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SAN ANTONIO — People often think of climbing trees as a child's activity, but many aren't aware that scores of adults from all over the world gather every year to do just that.
The International Tree Climbing Championship is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Since 1976, dozens of professional arborists have flocked to the ITCC, which is put on by the International Society of Arboriculture. The organization certifies arborists throughout the world and promotes professional standards throughout the industry. The contestants come not only to compete, but to educate the public about professional tree work.
One Utah arborist will be representing his chapter of the ISA at the 2016 ITCC starting Friday in San Antonio. Ryan Torcicollo, owner of Wasatch Arborist in Park City, has been practicing arboriculture for 10 years. He was initially attracted to the profession by his love of rock climbing.
"I find it a very satisfying job," Torcicollo said. "You can look back at the small or large trees you prune and see the difference in their beauty. And you can also have a super gnarly, hazardous removal over a house and get it down and not leave a mark anywhere. You can really look back and see what you did."
The ITCC consists of five challenges that test each contestant's proficiency at scaling and maneuvering trees, along with completing their tasks safely and competently. Torcicollo's specialty is timed ascents. Other events include completing a list of tasks throughout the tree and throw line tossing, which involves accurately throwing a climbing line to a secure part of a tree.
Each event is scored separately and both the male and female competitors who have the highest combined scores move on to the master's challenge. Then, they complete a series of expert-level tasks that need to be assessed, diagnosed and fixed in a set amount of time.
“Though the tree climbing championship has a competitive spirit, it is an educational event that focuses on safety,” said Jim Skiera, executive director of ISA, in a press release. “The competition attracts the best of the best from around the world and people are drawn to the event to watch and learn. Those who have been coming for years call it ‘edutainment,’ learning while having a good time with family and friends.”
Though the work can be grueling, Torcicollo is unfazed.
"I love my job," he said. "It’s a hard job — definitely physically demanding. But I, for one, love it."
Sean Stoker is a journalism student at UVU interning for KSL.com. He runs a YouTube channel called QuestSeans. Follow him on Twitter @theroyalthey
