Buzz
The Salmon Ladder poses a challenging climbing obstacle. To conquer it, you need to ascend to the pinnacle of a pair of vertical posts by propelling a movable bar up one notch at a time. This setup is intended to test your explosive strength, upper body power, hand-eye coordination, and endurance to the fullest. Fortunately, building a DIY version of this obstacle is simpler than actually completing it. In essence, it involves attaching angled rungs to two sturdy support posts and securing them firmly into the ground. With a Salmon Ladder in your backyard, you can take your training routine to the next level.
Steps
Setting Up the Posts
Collect your materials. The Salmon Ladder consists of two main parts—two wooden posts and a series of angled rungs to catch and stabilize the bar. For this project, sturdy 12’-15’ (3.7-4.6 m) 4x4 posts will serve as the vertical supports, connected by a 2x6 beam at the top. The rungs, made from a 2x4 sawn to size and shape, will be attached at intervals along the frame.
- Depending on the spacing of the rungs, you may require two 8-foot (2.4 m) 2x4s instead of one 12-foot (3.7 m) piece.
- Opt for high-quality pressure-treated lumber, as it’s built to withstand heavy loads and endure rigorous training sessions.
- In addition to the lumber, gather a hammer or electric drill, 3” (7.6 cm) nails or heavy-duty wood screws, a handsaw, a bag of quick-set concrete, and a tape measure.
Excavate holes for setting the support beams. Utilize a post hole digger for swift soil clearance, ensuring uniformity in hole size. Each hole should measure approximately 4 feet (1.2 m) deep and 1 foot (0.30 m) wide, spaced approximately 42 inches (1 m) apart to allow ample maneuvering room between the posts.
- A level, spacious area with plenty of mobility is ideal for locating your Salmon Ladder.
- Position your Salmon Ladder strategically to facilitate attachment of other supports, such as against a tree or with additional supports at the top.
- The length of the 4x4 posts should match the overall height of the obstacle. For a standard 11’-12’ (3.4-3.7 m) ladder, posts should be cut to 15’-17’ (4.6-5 m).
Insert the posts into the holes. Insert one end of the first post into a dug hole, carefully stand it upright, and repeat with the second post. Ensure the posts are straight, with corners and faces aligned perfectly.
- Enlist assistance to position and hold the heavy 4x4s.
- Utilize a level to confirm evenness and test with a board across the posts for flush alignment.
- In areas with heavy precipitation, consider adding gravel, sand, or aggregate to holes for drainage to prevent wood deterioration.
Apply concrete for post stability. With assistance to hold the posts, pour half a bag of quick-set concrete into each hole and mix gradually with water until achieving a cake batter-like consistency. Ensure even distribution of concrete around the supports at the bottom of the holes, which should begin setting within 15-20 minutes.
- Complete setting posts on one day and return the next for construction to allow concrete ample drying time.
- Avoid placing weight on the Salmon Ladder until concrete fully hardens.
- Blueprints for a Salmon Ladder are available here.
Constructing the Frame
Construct the ladder before positioning posts in the holes.
Pre-assembling the ladder simplifies construction. After attaching posts and inserting the ladder, measure top and bottom for even spacing before cementing the ladder in place.
Utilize the 2x6 to link the posts. Cut the board to 45-46” (1.1-1.2 m) to span the distance between the vertical supports, completing the 42' (1 m) wide frame. Align the ends of the 2x6 with the outer edges of the posts and secure it with nails or screws at both ends, forming the upper section of the frame.
- When affixing the top piece and individual rungs, use a ladder or step stool for easier access.
- Consider purchasing precut lumber for time-saving assembly at home.
Mark the posts for rung placement. Determine the starting point based on your height, ensuring safe and comfortable climbing. Space subsequent rungs 12' (30 cm) apart.
- Reach up along the frame to mark the location for the lowest rungs without overstretching.
- Measure and mark each set separately, ensuring even alignment with a flat board or straight edge.
- Adjust rung spacing to suit your preference, with 12” (30 cm) being the standard for American Ninja Warrior courses.
- Beginners may benefit from 6' (15 cm) rung spacing for learning purposes.
Trim the rungs to size and shape. Draw lines at a 30-35 degree angle every 12” (30 cm) along the 2x4, then cut along these lines to create individual ladder rungs. Ensure an even number of rungs for each side.
- For 6' (15 cm) rung spacing, draw lines every 6' (15 cm) at the same angle.
- Additional lumber may be necessary depending on desired obstacle height.
Secure the rungs to the posts. Align the rungs with the marked positions and attach them to the frame's interior edge. Install two opposing rungs at a time to verify placement as you progress.
- Use multiple nails or screws for secure attachment.
- Each rung should have a 30-35 degree incline, ideal for catching the bar during ladder ascension.
Integrating Additional Features
Select an appropriate climbing bar. Opt for a galvanized metal conduit pipe or sturdy PVC pipe that can support your weight without bending. Ensure the bar is at least as long as the distance between the posts to fit securely over the rungs.
- Test the bar's weight-bearing capacity by hanging from it before training.
Plan for safety measures in case of falls. Place a cushioned tumbling mat or foam blocks under the ladder to cushion falls. Alternatively, create a shallow cushioned depression beneath the ladder frame with materials like sand or wood chips.
- Consider folding tumbling mats for easy storage when not in use.
Integrate complementary obstacles. Position the Salmon Ladder to transition smoothly to the next elevated obstacle, such as a pegboard or monkey bars, for a challenging course.
- Sketch out a blueprint of the course layout beforehand.
- For a rigorous course, place the Salmon Ladder towards the end.
Helpful Tips
- Building a Salmon Ladder is a quick, budget-friendly project requiring less than $100 and can be completed in a day.
- Enlist assistance for construction tasks to streamline the process.
- Feel free to customize dimensions to suit your needs while ensuring safety.
Cautionary Notes
- Ensure a soft landing to mitigate the risk of concussion in case of accidents.
- Train with caution to avoid potential injuries such as finger or facial injuries, splinters, or other minor mishaps.
- Handle tools responsibly, especially sharp objects like nails, saws, and power drills.
Essential Tools
- 2 sturdy 12'-15' (3.7-4.6 m) 4x4 posts
- 1 10' (3 m) 2x6 board
- 1 12' (3.7 m) 2x4 board
- Hammer
- 3' (7.6 cm) nails
- Electric drill
- Heavy-duty wood screws
- Post hole digger
- 1 bag Quick Set concrete mix
- Water
- Tape measure
- Straight edge
- Pencil or felt-tipped pen (for marking measurements)
