- Location
- magalia california
Hey! has anybody ever approached the olymipic committy to see if the ITCC could be a part of the olympics? Wow! wouldn't that be something.
Greg
Greg
Olympics
- Thread starter klimbinfool
- Start date
- Location
- Retired in Minneapolis
CAn you imagine the regulations that they would have in place? An interesting idea but I think the IOC would standardize the inovation out of the ITCC. That would be an interesting platform to show good climbing.
If there was a way to make the ITCC a little more exciting I think that an X-games type venue would be a better platform. The catch is that going to the X-Games would mean making the event pretty wild.
A few years ago there were grumblings in one of the chapters when some recreational tree climbers competed. The grumbling was because the feeling was that the TCC was supposed to be "only" for pro climbers. How could these outsiders come along and beat us at our own game? I think its a great idea! The TCC is supposed to be an event to show innovations, lets open the doors to everyone.
Tom
If there was a way to make the ITCC a little more exciting I think that an X-games type venue would be a better platform. The catch is that going to the X-Games would mean making the event pretty wild.
A few years ago there were grumblings in one of the chapters when some recreational tree climbers competed. The grumbling was because the feeling was that the TCC was supposed to be "only" for pro climbers. How could these outsiders come along and beat us at our own game? I think its a great idea! The TCC is supposed to be an event to show innovations, lets open the doors to everyone.
Tom
- Location
- magalia california
yeh! lets , ha ha, the more wild the better.
Greg
Greg
- Location
- North Wales, United Kingdom
Hmmmm......I don't think you've thougt this through.
Why does anyone climb high and access the extremeties of branches, then lanyard in and hit a bell with a handsaw or throw logs into a circle on the ground?
Its because the TCC was set up to reflect quality working standards. This showcases the industry to the public and allied professionals. It is why only pros are allowed to enter, because amateurs don't understand tree working standards (generally).
That shouldn't exclude another sport that is focused on speed and shiny gizmos.
A good tree climber is not necessarily a good Arborist, or have a professional attitude to tree work safety. I have worked with guys who have so much gear on their belts they get trussed up in the crown or spend too much time firking around in the van or setting gear that they don't really need.
The use of gear in a tree should benefit the tree or the climber's safety, comfort & efficiency. That won't hinder innovation, but focus it.
I like recreational tree climbing - but when I'm not at work, I don't feel the need to fly round with an efficient pace and lanyard in. If climbers feel the need to prove themselves outside of a work context, then a seperate event is required.
Personally, I'd like to see an event that is a more true reflection of arborist skills, with knot tying, saw handling and rigging placement, with questions to allow the competitor to justify their actions before being judged.
Why does anyone climb high and access the extremeties of branches, then lanyard in and hit a bell with a handsaw or throw logs into a circle on the ground?
Its because the TCC was set up to reflect quality working standards. This showcases the industry to the public and allied professionals. It is why only pros are allowed to enter, because amateurs don't understand tree working standards (generally).
That shouldn't exclude another sport that is focused on speed and shiny gizmos.
A good tree climber is not necessarily a good Arborist, or have a professional attitude to tree work safety. I have worked with guys who have so much gear on their belts they get trussed up in the crown or spend too much time firking around in the van or setting gear that they don't really need.
The use of gear in a tree should benefit the tree or the climber's safety, comfort & efficiency. That won't hinder innovation, but focus it.
I like recreational tree climbing - but when I'm not at work, I don't feel the need to fly round with an efficient pace and lanyard in. If climbers feel the need to prove themselves outside of a work context, then a seperate event is required.
Personally, I'd like to see an event that is a more true reflection of arborist skills, with knot tying, saw handling and rigging placement, with questions to allow the competitor to justify their actions before being judged.
Wouldn't it be a cool event to have the climber tie and set a block and lowering for a particular limb. Extra points for speed. Maybe one for lowering off a limb. Another for butt hitching down a log.
The idea of extreme tree climbing also sounds like a lot of fun. No gear inspections. I once saw a free style motorcoss jumping event where the guy was tethered with a bungie cord.
It is most unfortunate to get hurt or even killed. That fear and rush is what attracts some of us to this job. Some of us are just junkies.
The idea of extreme tree climbing also sounds like a lot of fun. No gear inspections. I once saw a free style motorcoss jumping event where the guy was tethered with a bungie cord.
It is most unfortunate to get hurt or even killed. That fear and rush is what attracts some of us to this job. Some of us are just junkies.
