There is a climbing obstacle called the Salmon Ladder.You must ascend to the top of a pair of posts by hopping a bar up one rung at a time.The structure is designed to push your strength to the limit.It is possible to build a homemade version of the obstacle.Attaching a few rungs to two support posts is as easy as setting them into the ground.You will be able to elevate your training regimen with a Salmon Ladder in your backyard.
Step 1: You should gather your materials.
The main components of the Salmon Ladder are two wooden posts and a series of rungs.The frame will be connected with a 2x6 across the top of the 4x4 posts.The rungs will be made from a 2x4 saw.Depending on the spacing between the rungs, 2x4's may be needed instead of one.Only pressure-treated lumber can be used.It is made to hold up under hours and hours of intense training.In addition to the raw lumber, you need a hammer or electric drill, 3” nails or heavy-duty wood screws, a bag of quickset concrete, and a tape measure.
Step 2: Set the support beams by digging holes.
Ensure that the holes are uniform by using a post hole digger.The holes should be 4 feet deep and 1 foot across.To leave a comfortable amount of distance to maneuver between the posts, space them 42” apart.The best site for your Salmon Ladder is a flat patch of ground with plenty of room to move around.It's a good idea to place your Salmon Ladder where you can attach other supports.Adding additional supports at the top could mean resting it against a tree.The total height of the obstacle is determined by the length of 4x4 posts.You will need to cut your posts to fit a standard 11'-12' ladder.
Step 3: The posts should be put into the holes.
Stand the first post upright and put the end of it into one of the openings.The second post should be the same as the first.Double check that the supports are straight, with corners and faces perfectly aligned.Recruit one or a few assistants to help you hold the heavy 4x4s.To test whether the posts sit flush, stretch a separate board across the two posts and make sure they are sitting evenly.If you live in an area that gets a lot of precipitation, you should add gravel, sand, or aggregate to the holes before setting the posts to promote drainage.The wood will not rot or split over time if it is kept dry.
Step 4: The posts need concrete to be stable.
Shake half a bag of quickset concrete into each hole while the helpers hold each post steady.Add water gradually and mix it to a consistency similar to cake batter.The supports at the bottom of the holes should be distributed evenly.Depending on the weather, it should set within 15-20 minutes.If you want to give the concrete plenty of time to dry, consider setting the posts on one day.Until the concrete has fully hardened, don't put any weight on the Salmon Ladder.There is a plan for a Salmon Ladder at http://www.ninjawarriorblueprints.com.
Step 5: You need to assemble the ladder before you put the posts in the holes.
It will be easier to build.Measure the top and bottom of the ladder to make sure they are level.Then put the ladder in place.
Step 6: You can use the 2x6 to connect the posts.
The frame is 42" (1 m) wide and the board is just the right length to bridge the gap between the vertical supports.Attach the ends of the 2x6 to the posts with the outer edges.The upper portion of the frame will be served by this piece.While affixing the top piece and individual rungs, you'll need to stand on a ladder or step stool.If you don't mind paying a little extra, buying precut lumber will save you time.Once you get them home, all you have to do is assemble the individual pieces.
Step 7: The rungs should be marked where they will go.
The starting point on the Salmon Ladder will be determined by your stature.You don't want it to be so low that you have to crouch or stoop to get in position.Once you have decided on the optimal placement for the first set of rungs, you should have enough space for every next set.A good way to determine where to put the lowest rungs is to reach up along the frame with one hand and draw a line on the side of the post.Use a flat board or straight edge to measure and mark each set.The American Ninja Warrior course uses a rung spacing of 12” (30 cm), but yours can be more or less.The rung spacing is helpful for learning how to do the Salmon Ladder.
Step 8: The rungs should be cut to the correct size and shape.
Start by drawing a line at a 30-35 degree angle on one end of the 2x4.The board was used to make the rungs for the ladder.You will need an even number of rungs, one for each side.You will need to draw your lines every 15 cm if you are spacing your rungs at 6.You can still draw them at a 30-35 degree angle.Depending on how high you want the obstacle to be, you may need more lumber to make a full set of rungs.
Step 9: Put the rungs to the posts.
Place the rungs over the marks you made earlier, and line up one of the ends with the interior edge.Put the rungs into place.If you install 2 opposing rungs at a time, you can check their placement as you go.Make sure the rungs are secure with multiple nails or screws.Each rung has a 30-35 degree incline, perfect for catching the bar as you work your way up the ladder.
Step 10: A bar is needed for climbing the rungs.
A galvanized metal conduit should be strong enough to support most adult athletes.Light weight athletes can use a sturdy PVC pipe.It is important that the material you use is as long as the total distance between the posts so that it will fit into place over the rungs.Before you start training, hang from the bar to see how it feels.It will be difficult to move quickly if the material is too heavy.It may be in danger of snapping after a few jumps if it is too light.
Step 11: Try to break your fall.
Even the most experienced athlete will miss a rung one day.If you don't land on your feet, you'll want to have a protective surface in place.The simplest option is to buy a tumbling mat and place it under the ladder.You will be able to focus on training and not worry about what might happen if you lose your grip.When not in use, most tumbling mats can be folded up and put away.A shallow depression under the frame of your Salmon Ladder could be filled with foam blocks, sand, water, wood chips, or some other substance that will offer a little give.You can create a deep cushion.
Step 12: Other obstacles should be included.
If you want to make your Salmon Ladder part of a larger course, you should set it up so that you can make a transition once you reach the top.You will be high up off the ground, so the next obstacle should be one that is reliant on elevation, such as a peg board, rope swing, or monkey bars.Get a sense of how each obstacle should fit together by drafting a blueprints for your course.Save the Salmon Ladder at the end of the course for a true test of endurance.