb, and good exercise.
|
Thanks, I might look into something to hook onto the ladder in case I do fall. It's caged but it would still give me the effect that even if I did fall all I would do is hang there, instead of busting my head open on the cage and falling 5 feet from the top 
|
|
MrSivalls
This member has been banned. See the banlist for more information.
I'll be a-surfin' in yer blood on Saturday night
| | Re: Anyone ever climb a water tower?..
<Reply # 10 on 4/9/2012 2:06 PM >
| | | | Posted by VividVisions
Thanks, I might look into something to hook onto the ladder in case I do fall. It's caged but it would still give me the effect that even if I did fall all I would do is hang there, instead of busting my head open on the cage and falling 5 feet from the top
|
Won't happen unless you don't pay attention. Never even heard of someone falling in a caged ladder, but sure some morons have. Caged ladders are harder to climb then uncaged, and more gear makes it even harder and more distracting.
Safety harnesses are nothing but a useless pain for this task, and you can be killed with one on, or even by it (hanging trauma). Makeshift stuff is plain dangerous.
Your safety is completely in your hands. Tank climbing is easy, but never drop your guard.
Your security measures were inadequate.
How unfortunate for you. |
|
vividdecay
Location: Baltimore
Gender: Male
| | Re: Anyone ever climb a water tower?..
<Reply # 11 on 4/9/2012 5:10 PM >
| | | | Posted by MrSivalls
Won't happen unless you don't pay attention. Never even heard of someone falling in a caged ladder, but sure some morons have. Caged ladders are harder to climb then uncaged, and more gear makes it even harder and more distracting.
Safety harnesses are nothing but a useless pain for this task, and you can be killed with one on, or even by it (hanging trauma). Makeshift stuff is plain dangerous.
Your safety is completely in your hands. Tank climbing is easy, but never drop your guard.
|
Thanks! I'm waiting for summer to come because it's been a bit windy lately and I'm more comfortable when it's mainly warm.
|
|
SuchundFind
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Gender: Male
| | Re: Anyone ever climb a water tower?..
<Reply # 12 on 4/9/2012 7:36 PM >
| | | | Posted by MrSivalls
No gear is needed. Use the ladder and don't let go.
Uncaged ladders, use the ladder sides not the rungs for hand holds.
|
It depends who allows you to get up there.
If they ask you to onlu use OSHA approved gear, you are mostly need all kind of crap.
If you know they will tell you so, start offering them that you are a sports climber and that you will use your climbing gear, so you get out of it with less gear.
For one roof I had to take a part time worker with me, that was 15 years of age. Only because OSHA said you have to have a 2nd person with you. Kind of weird.
|
|
MrSivalls
This member has been banned. See the banlist for more information.
I'll be a-surfin' in yer blood on Saturday night
| | Re: Anyone ever climb a water tower?..
<Reply # 13 on 4/9/2012 7:46 PM >
| | | | Posted by SuchundFind
It depends who allows you to get up there.
If they ask you to onlu use OSHA approved gear, you are mostly need all kind of crap.
If you know they will tell you so, start offering them that you are a sports climber and that you will use your climbing gear, so you get out of it with less gear.
For one roof I had to take a part time worker with me, that was 15 years of age. Only because OSHA said you have to have a 2nd person with you. Kind of weird.
|
OSHA is worthless. I've worn safety gear at sites where I entered with permission. Safety glasses are the only thing I would choose to wear. Safety harness in rare occasions when I wanted to anchor in to work, but even then I never trust them. Falling is not acceptable.
Fortunately if you're free climbing a water tower for fun, the cops are your only worry.
Your security measures were inadequate.
How unfortunate for you. |
|
vividdecay
Location: Baltimore
Gender: Male
| | Re: Anyone ever climb a water tower?..
