Western Australian State Treeclimbing Championships

Yes, tree climbing is a competitive sport (mainly arborists competing though)
I photographed these for a local business and event sponsor

there is 5 sections, that are timed, and points are deducted or awarded for speed, smoothness and safety.
the 5 sections are.

1. Throwline - an accuracy event, throwing a weight and thin line through specific branches of the tree, with bonus points for installing a climbing line too.

2. Speed climb - climb the tree following the correct route as quickly as possible,

3. Aerial Rescue - rescuing a dummy from the tree, the competitor is given a quick rundown of why the dummy needs rescuing, and the competitor must assess the tree for hazards (powerlines, broken limbs that could fall, etc) access the dummy, apply first aid, lower the dummy to the ground.

4. Work Climb - manoeuvre through a tree, performing tasks at a series of stations.

5. Secured Footlock - ascend a pair of vertical ropes, using a technique similar to ascending a rope in gym class.

Installing the climbing equipment for Aerial Rescue

The Aerial Rescue In-Tree Judge relaxes during a break in competition.

Interesting series on them!

Been having some issues with this last set of pics timing out when i hit submit.


Reaching out to ding the bell at the "limb walk" station of the Work Climb.
the branch has a plumb bob hanging from it, and the aim is to ding the bell, without putting all your weight on the branch, or the bob hits the ground and you score no points for that station.