Setting her sights on world tree-tops | Taranaki Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Taranaki

NICKY WARD-ALLEN is off to America next year in hopes of claiming a world title after she placed second in the National Arboriculture Tree Climbing Championships.

Her placing is testament to her talent, coming second only to the current world champion of the little-known sport, Chrissy Spence, and qualifying for the world event.

She is now amping up her already strenuous training programme in preparation for the world championships.

Using a combination of practice climbs, skipping, running and weights, Nicky spends hours each day perfecting her craft.

"Competitions are split into five events, with each one testing different aspects of tree-climbing. You have to train to cater for all of them," she said.

Working with ropes and harnesses, tree-climbing events combine speed, agility and strength.

The 27-year-old said her specialty is the 'foot lock' event, which involves a timed climb to the top of a 12 metre rope that is looped over a tree branch.

This event is one of the more physically demanding, and relies on upper body strength and quick, accurate footwork.

Nicky's love of the sport began when she decided to train as an aboriculturalist.

A job that involves a lot of tree-climbing, Nicky learnt her craft while she was training and furthered it as she moved into work.

She has been involved in the sport for five years, and competitive for the past three.

Now faced with the prospect of representing her country in the sport, Nicky is excited.

"I have never been outside of New Zealand. This is an awesome opportunity and a great way to spend time overseas," she said.

Nicky attributes her success to her very supportive husband, Neal, and great friends and family.

She is also grateful to the Stratford District Council, who allow her to use park trees for practice climbs and Greenline Tractors for their sponsorship.