- Location
- magalia california
MrPez, What is the true reflection of arborist skills? Is scampering through a tree, using a throwline, footlocking, belaying,body thrusting, areial rescue ...hmmm? is this not a part of what we do day in a day out as climbers? or arborists? Yes , Rigging off limbs setting blocks, knot tieing, chunking down wood, is all apart of what we do,but more in the line of rigging. How many times have you prunned a tree and never pulled out a chinsaw? tied a knot or had to worry about rigging placement?, but just used your handsaw.
This is by no means a arguementive reply, but a means to say, that the TCC does reflect a rounded approach to what we do as pros or none pros.
This thread was made really, just to see if anybody had approached the Olymic committy. If any part of our industry was to get in to the olympics, it would be cool either way. no matter what it was, we would have people adjusting thier skills for that type of competition and becomming very proficiant at it, just as they become very proficiant for the TCC competitions.
GREG
This is by no means a arguementive reply, but a means to say, that the TCC does reflect a rounded approach to what we do as pros or none pros.
This thread was made really, just to see if anybody had approached the Olymic committy. If any part of our industry was to get in to the olympics, it would be cool either way. no matter what it was, we would have people adjusting thier skills for that type of competition and becomming very proficiant at it, just as they become very proficiant for the TCC competitions.
GREG
- Location
- Hilmar CA ( central valley )
Well put Greg. I nominate you!!
- Location
- North Wales, United Kingdom
Sorry klimbinfool, I actually agree with the olympic idea, especially because of the standardisation, which would allow a more objective approach to scoring. This may stifle innovation, but would be an excellent showcase to the public, as Tom states. My reply was aimed at the X games and Tom's comment that the TCC is aimed at innovations - It is designed to encourage innovation, but I'm not sure if I agree that extra points should be award just because extra gear is used; it needs to be appropriate.
The idea of additional skills was mentioned because our company has used climbers that do well in the comps, but their attitude was 'up themselves' or lacking in pruning quality or any of the other reasons already stated. It would be nice to have a competition for climbers to showcase these skills as well.
I do think the TCC is significant to arborist skills, just not all areas. If we don't question what it is we are trying to achieve with the comp, its future may be bleak. I think many employers and some arborists are put off by the comps because they don't feel it is relevant - they don't want a climber who is so intent on showing off that quality or safety suffers, is so poor at saw handling that he has to be re-trained, and cannot prune like Shigo intended.
I just feel that we can include other skills without slowing down the event to give it greater credibility. Then employers can use it as a badge of competence for safety, quality and efficiency - The true reflection of a good arborists skills.
First must come the vision, and that has to benefit the Arb industry & Profession.
The idea of additional skills was mentioned because our company has used climbers that do well in the comps, but their attitude was 'up themselves' or lacking in pruning quality or any of the other reasons already stated. It would be nice to have a competition for climbers to showcase these skills as well.
I do think the TCC is significant to arborist skills, just not all areas. If we don't question what it is we are trying to achieve with the comp, its future may be bleak. I think many employers and some arborists are put off by the comps because they don't feel it is relevant - they don't want a climber who is so intent on showing off that quality or safety suffers, is so poor at saw handling that he has to be re-trained, and cannot prune like Shigo intended.
I just feel that we can include other skills without slowing down the event to give it greater credibility. Then employers can use it as a badge of competence for safety, quality and efficiency - The true reflection of a good arborists skills.
First must come the vision, and that has to benefit the Arb industry & Profession.
Riggs
Participating member
- Location
- Bryn Mawr , Pa.
I can see the throw line event being a good one , make it more like sharp shooting (see how good you are throwing at targets for a longer period of time ) and hieght , I've seen guys chuck that bag pretty high with no
cheater stick . The footlock is cool and the scramble is the coolest .The work climb is too judgemental and the Aerial rescue is embarassing . 3 out of five's not bad . X game like stuff would send us back to the stone ages and the accidents would be a little more severe than a spill in a half pipe . Send a couple guys up a large oak with pole clips see who is the last guy hanging .
cheater stick . The footlock is cool and the scramble is the coolest .The work climb is too judgemental and the Aerial rescue is embarassing . 3 out of five's not bad . X game like stuff would send us back to the stone ages and the accidents would be a little more severe than a spill in a half pipe . Send a couple guys up a large oak with pole clips see who is the last guy hanging .
