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Pole climbing, once only found as a discipline within lumberjack events, has become a highly competitive sport in its own right, and is rapidly gaining in popularity across the world.

Popularity
Pole climbing is rapidly becoming more popular as an outdoor, summer sport in Britain, as athletes look for sports with new and different challenges.

Location
Although in many parts of the world there are special lumberjack or axeman shows, in which pole climbing features. In Britain competitive pole climbing is only found in agricultural or country shows, and often only as an exhibition activity.

Age
Although competitors are roped for safety, pole-climbing is not a sport for young children. Although there are often low, soft climbs for them to get a taste of the event. Competitive climbers are at their peak in their twenties.

Ability
Necessary abilities to be a successful pole-climber are a head for heights, the ability and speed of a sprint runner, climbing ability and above all else confidence in your self.

Description
Speed Pole climbing is best described as vertical sprint running. Climbers who are suitably safety roped and wearing appropriate clothing, sprint (race) up a pole of between 40 and 100ft in height. there are two main types of competition, a single race to the top, and a double race a accent and decent. climbers start from a judges whistle and finish by striking a suitably positioned bell. current world records are; 60ft = 13.75sec 80ft = 17.97sec 90ft = 20.05sec 100ft = 24.82sec

Dedication
At most pole climbing competitions there is the opportunity for members of the public to try the event under expert supervision, pitting their times and courage against the times of the competitive climbers. Training is difficult for this event, poles are not practical in private venues. General running and athletic training and frequent competition being the normal regime of climbers.

Cost
As pole-climbing events draw large and enthusiastic crowds the cost of the pole erection and all safety precautions is borne by the event organisers. Climbers only having to provide their own personal equipment and clothing, which must be of an approved standard.

Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.

Energy

Arms

Legs

Sight

Hearing

Speech

Learning

Please be advised that this record has not necessarily been reviewed by people with the expertise required to provide you with complete, accurate or reliable information. The information and images for this activity are supplied by the general public, Please contact us if there is a breach of copyright or you wish to improve the data.