While I can understand the concern expressed about the regional competitions becoming part of a national circuit and creating pressure to get through everyone who wants to compete (read previous blog ), I am excited at the possibilities that this development presents to expose young climbers to the best in the country and the world as we have world champions in the ranks of our NZ climbing fraternity.
This may require some additional resourcing on the part of the NZAA, but I don't see why this can't lead to NZ becoming part of an international tree climbing circuit with overseas climbers entering into our competitions, much as our climbers enter overseas competitions now.Any exposure to new methods and personalities can only be good for the industry and competition here and I believe we should embrace the opportunity to improve and pit our young climbers against the best the country and the world has to offer, just as we have done for the last 20 years, for if we hadn't we would still be using a prussic and hip thrusting to get into the trees, (if you don't know what that is go ask an old climber).
Treetools: good one Kevin, we agree wholeheartedly!
