CypressFest TCC: An Introduction to Competitive Climbing

@ Cypress Lawn Arboretum & Memorial Park : Abbey Chapel - Olivet Gardens Campus
on Thursday, October 02-04, 2025
in Colma, CA


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This immersive 3-day learning experience, hosted at the historic cemetery and meaningful place of trees known as Cypress Lawn Arboretum, is designed as a fun, comfortable introduction for climbing arborists into the world of competition climbing events, including the annual Western Chapter Tree Climbing Championship.

Our second annual CypressFest will feature the following programming:

Thursday October 2nd: A full day of trainings and seminars on best practices and techniques for urban arboriculture, including pruning methods, climbing strategies, as well as a special showcase of the global story of the namesake species of Cypress Lawn Arboretum, the Monterey cypress! 

Friday October 3rd: A “How to Compete” learning day focusing on the five events of every TCC: Aerial Rescue, Work Climb, Ascent, Belayed Speed Climb, and Throwline. A full breakdown of the ITCC rules book, scoring system, and judging criteria will also be reviewed.

Saturday October 4th: Cypress Lawn Arboretum’s 2nd annual Tree Climbing Competition!

Come join us for a weekend of learning and growing together in elevating the standard of climbing arboriculture, and embracing a fun, friendly competitive spirit! 

Program agenda:
Day 1: Thursday October 2: “Safety, Skills, and Celebrating Cypresses”
7:30 am: Registration and sign-in (at Abbey Chapel)
8:00 am: Welcome and Introductions – Josh Gevertz, Arboretum Director, Cypress Lawn Arboretum and Memorial Park, Colma, CA

Indoor Sessions:
8:30 am - 9:20am: Dancing on the Brink of the World: The Monterey Cypress as a Species Case Study in the Diversity of Global Arboriculture and Urban Forestry Management Practices – Josh Gevertz
9:30 am - 10:20am: Safety Awareness on the Job – Jared Abrojena and Hannah Maidstone
10:30 am - 11:20am: A Natural Systems Approach to Pruning (PART 1 – concepts in the classroom)- Christopher Campbell
11:20am - 12:30pm   Lunch break (outside) – 1
 
Outdoor Sessions:
11:30 am - 12:20pm: In Practice: Knuckle Boom Crane Operations” - Jared Abrojena (optional tailgate session during lunch) 
12:30 pm - 1:20pm: A Natural Systems Approach to Pruning (PART 2 – applied in-the-tree demonstration) - Christopher Campbell
1:30 pm - 3:20pm: Climbing Strategies & Efficiency for the Master’s Climb - Lawrence Schultz and Chad Brey
3:30pm               CEU sign-out for all attendees

Day 2: Friday October 3: “How to Compete”
7:00 am: JSA ERP – Introductions
7:30 am: Gear inspection
8:30 am: Rules and Scoring Overview

• Rules handout
• Event handout
• Scoring handout

10:00am – 10:15am: Break
10:15am - 12:00pm: Rules and scoring continued + event introductions
12:00pm – 1:00pm: Lunch
1:00pm: Events Walk-Through and Practice Time:

• 1:00pm: Work climb
• 1:30pm: Aerial Rescue
• 2:00pm: Throwline
• 2:30pm: Speed belay
• 3:00pm: Ascent

3:30pm: CEU sign-out

Day 3: Saturday October 4: CypressFest TCC
7:30 am: Registration and sign-in
8:00 am: Welcome and Introductions – Josh Gevertz, Arboretum Director, Cypress Lawn Arboretum and Memorial Park, Colma, CA
8:30 am – 11:30 am: CypressFest Tree Climbing Competition (35 competitors, in standard rotation through 5 TCC events)
11:30 am - 12:30 pm: Lunch break 
12:30 pm – 3:00 pm: CypressFest Tree Climbing Competition (continued)
3:00 pm: CEU sign-out for all attendees
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Optional “Cypress Celebration” Happy Hour at Abbey Chapel

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SATURDAY'S EVENT

- Download the Volunteer form  - CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP ONLINE 

ALL PARTICIPANTS AND VOLUNTEERS NEED TO COMPLETE THE WAIVER 

- Download the Participant Waiver form

SPONSORS AND EXHIBITORS WELCOMED - Contact Josh Gevertz

- Download the Sponsor form

Continuing Education Hours:
DAY 1: 6.0 - CA / CTW / CUFP / US
DAY 2: 6.5 - CA / CTW / CUFP / US
DAY 3: 3.0 - CA / CTW / CUFP / US (climbers and judges only)

Location

Cypress Lawn Arboretum & Memorial Park : Abbey Chapel - Olivet Gardens Campus
1601 Hillside Blvd
Colma, CA 94014