2009 Tree Climbing Competition was held
september 26 at Forest Park, Shelter 1
Noblesville, IN

This year's contestants: Rafael Jiminez, Simon Normile, Brian Mann, Steven Greene, Cameron Arnold, Tyler Roehler, Thess Mills, Marco Vargas, Jeff Clark, Brian Gresham

Congratulations to Cameron Arnold who finished first in the Masters' Challenge and will representthe Indiana chapter at Chicago in July 2010!

After some doubtful weather, the skies parted and a beautiful day was available for the annual IAA tree climbing competition in Noblesville. There were dozens of volunteers and judges donating their time and expertise to assist the climbing committee in the contest. There were a total of 10 climbers from around the state competing in the yearly event with various levels of experience and years in the industry.

The Aerial Rescue event turned out to be one of the most challenging procedures. The scenario provided that ARDie (Aerial Rescue Dummie) suffered a bee sting while working in the tree, was conscious but unable to safely lower himself to the ground. The climbers were given a maximum time of 5 minutes to access the injured worker from the ground, ask for EMT’s to be called, enter the tree on a pre-installed line, and safely lower the injured worker to the ground. A total of 50 points could be earned for this event. Only five of climbers were able to reach ARDie and lower him to the ground.
Jeff Clark had the best score for the Aerial Rescue with 49 points, followed by Brian Mann at 46 points and Simon Normile at 43 points.

After scoring the preliminary climbing events, three participants, Cameron Arnold, Jeff Clark and Brian Mann, moved forward to the Master’s Challenge. When there are less than 15 climbers participating, the top three go on to the Masters’ Challenge. In the Masters’ Challenge, the climbers were given a 20 minute time limit to set their line, go thru the four work stations, descend and have all of their equipment out of the tree and on to the ground. Climbers had to have all gear with them and their time started the moment they entered the gateway into the marked work zone area. They were to walk around the tree to assess for any potential hazards and verbally give their assessment to the judges before attempting to set their line.
After all judging was completed for the Master’s Challenge it was determined Cameron Arnold to be the winner and will represent the Indiana Arborist Association at the International event in July, 2010 to be held in Chicago Illinois.

It was a safe climbing day –a few minor scratches and bruises – the typical injuries incurred by a climber in the course of a regular workday. Start preparations and practice now to participate in the contest in 2010. It is a great competitive event as well as a wonderful way to network, learn and have fun with your fellow arborists.

We would like to thank our generous sponsors to help make this event possible:

Ken Clark Insurance
Nelson Tree Service
Asplundh Tree
Lewis Tree
Metro Arborist Supply
Theresa Archer

Thank you to ArborMaster for the climbing prize package awarded to the winner of the Master’s Challenge

Thanks to Arborwear for the gift certificates and other prizes awarded to our climbing competitors.

Again thank you to our dozens of volunteers and judges who are an important part of the competition process.