Green Extreme Sports in Eumundi

Green Extreme Sports in Eumundi

Come and enjoy the atmosphere of the markets and cheer on more than 30 professional tree climbers will fill the trees at Dick Caplick Park (adjacent to Eumundi Markets) for the Queensland Tree Climbing Championships this Saturday 28 August.

Spokesperson for the Queensland Aboricultural Association Scott Hanley says the climbers will be pushed to extremes as they race up tree trucks and across branches to prove themselves best in the state.

"The climbers will be competing for the right to represent Queensland in the Nationals, and onwards to the World Titles early 2011, so cheer them on to victory," he says.

"Climbers start from the ground and scrabble their way up specially designed courses that test five different climbing disciplines," Scott says.

"You'll see competitors ascend 20m in under 20 seconds and perform flying leaps from branch to branch with only and harness and rope," he says. "One event even includes rescuing a 80kg dummy that is stung up 15m off the ground."

Scott emphasizes that no tree will be harmed during this event as all climbers are also Arboriculturists who take pride in tree care.

"Special equipment is used to protect the trees and the rules even state that a broken twig the size of your thumb can end your day!," he says.

Scott says it is important that members of the public do not try anything they see at home.

"These men and woman are highly trained professionals and have spent years in the Amenity tree Industry developing the skills to compete at this level."

Sponsors for the day include Energex, Eastern Tree Services, Bandit Tree Equipment, Arborlink and Horticultural Training, and all will be happy to answer any tree questions!

The competition of tree climbing began in the United States 50 years ago to educate tree workers in best practice, new techniques and the importance of safe tree climbing equipment. Queensland has been running a state event for over 15 years.

Friday 8am - 5pm Training day

Saturday 8am - 4:40pm Competition day

Permanent Link: Green Extreme Sports in Eumundi
Publish Date: 28 Aug 10