My first time out TCC

BigJon

BigJon

Location
Pa
It is the day after my first climbing competition and my mind is still boggled. I have never felt so
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.At the end of day when they announced the winner I couldn't believe what I had heard. They had called my name for second place apprentice. I was so baffled I didn't walk up right away. I had resgistered as Journeyman. 15 years ago I got my first climbing saw for my 14th birthday. I've been doing this long enough not to be considered an apprentice. How could they get me confused? Why didn't they ever question me? It was a confusing day for everyone involved but still. I just feel like they pulled my pants down F#$%ed me from behind. A real gang rape. I have a week to recover and I will get even in the east.
 
I just wanted to add that even though I am not happy with happened I had a great time and made some great friends. It wasn't about winning and I got from this what is most important in events like these. Its shame though how childish and unfair some people are. I feel as though we were prejudged before we even competed.
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Big Jon,

I know the feeling! Don't let the politics get you down, sooner or later your time will come. I always wondered why the first five events are based on time, and the Masters is not. To me the better climber is the fastest, smoothest guy, no matter how many throws or what gizmos were used. At least time should be a consideration, especially if you blow everyone else away by over 2 1/2 minutes!
It really depends on the judges discretion and what they are looking for. Hang around them and get a feel for what they are looking at. Keep your chin up and next year make your climb so awesome that there's no question in the judges minds!

Charge it and be smooth!
X-man
 
Thanks X-Man. This year was no ordinary competition. A storm blew through and wiped out most of the trees that were set up. They cancelled but realized they had to get their guys to the state run off. All we had was one tree and it was masters challenge rules and we used a bucket to ascend into the tree. I had registered as a journeyman and came out winning 2nd apprentice? I am going to eastern competition this weekend and makeing sure they have me as a journeyman. So wish me luck.
 
I really like the attitudes here! This is what makes me come back year after year.
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The competition isn't perfect, but it is great. It is an event that everyone who competes in, or attends to watch can definitely benefit from.

I too have had some hard things to swallow related to competing, but it changed my life (in a very good way). Everything from everyday workplace safety and technique to how I met my wife is the result of my competing. I am by far a safer and more efficient climber because of competing.

I would encourage every arborist who reads this to at least try to attend the competition (among other events- ie. TCI Expo). It is a wonderful experience, even for new workers.
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This is intended not as a reply to BigJon, but to the subject of climbing competitions.

Another way you can participate, that I don't often see mentioned, is as a judge. I have often heard competitors gripe about the quality of the judges. The years I have been involved, judges seem to be hard to come by. Jump in and get involved in a differnt way. Seeing the event through their eyes may even make you a better competitor.

Louie Hampton
 
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