<Reply # 14 on 4/9/2012 9:59 PM >
| | | | Posted by MrSivalls
OSHA is worthless. I've worn safety gear at sites where I entered with permission. Safety glasses are the only thing I would choose to wear. Safety harness in rare occasions when I wanted to anchor in to work, but even then I never trust them. Falling is not acceptable.
Fortunately if you're free climbing a water tower for fun, the cops are your only worry.
|
Yeah, I wasn't exactly planning on climbing legally. Hell, they're about to tear down the property and build a new police precinct there.
|
|
MrSivalls
This member has been banned. See the banlist for more information.
I'll be a-surfin' in yer blood on Saturday night
| | Re: Anyone ever climb a water tower?..
<Reply # 15 on 4/9/2012 11:13 PM >
| | | | Posted by VividVisions
Yeah, I wasn't exactly planning on climbing legally. Hell, they're about to tear down the property and build a new police precinct there.
|
Ummm, maybe NOW is a good time to climb it. lol. Won't be any fun on the ground as scrape.
Your security measures were inadequate.
How unfortunate for you. |
|
SuchundFind
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Gender: Male
| | Re: Anyone ever climb a water tower?..
<Reply # 16 on 4/10/2012 1:08 AM >
| | | | Posted by MrSivalls
OSHA is worthless. I've worn safety gear at sites where I entered with permission. Safety glasses are the only thing I would choose to wear. Safety harness in rare occasions when I wanted to anchor in to work, but even then I never trust them. Falling is not acceptable.
Fortunately if you're free climbing a water tower for fun, the cops are your only worry.
|
The only water tower I can climb here, has it's private security guards and an alarm system on the fence. It would be dumb to go without permission.
|
|
SinCalRyder
Location: Bakersfield CA
Gender: Male
Less worrying, more exploring!
| | | Re: Anyone ever climb a water tower?..
<Reply # 17 on 4/10/2012 1:22 AM >
| | | | They climbed one......
"Dream as if you'll live forever, Live as if you'll die today"
http://CurtisNoblePhotography.Com |
|
Tastee-Freeze
Location: Saskatoon. Saskatchewan.
Gender: Male
| | | Re: Anyone ever climb a water tower?..
<Reply # 18 on 4/10/2012 2:34 AM >
| | | | Posted by SuchundFind
For one roof I had to take a part time worker with me, that was 15 years of age. Only because OSHA said you have to have a 2nd person with you. Kind of weird.
|
Sorry, pal, is there something wrong with being a climber and fifteen years of age? I've topped factories, cranes, buildings universities, and two buildings over twenty-five stories.
At the age of fourteen.
Not to mention the fact I was free-soloing.
No hard feelings, but that seemed a bit condescending.
S'pecially since as of last December I am fifteen.
Entry to the rooftop playground is free, if you look up enough to know it's there.
-Dsankt on 'The Crane Style' |
|
SuchundFind
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Gender: Male
| | Re: Anyone ever climb a water tower?..
<Reply # 19 on 4/10/2012 10:16 PM >
| | | | Posted by Tastee-Freeze
Sorry, pal, is there something wrong with being a climber and fifteen years of age? I've topped factories, cranes, buildings universities, and two buildings over twenty-five stories.
At the age of fourteen.
Not to mention the fact I was free-soloing.
No hard feelings, but that seemed a bit condescending.
S'pecially since as of last December I am fifteen.
|
Son, when the building is part of the university, you are attending, you better make sure that they A) don't catch you, or B ) go with there rules. Unless you want to find a new university to attend to.
[last edit 4/10/2012 10:16 PM by SuchundFind - edited 1 times]
|
|
|
|
All content and images copyright © 2002-2024 UER.CA and respective creators. Graphical Design by Crossfire.
To contact webmaster, or click to email with problems or other questions about this site:
UER CONTACT
View Terms of Service |
View Privacy Policy |
Server colocation provided by Beanfield
This page was generated for you in 93 milliseconds. Since June 23, 2002, a total of 738589569 pages have been generated.
|
|
