Reprinted from October, 2007 Arborist News

At this year's 2007 International Tree Climbing Championship in Honolulu, Hawaii, Bernd "Beddes" Strasser set yet another precedent by becoming the first climber to clinch seven titles. With typical Strasser grace, he finished the Masters' Challenge 29.67 points ahead of second-place finisher, Mark Chisholm.

Strasser has competed at the international level for more than a decade. In that time, he has become well known by many in the arboriculture profession for his record-breaking career, relaxed climbing style, and philosophical outlook on trees and their care. Strasser, along with Mark Chisholm and Dan Kraus, has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, and his exploits have been well documented in numerous articles featured in Arborist News.

For nearly a decade, the name Strasser has been synonymous with the International Tree Climbing Championship. The following is a brief retrospective of his professional climbing career.

Stamford, Connecticut, 1999

After five years of international competition, Strasser became the first climber outside of the United States to win the championship buckle. In the preceding years, he had become a familiar name in both European and North American climbing circles. After working his way up from fifth place in Halifax, Nova Scotia; fourth at Hilton Head, South Carolina States; and second in Birmingham, England, Strasser hit his stride as a champion climber.

Baltimore, Maryland, 2000

Despite rain-soaked conditions, Strasser managed a come-from-behind victory. Leading up to the Masters' Challenge, Mark Chisholm seemed favored to win after taking the footlock, Belayed Speed Climb, and Work Climb. However, Strasser finished the final event 7 minutes and 16 seconds faster than Chisholm. The win made Strasser the first climber to win two consecutive championships since 1982.

Seattle, Washington, 2002

After finishing second to Chisholm in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 2001, Strasser won his third championship at Seattle's Volunteer Park. He cleaned up in many of the morning's events, taking first in the Aerial Rescue, Belayed Speed Climb, and Secured Footlock. When interviewed after the competition, Strasser stated that much of his success came from his ability to curb his competitive side and stay relaxed during competitions.

Montreal, Quebec, 2003

In what was described as a near-perfect climb, Strasser became the first four-time world champion. The 2003 championship marked numerous other broken records, such as the largest field of competitors in ITCC history, and several competition firsts, including a new event-the Head-to-Head Footlock.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 2004

Pittsburgh's West Park hosted an extremely close matchup between Bernd Strasser and Dan Kraus. In the end, Strasser managed to capture his fifth ITCC title, finishing just 0.34 of a point ahead of Kraus in the Masters' Challenge. The sting of the loss apparently motivated Kraus, because he took the title the following year in Nashville, Tennessee.

Minneapolis, Minnestoa, 2006

Strasser remained cool and collected at Loring Park in Minneapolis, despite the blazing summer heat. After placing first overall in the preliminary events, Strasser beat out Ronny Epple, Mark Chisholm, and Dan Kraus in the Masters' Challenge to capture his sixth championship title. As always, Strasser attributed his success not to an extensive training regime but to his daily work, which consists of collecting seed and leaf samples for various research projects and teaching advanced climbing classes.

Throughout the years, Strasser has awed spectators and fellow climbers alike. His humility and soft-spoken nature have helped to increase his reputation as a crowd favorite. Many find it difficult not to cheer, "Go, Beddes!" as he takes to a tree after setting his line.

When asked in 2004 what he felt the future had in store for him, Strasser replied, "I don't believe age is a limiting factor. I will always climb."

With no sign of slowing down, Strasser's fans can hope to see much more from him in the years to come.

Reprinted excerpts from October, 2007 Arborist News

Congratulations go to New Zealand's Chrissy Spence, the first woman to win the women's ITCC twice, in 2005 and 2007.

As enjoyable as the climbing competition can be, when it comes to the Masters' Challenge, having fun is not a guarantee of victory. Creativity, as well as the use of proper and safe techniques, is a decisive factor in determining the winner.

Chrissy excelled in all areas, having the best time and score in the final event. Those who watched the event on Sunday would probably agree that if they could describe Chrissy's performance with one word, it would be elegance.

Chrissy has been climbing for only a little more than five years. Rick Mexted, her brother-in-law, taught her how to climb, to keep an open mind about new techniques, and to always keep safety in the forefront.

Recently, Chrissy worked in Germany with Bernd Strasser and also freelanced for a tree care company. She enjoyed working in Germany for its climate and its high standards in mature tree care, not to mention the support of friends and colleagues there.

Back in Hamilton, North Island, New Zealand, Chrissy works as a contract climber. When asked what the favorite part of her job is she says, "Spending time in the amazing, living being-the tree," and being able to "watch other climbers and teach them techniques that will make their job easier," which she describes as fulfilling and rewarding.

To prepare for this year's ITCC, Chrissy says she quit some unhealthy habits, started running, and worked full-time as a tree climber prior to the competition. She agrees, though, that concentration, technique, and supportive coaches (and for that she thanks Marlies Laser and Tony Wilson) were also crucial.

For the opportunity to compete and for the support provided, Chrissy wishes to thank her sponsors, ISA, and her friends and family. In return, ISA thanks Chrissy for providing a tree climbing spectacle that will certainly inspire many to catch the wave of arboriculture. Aloha!