September/October 2016 | The Davey Bulletin 11
Devon Lucabaugh swings to the next limb in
the work climbing event. Photo courtesy Robin
Trimarchi, Columbus (Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer
While the event is technically called
the Georgia Arborist Association's
Tree Climbing Championship, Davey's
Devon Lucabaugh thinks of it more
as a community event rather than
a competition.
An ISA Certified Arborist
®
at Davey's
Atlanta R/C office, this is Lucabaugh's
second, consecutive year participating.
He also serves as the treasurer for the
Georgia Arborist Association.
"This event is not about winning at all.
It's about being around peer climbers
and learning from their experience,"
Lucabaugh said. "In fact, I had so
much fun last year that I convinced my
co-worker Marcelo Garfias to join me."
Altogether, four climbers represented
REACHING NEW HEIGHTS AT GEORGIA TREE CLIMBING CHAMPIONSHIP
Davey this year: Lucabaugh; Marcelo
Garfias, trimmer/climber at Davey's
Atlanta R/C office; Brody Lloyd, utility
line trimmer in Des Moines, Iowa;
and John Dixon, also a utility line
trimmer in Des Moines, Iowa. Lloyd
and Dixon live for competitions like
this. Professional climbers since age
18, they climb from coast to coast.
Also present was Joe Shaw, Davey's
Southeast recruiter/trainer. He served
as a practice competitor, so the judges
could gauge scoring prior to the event.
At the event, Davey employees
connected with fellow tree climbers,
saw their techniques and discovered
what equipment they're using. This
year, they were climbing alongside
the 2015 winner of the International
Tree Climbing Championship,
James Earhart.
Want to participate in a tree climbing
championship? See if your local
arborist association or regional
chapter of the International Society
of Arboriculture holds a similar event.
"Definitely get out there, and
get involved in your local arborist
community," Lucabaugh said. "You
may end up rubbing elbows with world
champions! Plus, these associations
really help you grow professionally –
and make new friends. And, if you're
participating in a professional climbing
championship for the first time, read
the rulebook ahead of time! It really
helps. Trust me."
