Live Blog for the ITCC and conference

[Riggs]

Tony ,
By no means do I want to take away from your volunteerism. Respect you all the same. I’ll add Mark –B feeling disrespected , is a little off base . My comments are based on , being involved , on a chapter level ( since 1985), and being a fan . A fan!, 3500 dollar trip to see the ITCC . I’m not talking Disney, Boat cruise, Vegas , but the ITCC !
Time , math , constraints , safety , if that determines the “International Climbing Champion of the world “ are you really doing that ? Too many climbers, As far as safety of the tree, the Aerial Rescue tree was compromised ( I know , they made it "safe" ), just what a hurt tree needs, a bunch of climbers bouncing up and down on it to pull a dummy off a limb. In the foot lock, belay and throw line , you knew who won. Is what it is, but, in the aerial rescue and work climb, no one saw the best rescue or work climb, the events weren’t set up to see the "best" , time and trees . . Masters climb was excellent.
Did I leave the ITCC having seen the best climber? Yes, I did, I’m just not sure which climber is the best .

 

[Tony]

Riggs,
I agree, the work climb was not exciting, although having watched very climb I could have easily given you a top 5 for both men's and women's. I admit, my perspective was unique! What I won't agree with you on is that the work climb could have been any better in that specific tree. Not sure if that is what you are getting at, but the best was done, by a committed and competent group of volunteers, I was lucky enough to be a part of. I will not speak for Mark B., he can speak quite well for himself. However, when you are far enough on the inside looking out, it is easy to take criticism from the outside looking in, in a harsh light Especially when so much time and effort has been invested.

To everybody who has or may want to chime in,

As for me, say what you will. I know where I stand and respect all the opinions presented. Unless of course they are just rubbish!

Tony

 

[Mark_B.]

Riggs

you make a number of fair points and I will be the first to agree that the Tree Climbing Competitions should be constantly evolving – and partly the way they do this is by the groups organizing them responding and reacting to feedback such as yours.

One point I am not sure I agree on is that climbs have to get harder and harder as you progress from chapter level to regional to ITCC. In my opinion it is the climbers' abilities that make the event special, not the climb itself. So ok, let's agree that the work climb tree was not especially hard. Let's say a similar course might have been set a a chapter level comp – yet it's the climber that make it what it is. An extraordinary climb, a line no one saw, a movement no one had thought of before, all this makes the climb special. So my feeling is that we work within the constraints placed upon us and make it as good as we possibly can!

So, agreed, there is room for improvement – and I can assure you that we will strive to make ITCC in Tampa that little bit better.

Regards

Mark