If you want to see some fast folks doing this you need to go to Avery Park in Corvallis, OR on 9/16/07. The event is the PNW ISA Chapter Tree Climbing Championship. The competition is open to members from WA, OR, ID, BC, AK and the Yukon
There are 5 events, but one of the best speed events is the footlock competition. In this event you climb up a doubled rope 50' off the deck to ring a bell. Fast climbers do this in 19 seconds and they are protected but they don't use jugs.
I'll be there to attend a 4 day conference and to watch a bit of the event. The winner of the tree climbing competition gets to represent the PNW at the International Championship.
From the PNW-ISA site:
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Chapter Tree Climbing Championships - Avery Park in Corvallis, just a few blocks away from the OSU
Conference Center, will be the site of the annual PNW Chapter Tree Climbing Championships. Come watch as
climbers compete for the chance to represent the Chapter at the 2008 International competition.