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UF alumna and Ross veterinary medical student, Madeline Haase, climbing at the Rieck Center.
About tree climbing
About tree climbing
Tree climbing is a skill used by arborists to access the canopy for pruning and plant health care work. Climbing competitions are events for arborists to hightlight skills they've learned on the job. The UF Competitive Tree Climbing Club will teach you the skills you need to participate in events at the collegiate level.
There are five events to compete in. You can participate in all or some of them. The events are
Belayed speed climb
Speed ascent
Throwline
Aerial rescue
Work climb
You will learn these skills during regular practices. Trainings will include all skills to climb safely and swiftly. Our highest priority is climbing safely, and all climbers will learn to set up their own climbing systems to highlight the need for personal responsibility.
Your climbing instructors include experienced climbers and certified arborists. Guest coaches will be invited to teach advanced skills, including aerial rescue.
Ohio Tree Climbing Competition
Ohio Tree Climbing Competition
Ohio's signature tree climbing competition is sponsored by the Ohio Chapter of the International Society of Arborists. Climbers from throughout the region come to Ohio to compete at this event. Winners are eligible to compete at national and international competitions.
The 2026 OTCC is May 1-2, 2026, with gear check in on the first day and competition on the second. Note: this is the same weekend as UF's graduation. The cost to enter is historically $100; this may change. Registration will open in late February or early March. The location has not yet been announced.
More information can be found on the competition website: https://www.ohiochapterisa.org/aws/OCISA/pt/sp/ohiotcc
Practice Schedule
Practice Schedule
Organized climbing practice will be Fridays at 3pm througout the spring semester. Gear for independent practice will be available for check out from Dr. Dolan.
Typical Practice
Typical Practice
Review rules and regulations for events
Inspect equipment
Approximately 20 minutes practicing throwing and isolating lines at various heights
The last 2-3 successful throws should involve attaching climbing line and retrievable canopy anchor
Minimum 3 speed ascent climbs
Practice setup and changeover for each climb
Rotate through skills practice, including work climb, rescue, and belayed ascent events
Work climb: Limb walking
Work climb: Throwing limbs at a target
Work climb: Saw & pole saw use
Work climb: Landing & movement through canopy
Aerial rescue: Dummy transfer and descent (if available)
Belayed ascent -- can be practiced on the climbing wall
Belayed ascent: attaching mechanical devices and ascenders
Knots: stopper, alpine butterfly, bowline
Hitches: clove, VT,
Videos: Competition Events
Videos: Competition Events
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