# Tarzan swinging on vines **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [September 23, 2014, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarzan-swinging-on-vines/699313 "2014-09-23T06:10:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Lanzy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/74df32/32.png) [@Lanzy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lanzy)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2014, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarzan-swinging-on-vines/699313/41 "2014-09-24T03:54:32Z")
> [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](#): > > Oh, for Pete’s sake– > > I used to live near Ocala, FL. Tourist attraction called Silver Springs is there. Several Tarzan movies were filmed there (Sea Hunt, too.) When you take one of the tours, the guide tells you **vines grow from the ground up and if Weismuller tried swinging from vines he would have landed on his loincloth** (their spiel). I have swung on vines. Yes they grow from the ground up, but at the tops of the trees they branch out and attach to dozens of smaller branches and the older ones do just fine for swinging on. Never managed to swing from on to the other, but we could get 50-60 feet out and swing back just fine. ---
**Author:** ![tanstaafl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ba8739/32.png) [@tanstaafl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tanstaafl)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2014, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarzan-swinging-on-vines/699313/42 "2014-09-24T11:37:40Z")
> [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](#): > > Just be glad Spiderman doesn’t use [ballooning](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballooning_(spider)). [Yeah, that would be weird](http://www.xkcd.com/1415/). ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2014, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarzan-swinging-on-vines/699313/43 "2014-09-24T12:24:38Z")
> [@Finagle](#): > > I’m still trying to figure out how Spiderman gets that whole webslinging thing to work in NYC. You’d have to figure that after a while he’d be just dangling there saying “Could someone give me a push please?” Give how strong he is he can just web a wall and yank to get up some respectable horizontal momentum. It’s not like he’s a wimpy normal human who can barely lift his own weight. > [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > You left out the fact that he was doing it in a voluminous cape. I love (certain versions of) Batman, but I can never accept that wide-ass cape. Unless you’re a Kryptonian, a Daxamite, or Thor, capes don’t work. Or a vampire. I really liked that vampire superhero from Astro City. _And_ his non-vampire successor, who had a fine time thrashing villains who waved useless crosses and such anti-vampire paraphernalia at him. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2014, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarzan-swinging-on-vines/699313/44 "2014-09-24T14:21:17Z")
> [@Finagle](#): > > I’m still trying to figure out how Spiderman gets that whole webslinging thing to work in NYC. You’d have to figure that after a while he’d be just dangling there saying “Could someone give me a push please?” If he loses momentum he can just shoot another web-line to another anchor point and pull himself along. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2014, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarzan-swinging-on-vines/699313/45 "2014-09-24T14:31:15Z")
> [@BrainGlutton](#): > > If he loses momentum he can just shoot another web-line to another anchor point and pull himself along. I wonder what Ziplineman does? ---
**Author:** ![PlainJain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/5daacb/32.png) [@PlainJain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlainJain)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2014, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarzan-swinging-on-vines/699313/46 "2014-09-24T14:37:18Z")
> [@Lanzy](#): > > Never managed to swing from on to the other, but we could get 50-60 feet out and swing back just fine. 60 feet! I’m sure it seemed like it as a kid. ---
**Author:** ![PlainJain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/5daacb/32.png) [@PlainJain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlainJain)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2014, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarzan-swinging-on-vines/699313/47 "2014-09-24T14:39:19Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > I wonder what Ziplineman does? That would be a great comic. Thanks for laugh. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2014, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarzan-swinging-on-vines/699313/48 "2014-09-24T14:51:05Z")
> [@TreacherousCretin](#): > > More information, please. Check where? Is there a book? I’d be interested in reading it. You can try [Tarzan of the Movies](http://www.amazon.com/Tarzan-Movies-Pictorial-Burroughs-Legendary/dp/0806502959). Pretty good stuff about the movies (and TV show) up to the early 70s. My copy long ago disappeared. It was the only book I had specifically on the topic, but there’s plenty of source material out there, and probably all on the internet these days. ---
**Author:** ![TreacherousCretin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treacherouscretin/32/476_2.png) [@TreacherousCretin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TreacherousCretin)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2014, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarzan-swinging-on-vines/699313/49 "2014-09-24T15:56:28Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > You can try [Tarzan of the Movies](http://www.amazon.com/Tarzan-Movies-Pictorial-Burroughs-Legendary/dp/0806502959). Pretty good stuff about the movies (and TV show) up to the early 70s. My copy long ago disappeared. It was the only book I had specifically on the topic, but there’s plenty of source material out there, and probably all on the internet these days. 10-Q veddy much! ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2014, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarzan-swinging-on-vines/699313/50 "2014-09-24T19:18:03Z")
> [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > You left out the fact that he was doing it in a voluminous cape. I love (certain versions of) Batman, but I can never accept that wide-ass cape. Unless you’re a Kryptonian, a Daxamite, or Thor, capes don’t work. In some adaptations, doesn’t Batman use his cape as a glider? > [@running\_coach](#): > > I wonder what Ziplineman does? He rents Jerry Seinfeld’s [personal zipline network](http://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&persist_app=1&v=5oftYrN1udE). ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2014, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarzan-swinging-on-vines/699313/51 "2014-09-24T19:36:36Z")
