This style of tree climbing competition has attracted a lot of attention, some good, some bad. It has also attracted a lot of climbers that have limited comp experience but have their eyes on the prize. Who wouldn't?! The largest prize pool of cash and equipment in the world. The concerns of some of the arb world are that Red Bull are encouraging daredevils to climb so hard and fast to get the prize that their safety is compromised.
At RBBO in Balranald there were 67 competitors completing over 250 climbs. There was an injury during the practice round and 2 during the competition itself, one of those requiring paramedics. It's obvious what this competition is about and why it has attracted so many climbers. Who doesn't enjoy flying through a tree without a chainsaw, or without getting judged on points for things like using your lanyard correctly?
The format for this removes all the elements that may deter some climbers from entering a traditional style comp. Besides all of this, the pressure of the crowd, size of the trees and the thought of the title and prizes can be overwhelming.
The atmosphere I felt at RBBO was the same as any competition I've entered before. Encouraging, helpfull and supportive. Half of the crowd were competitors and this is what I love about these events. We're all on the same level and cheering each other on. We're competing with each other, not against. Thats what I felt after walking around the tree with the other finalists before we climbed in Balranald, we were sharing our tactics while there's $6000 on the line!
I encourage anyone attending or thinking of attending to climb within your ability. Get training but remember that fear keeps you safe and money and 5 minutes of fame can push people to go beyond their abilities. We are professionals and I really believe this style comp is going to encourage more people to start competitive tree climbing.
This is not best work practice and does expose climbers to different risk than an ISA comp, but it is really fun. Remember we can't completely remove the connection between RBBO and Arboriculture, we are representing tree workers around the world. This competition is the begining of a crossover between arboriculture and sport. This is like comparing a regular car to a Formular 1 car; someone that can climb a tree to someone that can make controlled swings at speed.
To be an athlete requires specific training. Demonstrate skill, not how fearless we are. We're not heros or daredevils, we're trained professionals.
After the preliminary RBBO in Canberra I started to think about training for the main event in Balranald. The month before the event I did many laps of a tree I had set up near home, working on balance, returning from limbwalks and approaching stations left and right handed.
Enjoy this event for what it is, climb within your capabilities. It's a proven fact, in the words of Zane Wedding "Smooth is fast, Fast is fast".
