When I was 18 my buddy had me work cable TV with himHearing Glen Campell sing "Wichita Lineman" had a direct impact on me being a electrician .
Funny ,at trade school it was also training for lineman and had poles and gaffs. We never were allowed ,but the tool crib was made with all wooden shelving and cabinets made by the wood shop.I strapped on the gaffs and climbed the **** out of anything I could climb in there.
He taught my how to use Hooks, I was OK on them but he never told me to kick away from the pole if you slip. I of coursed wrapped that sucker for dear life and kicked off as he SCREAMED kick off kick off.
I got lucky as Joe can tell you many linemen were killed by giant splinters that were created by all the times the pole was hooked climb before