Thinking About Entering a Tree Climbing Competition? Here's What You Need to Know.
If you’re a tree climber curious about competition climbing—or gearing up for your very first Tree Climbing Championship (TCC)—you’re not alone. Competitive tree climbing has grown in popularity among arborists and tree workers looking to test their skills, learn from others, and connect with the climbing community. But stepping into your first competition can feel intimidating.
To help demystify the experience, we sat down with Notch Team Member Krista Strating to ask her advice.
Krista is an ISA Certified Arborist from Ontario, Canada, and has been climbing trees professionally for over 18 years. She’s been competing internationally for the past 16 years, with an impressive track record to show for it.
She is the 2025 Women’s North American Tree Climbing Champion, and the 2018 World Tree Climbing Champion. She’s also headed to the 2025 International Tree Climbing Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand this October.
Q: How long had you been tree climbing before entering your first comp?
Krista: I was climbing for about a year before I entered my first competition.
Q: How did you discover tree climbing comps?
Krista: My former boss recruited me to come work for him after almost a decade in landscaping. He told me that if I joined his team, he’d get me climbing right away so I could start competing.
Q: How long had you been tree climbing before entering your first comp?
Krista: I’ve competed in every competition since 2009—except for 2024 because I was traveling in Europe working with Husqvarna.
Q: What would you say to someone thinking about competing for the first time?
Krista: My advice would be to read the rule book, listen to Jeff Inman's podcast The Smooth Saw, and come out and watch a comp first if you can.
Q: What do you think the benefits are for tree climbers who compete in TCCs?
Krista: The benefits are endless! Learning new techniques is probably the biggest one, with networking and making new friends as a close second.
Q: How do you train for the competitions- or do you train at all?
Krista: I used to climb more at work, so I never trained, but now I'll get together with friends and practice aerial rescue and set up work climbs in trees to work on my skills.
Q: Do you use the same gear for comps as you do for work?
Krista: I use the same gear, but I have two sets—one for work and one for comps. They’re really picky about the condition of your gear at comps, so something that’s safe for work might not pass inspection.
Q: What is your favorite part about climbing comps?
Krista: This is a toss-up between hanging out with my friends and fellow climbers and learning new tricks, techniques and gear that I can use to make my job easier and safer..
Q: Of the skills stations, which one is your favorite? (aerial rescue, speed climb, line setting, etc)
Krista: Work climb is my favorite, with Aerial Rescue being a close second.
According to Krista, the rewards go far beyond trophies and titles:
- Learn new climbing techniques
- Meet fellow climbers and arborists from around the world
- Stay motivated and challenged
- Discover new tools and gear to improve safety and efficiency
If you’re thinking about trying your first Tree Climbing Competition, take Krista’s advice: learn the rules, get involved, and don’t be afraid to start!
To learn more about International Society of Arboriculture Tree Climbing Competitions and to find local chapters, regional competitions and find out about upcoming events, visit The ISA website's Events Page.