The Thrill of Being at the North American Tree Climbing Championships

Globally, tree climbing professionals within the tree care industry are often regarded as industrial athletes. We exert significant physical effort to achieve challenging tasks, and in the process, we engage in complex aerial maneuvers, to what some may call aerial acrobatics! Not only that, but we are also competitive by nature, and hence the reason we gravitate towards these tree climbing competitions. In this blog, I will describe my time at the North American Tree Climbing Championship (NATCC).

Tree Climbing Championship

I never really gravitated towards climbing trees as a youth, in fact, I quite disliked tree work and would rather be out partying; you know, up to no good. This changed after one removal and the astonishing aerial view that my eyes laid on - I was hooked! A few years down the road and bam, first competition; went in with not a clue of how to score – just having fun. But from then on, I wanted to eat, sleep, and breathe tree climbing; learn the tools and the tricks of the trade – I wanted to learn it all and I still do! Tree climbing competitions gather like-minded to not only showcase the skills that they have trained so hard to attain but also to spread knowledge to those around them. It’s more than just a competition; it is a testament to the dedication, technique, and physical prowess required to master tree work- it’s a way of life!

NATCC – New Braunfels, Texas 2025 – The Stress Induced Arrival!

March 20th had arrived, and I was filled with anticipation and excitement, so much so that it led to minimal sleep from the night before! Before I knew it, Cody AKA the Real Paul Bunyan, had arrived, and off to the airport we went but little did we know, we were arriving to a complete shit show! Packed airport, a fault with a majority of the baggage kiosks, and a line from hell to receive assistance (seemed like there were only two people actually working at the baggage drop). We stood there for forty-five minutes, though it felt like hours, as the line moved at a snail’s pace. We were certain that we were going to miss our flight. Nevertheless, we located a functioning kiosk and a dodgy baggage transport drop. Sure enough, at the baggage claim in Texas, our equipment did not arrive; it had been inadvertently placed on another flight. I was extremely fatigued and experiencing separation anxiety. All our gear was being transported by someone else, leading to another night of disturbed sleep. Eventually, I received a notification at midnight that our bags had arrived. Once they were in my possession, I was finally able to rest comfortably.

The NATCC event format differed from a standard ISA competition, shifting from a typical 3-day to a 4-day schedule. To clarify, the event was extremely well organized! For additional context: Day one included check-in and a walkthrough, day two involved gear checks and some preliminary events, day three completed the remaining preliminaries, and the fourth day was dedicated to the Master’s Challenge. 

March 20th – A Continuation

Cypress Bend Park was a reunion with friends and work colleagues whom I typically only see during events such as this, aside from viewing their updates on social media. By the evening hours, the park was stacked with elite-level competitors from North America; I was star-struck! Finally, the moment we have waited for – the event walk-through. For those who don’t follow the competition scene, the event walkthrough gives all the competitors a preview of what is to come the following day(s). Event after event, there is one that is highly anticipated; Aerial Rescue (AR)! And with that, an abundance of questions! The rest of the events no longer stress me out as badly as AR does besides a master’s challenge, which gets my nerves rolling pretty good.

March 21st – Here We Go!

The big day had arrived, and excitement filled my entire being as I awaited my climbing gear to be checked. Once done and out of the way, my day consisted of only AR on the schedule as the other two events were “breaks”. One after another had gone and my name finally came up. I’ve stepped into an AR ring a number of times, but this one was different… I had not prepared one bit and was relying on previous experience, this would prove to be a mistake. My lack of preparedness showed as the judges hit the timer; an adrenaline rush surged which led to stumbled words and making mistakes. This particular scenario included a pool directly underneath the rescue and a cut on the left arm. A three-point deduction would be given to the competitor if the climber or the victim would contact the pool and you guessed it; on my landing, my toe just touched the rim of the pool. Not only that, as I began disconnecting the victim from his system, I TIMED OUT! It was a bittersweet feeling; sad that I timed out and would receive a 3-point deduction but glad this event was over. But I now had the freedom to roam and spectate. 

March 22nd – Prelims Continued…

Having had a restful night, I was prepared for the work climb. However, nervousness soon set in. Some errors occurred, including missing a swing and slightly dipping the plumb bob; such things happen. While I waited between events, I would return to observe the other work climb participants. I was truly astonished by these elite competitors and their ability to navigate from one limb to another with such apparent ease! 

Throw line used to get me with its deceivingly inviting targets but no longer, I have learned my lesson, and I was able to secure points on the board. Managing to score a rope into the first tree rather quickly allowed me to finesse another rope into the second tree with a double bag technique. Normally, I would not attempt to double bag, but given I had the time; why not! I try to make it entertaining for the others waiting in line (hoping to ease their nerves) because we get judged on scoring ropes, not how calm and steady we are. Plus, I am… a bit extra. 

The remaining two events, Belayed Speed Climb and Ascent. I didn’t score points on belayed because of how the scoring system works, going down from the fastest climber. I did however manage to place first in the Ascent event; this really took me by surprise given the way I was huffing and puffing on my way up the rope! I do believe there were two others that edged me on time but because I had scored some bonus points, it pushed me to the first-place spot for the event. This event should be based on time but until then, it’s a points game.

Masters & Conclusion

Cody and I booked a late flight with the intention of spectating the master’s challenge AND was it the right thing to do! The composure, the elegance, the technique, the skill set these winning competitors demonstrated; it's where I aspire to be. If you compete, stay and watch the master’s challenge, don’t leave just yet. It is worth the wait. It really put it into perspective; how much training must be dedicated to achieving such skill. 

This was my first NATCC and it was incredible! Met a lot of new people, reacquainted with friends, and learned some new things; it’s what it’s all about. A big thank you to all the volunteers, not just limited to those at NATCC, but to all those who volunteer at events such as these; without them volunteering, these events would not happen! Till next time.