Tree Climbing Championship Takes Competitors To New Heights

Published August 2, 2017 at 12:33 PM EDT

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An oak tree at the U.S. National Arboretum set up for a “fun climb” — it’s smaller than the trees used in the competitive climbs. (Carmel Delshad/WAMU)

Arborists make their living caring for trees. But for some, tree climbing is more than a vocation.

Carmel Delshad (@cdelshad) of Here & Now contributor WAMU attended the International Tree Climbing Championship in Washington, D.C., over the weekend and discovered climbing trees can take skill, strength and a passion for nature.

The winners of this year’s championship are two returning champs, both from New Zealand: James Kilpatrick is the men’s champion, and Chrissy Spence is the women’s champion.