Climb softly, and carry a big chainsaw
OK, who forgot to mention when I was 8 years old that I could become a professional tree climber as an adult? Mom and Dad, I’m looking at you on this one.
Durham local Cormac Nagan is getting to live that dream. The arborist and owner of Aerial Tree Care is representing 10 states as the Southern Chapter regional champ at The International Society of Arboriculture’s 36th annual International Tree Climbing Championships (ITCC) at Laurelhurst Park in Portland, Ore. this Saturday and Sunday.
The tree climbing competition simulates working conditions of professional arborists in the field. Cormac and his competitors will perform five different events during the preliminary round that are highly technical, physically demanding, require quick problem solving and, naturally, a love of heights. The best performers in the preliminary round advance to a Masters’ Challenge where the winner is ultimately crowned.
This is Cormac’s third appearance at the world championships. In 2009 he won two preliminary events and finished fourth overall in the Masters’ Challenge. Best of luck this time around, Cormac!