> [@cochrane](#): > > He rents Jerry Seinfeld’s [personal zipline network](http://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&persist_app=1&v=5oftYrN1udE). Damn. And I never saw the commercial. ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2014, 9:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarzan-swinging-on-vines/699313/52 "2014-09-25T09:57:02Z")
> [@Finagle](#): > > I’m still trying to figure out how Spiderman gets that whole webslinging thing to work in NYC. You’d have to figure that after a while he’d be just dangling there saying “Could someone give me a push please?” Why? Spiderman shoots his own webs, he can just create a new one at an angle. > [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](#): > > So depending on which story line you follow, Parker is dumping either synthetic web chemicals, or HIS OWN DNA into NYC sewers. What’s breeding down there? Eight legged albino alligators? We’re all dumping our DNA into the environment all day long - it’s called skin cells. It all depends on the breakdown mechanism, and the products of breakdown. But I’d say the risks are minimal. ---
**Author:** ![Finagle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b19c9b/32.png) [@Finagle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Finagle)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2014, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarzan-swinging-on-vines/699313/53 "2014-09-25T14:04:07Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > Why? Spiderman shoots his own webs, he can just create a new one at an angle. Web slinging is all about converting potential energy to kinetic energy. So if Spidey starts up high, he has a lot of energy to convert into forward motion. But he can never swing back up as high as he started (even if he swings his legs like a kid on a swing set.) Also, if he’s a ground level, then it doesn’t matter what angle he shoots a web at, it’s not going to take him anywhere. This doesn’t even take into account that his web shooter must actually be firing webs at gunshot velocities to allow him to keep swinging with some embarrassing back and forths which would probably be punctuated by him smashing into a building. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2014, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarzan-swinging-on-vines/699313/54 "2014-09-25T14:15:28Z")
> [@Finagle](#): > > W So if Spidey starts up high, he has a lot of energy to convert into forward motion. But he can never swing back up as high as he started (even if he swings his legs like a kid on a swing set.) Why not? Little kids can do it. ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2014, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarzan-swinging-on-vines/699313/55 "2014-09-25T14:22:55Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > Why? Spiderman shoots his own webs, he can just create a new one at an angle. > > We’re all dumping our DNA into the environment all day long - it’s called skin cells. > > It all depends on the breakdown mechanism, and the products of breakdown. But I’d say the risks are minimal. Yeah, that’s exactly what an eight legged albino alligator would say to throw everyone off the track. I’ve got my eye on you “Wally.” 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Doug\_K](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b5ac83/32.png) [@Doug\_K](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doug_K)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2014, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarzan-swinging-on-vines/699313/56 "2014-09-25T14:31:26Z")
> [@Finagle](#): > > But he can never swing back up as high as he started (even if he swings his legs like a kid on a swing set.) > [@TriPolar](#): > > Why not? Little kids can do it. When I was a child I frequently would hang on to the rope we had in our backyard and just start pumping back and forth to see how high I could go from a standing start. I was able to get way above my height. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2014, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarzan-swinging-on-vines/699313/57 "2014-09-25T15:13:15Z")
> [@Doug\_K](#): > > When I was a child I frequently would hang on to the rope we had in our backyard and just start pumping back and forth to see how high I could go from a standing start. I was able to get way above my height. I think Finangle means that Spiderman cannot swing to a height higher than that his web is attached to. Of course, he can just climb up the side of a building and attach a web higher up. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2014, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarzan-swinging-on-vines/699313/58 "2014-09-25T15:16:09Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > I think Finangle means that Spiderman cannot swing to a height higher than that his web is attached to. Of course, he can just climb up the side of a building and attach a web higher up. Mythbusters showed the acrobat who could send a porch swing thing in a 360 loop using just his body movement. It wasn’t easy to do but I’d think Spidey would have no problem with his spider strength. ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2014, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarzan-swinging-on-vines/699313/59 "2014-09-25T16:32:59Z")
> [@Finagle](#): > > Web slinging is all about converting potential energy to kinetic energy. So if Spidey starts up high, he has a lot of energy to convert into forward motion. But he can never swing back up as high as he started (even if he swings his legs like a kid on a swing set.) But you’re assuming that all he does is swing. He regularly alights briefly and launches again, and his upward jumps are regularly 4 or 5 stories. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2014, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarzan-swinging-on-vines/699313/60 "2014-09-25T16:42:43Z")
Has anyone ever seen Peter Parker/Spiderman and Tarzan together at the same time? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarzan-swinging-on-vines/699313.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarzan-swinging-on-vines/699313.md?page=4)