Twenty-five first semester students will be competing on April 11, challenging themselves and each other in five separate categories. Students will have the chance to put their skills to the test, win prizes, and cheer each other on.
The top male and female students will go on to compete in the Ontario Tree Climbing Championship.
The day is also a networking opportunity for both students and industry professionals-representatives from sponsor companies and vendors like Universal Field Supplies, Maple Leaf Ropes, Vermeer Canada, Petzl, Stihl Canada, Husqvarna and the International Society of Arboriculture will be on site during the competition.
The competition takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Outdoor Education Cabin at the Frost Campus Arboretum. A rain date is scheduled for April 12.
Tree Climbing categories:
Aerial Rescue: A climber must ascend a tree and rescue a geared up, 200 lb. ‘dummy.’ The student rescuer must adhere to a set of protocols based on a specified emergency. This is a time-based event, with points awarded or deducted according to the protocol and emergency.
Speed Climb: Each contestant is timed climbing up a tree from the ground to a height of approximately 15 metres where they will ring a finishing bell.
Throwball: This event is timed and tests the contestant’s ability to accurately place a throw line and a climbing line into the tree at heights between 12 and 20 metres.
Ascent Event: The contestant must vertically ascend 13 metres in a tree by using the footlock technique. This is a timed event.
Work Climb: This event tests the contestant’s ability to move quickly and efficiently in the tree and perform various tasks. At each station the contestant rings a bell. Bonus and penalty points are awarded based on safety, performance, and competence.
