Washington state man, New Zealander, win tree-climbing competition

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Fifty-two tree-climbers scrambled up trunks and limbs at the weekend's International Tree Climbing Competition, with a Seattle man taking the top prize in the men's division.

Dan Krause of Seattle and Chrissy Spence of New Zealand were named men's and women's world champions respectively yesterday at the event's 29th annual gathering.

Judging for the competition is strict, with penalties for unsafe maneuvers and bonuses for creativity, confidence and use of equipment. The top prize is $1,000.

"It's definitely a growing sport because the tree-care industry is growing at 5 percent to 6 percent a year," said Jim Skiera, executive director of the International Society of Arboriculture, the main sponsor of the event. The competitions have grown from 50 to about 1,200.

"We come because of the people," said Australian Kiah Martin, who placed second at the world-class level. "Tree people are the best people you'll ever meet."