Open Masters Challenge originator and event organizer, Matt Glen, departs for Melbourne, Australia next week - he shall be missed!
Matt's Open Masters Challenge Series have been very successful tree climbing events, with climbers coming from as far afield as the Waikato and Bay of Plenty to compete in Auckland. The aim was to provide an informal atmosphere for tree climbers to train and exchange ideas as preparation for the Masters event in the Regional or National Tree Climbing Comps.
Saturday (29 January) will see Matt's grand finalé: a fun-filled Fancy Dress TCC held in Cornwall Park, Auckland. Climbers and judges are expected to get into the spirit of the event and turn up in fancy dress - this should be interesting!
The tree climbing competition itself has some interesting variations: a 'caving ' ladder for the speed climb, massive swings in the work climb (to show off flowing capes) and the throw line should be a real test of skills.
Spectators are definitely welcome - get along to Cornwall Park and check out the frivolity! Enter the park off Greenlane West and you'll find the fancy dress competition about 100m from the park entrance, in the trees to the left - you won't miss it.
Treetools will have the barbee and coffee going from 8:00am. Registration on the day - entry fee for climbers is $30.00 with all money raised going towards the NTCA Agathis Tree Climbers Fund. Gear check prior to each climb.
Here's a sampler from a previous Open Masters Challenge, October 2010, held in the trees next to Wendy's Mt Wellington, Auckland.
