Risking life and… limb?

Ross Ansaldi flew up the branches in the Australian Tree Climbing Championships on Saturday. 132091 Picture: JARROD POTTER

IT’S the sport we all trained for from a young age, but never knew about.
Arborists, tree doctors and pruners alike descended on Lynbrook’s Banjo Paterson Reserve to take part in the annual Australia Tree Climbing Championships.
It’s been around since the 1970s – probably starting off as a bar bet between a pair of nimble footed arborists in America. The champion will be an expert in the five disciplines of tree climbing – throw line, foot locking event, a speed climbing event, aerial rescue and work climb.
The event was held Saturday with winners booking their tickets to the international championships held in Florida next year.