The WC ISA held their annual tree climbing championship over the weekend at Griffith Park, where 35 competitors participated in more than 40 climb events in five categories.

Over the weekend Griffith Park hosted the Western Chapter International Society of Arboriculture's annual tree climbing championship. The event brought together 35 competitors and more than 40 volunteer judges for multiple events in five categories: Aerial Rescue, Work Climb, Secured Footlock, Belayed Speed Climb, and Throwline.

Each year, chapter level champions are invited to compete at the international level with climbers from around the world for the coveted International Tree Climbing Champion.The purpose of the event has also expanded to promote safe working practices, demonstrate innovations in equipment and techniques, and provide industry recognition.

This year's Masters' Challenge winners were Jacob Classen and Jamielee Kempton. Gustavo Chavez also won, in the over-40 category.

The 2013 ArborMaster Climbing Prize Package (Western Chapter) includes:

???(R)???AE? Petzel Vertex helmet with professional hearing protection, eye protection and climbing gloves (provided by Husqvarna)
???(R)???AE? 150' ArborMaster???(R)???AE???? climbing line with eye splice from Samson
???(R)???AE? Silky Sugoi 360mm saw
???(R)???AE? Buckingham $50 gift certificate
???(R)???AE? OREGON???(R)???AE???? POWERsharp???(R)???AE???? Precision Saw Chain Sharpening System
???(R)???AE? ArborMaster???(R)???AE???? Rope Friction Saver by Buckingham
???(R)???AE? 50% savings for an ArborMaster???(R)???AE???? 2-day or 3-day hands on training module

The two-day event was sponsored by: aps, Buckingham, Climbsmart, Husqvarna, Arbormaster???(R)???AE????, Petzel, OREGON???(R)???AE????, Kask Helmets,Sherrill Tree, Red Ants Pants, Bishop Co., Valley Crest, West Coast Arborists, Ben Meadows, Stihl, Kelly King Insurance Services, Ahlborn Equipment, Inc, Samson, WesSpur, Silky, Arborwear, Athletic House, NRC Insurance Agency, B&M Equipment Company, TreeStuff.com, LOVE SOLID and v.

For more information about the WC ISA, please visit wcisa.net.

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