Climbers travel to Little Rock for tree climbing championship
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Over the weekend the Southern Chapter ISA held its tree climbing championship that took place at the East Little Rock Community Center.
After having preliminary events, on Sunday a certain amount moved on to the Masters’ Challenge. The competition is set around a large tree where climbers show off their skills.
“Everybody looks out for each other, they’re all family. You become a big family when you come out,” Rebecca Hott said.
Weekend tree climbing competition hits Little Rock
Hott is a climber from South Carolina, she said she along with many others are from different states but traveled to Little Rock for the event, like Nicole Benjamin.
“I would like to say it just saved my life and it brings me joy,” Benjamin said.
On Sunday, the top three women and top four men competed in the masters’ challenge safely maneuvering in a tree while performing work-related tree care tasks under a time limit.
“It’s showcasing the passion that we have and the safety we all abide by,” climber Stephanie Littenberg said.
The winners will go on to compete for international championships.
Robbie Hudson with the urban forestry said events like this also help with the city’s economy.
“As far as the restaurants and hotels, we have a lot of people who are staying,” Hudson said.
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Climbers like John Nellist from Texas and Benjamin from North Carolina said these events also have a deeper meaning.
“It’s way safer in the manner we do it than people probably actually understand,” Nellist said.
“It just proves that women and men are able to do the same things we just might do it differently,” Benjamin said.
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