Tree climbers take Kildonan Park

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 20/08/2018 (2767 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

 

There will be people going up and down park trees in a few days.

 

The International Society of Arboriculture Prairie Chapter is hosting its 25th annual Tree Climbing Championship on Aug. 25 and 26 at Kildonan Park by the Ash and Elm Shelter off Peguis Drive. Certified arborists from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta will compete in several tree climbing events and educate the public about professional tree work, and the training and expertise it requires to be done safely.

Some of the events require participants to throw a string with a bean bag up into the tree and get to the proper crotch of the tree and put a rope through to get into the tree. Another one, called aerial rescue, requires them to get up into the tree and rescue an adult-sized dummy and bring it down safely. They have to climb to specific heights and ring a bell. 

“It’s really interesting to watch. They are incredibly in shape because it’s a lot of work,” Tasha Vinet, an administrative assistant to her husband Matt who is the president of the ISA Prairie Chapter and spokesperson for the event, said.

The major competition takes place on Aug. 26 when the top three tree climbers in both men’s and women’s divisions have to win the masters’ challenge to classify for the international competition which will take place next year in Knoxville, Tenn.

Dave Lutes, 55, has been participating in the event every year for 19 years and said it has been an important event for him. 

“When I got involved in it I didn’t even know this was a job people did, let alone they were industrial athletes, and these were stuff that I found really cool. It seemed like a natural feat to do that,” Lutes, who is a certified arborist, said. “We talk about things that non-tree people won’t be talking (about). There’s a great love for each other.”

Tree climbing is a sport that demands a lot of strength and caution. Athletes and workers need to confront their fears and use all the muscles in their bodies to perform. Lutes said it’s a sport and a job that can boost confidence.

“All trees are different, and it just makes it a beautiful challenge.”

He said the atmosphere has kept him excited to participate in the competition for this long. Vinet said even though they are competing with each other, participants also cheer for each other, so there’s a good camaraderie among them.

“They love their jobs, and that’s why they do it. It’s a way to get together, and the community starts getting to know each other, and they are so supportive,” she continued.

This will be an extra special year for Lutes. His 23-year-old son Dave will join him in the competition for the first time.

“I’m really looking forward to it. He’s been to many of (the competitions). He’s been at job sites with me when he was in his baby seat. He likes it. It’s great to see, the fact that the child looks at what you do and goes ‘That’d be cool, I want to do that.’ Just brings a huge smile to my face.”

About 40 arborists will join the competition and will be raising awareness for how trees can be treated well. The event is free and takes place on Sat., Aug. 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun., Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

For more information go to www.isaprairie.com/2018-tree-climbing-competition