Scaling New Heights: Danish Arborist, Mikkel Praem, at the International Tree Climbing Championships
At FSI, we are proud to support Mikkel Praem from Løvtop, who recently represented Denmark at the International Tree Climbing Championships (ITTC) held from the 24th to the 27th of October 2024 in the United States, where he competed against some of the world’s top climbers.
Løvtop is built on values such as excellent service and solid craftsmanship, but for Mikkel, it’s about more than that. His deep passion for trees and tree climbing, along with the sense of community that connects arborists worldwide, drives both his business and his participation in competitions like the World Tree Climbing Championships.
Discovering a career in the Trees
Mikkel Praem wasn’t always certain he would become an arborist. It was while working in a climbing park that he truly discovered his interest in climbing. “I’ve always loved climbing trees, but it wasn’t until I got a job in a climbing park that I realised I could build a career out of it,” Mikkel recalls.
After a few years of university, he switched paths, training as a forest and nature technician with a focus on arborist climbing. Now, with five years as a self-employed arborist under his belt, Mikkel continues to value the encouragement he received from his former boss to go independent. “That nudge to start my own business set me on a path of growth I hadn’t imagined.”
From Everyday Work to Competitions
While Mikkel’s day-to-day work as an arborist is about finding good solutions for his clients, he has discovered a second passion in tree-climbing competitions. His first competition was in 2019, where he learned a lot, even though it was a tough start. “I didn’t know anyone in the scene and had to learn from scratch,” he remembers.
However, competitions have given Mikkel more than just technical skills. They have also opened doors to a strong network of like-minded climbers. “It’s not often you meet others who are passionate about tree climbing in Denmark, so the competitions give me the chance to build relationships and learn new techniques.”
Ready for the World Tree Climbing Championships
This year, Mikkel participated in the World Tree Climbing Championships for the first time. Although he didn’t win the Danish Championship, he was allowed to compete in the World Championships after the Danish champion could not participate. Preparing for the World Championships requires balancing his work at Løvtop with intensive training.”It can be tough to train for such a niche sport. Football pitches are everywhere, but finding suitable trees isn’t easy—and the weather also plays a role. Still, I try to get out twice a week in the lead-up to the competition,” says Mikkel.
The competition features five key disciplines: Aerial Rescue, Work Climb, Ascent, Belayed Speed Climb, and Throwline. The top climbers qualify for the final round, known as the Masters’ Challenge. Each discipline tests a combination of technical skills and safety.
“Aerial Rescue has become my favorite. Simulating a rescue demands both technique and creativity—it’s challenging and helps me become a better arborist. I love the problem-solving aspect and the satisfaction of knowing I’ve helped someone. It can be intimidating, especially with an audience, but it’s incredibly rewarding,” Mikkel explains.
But it’s not just about the competition. For Mikkel, the sense of community among participants is a core part of the World Championships: “The unique thing is the camaraderie across borders. We’re placed in groups of 8–10 people, and everyone is supportive, checking in on each other’s progress. It doesn’t matter whether you’re from Japan or Sweden—everyone is welcome, and the atmosphere is fantastic.”
A Big Thank You to FSI Stump Cutters
Mikkel’s journey to the World Championships was helped along the way by support from FSI Stump Cutters. “FSI’s backing gave me the peace of mind to train intensively, free from the stress of practicalities,” says Mikkel. “It makes me proud to have a Danish company like FSI supporting me abroad.”
FSI Stump Cutters is equally proud of Mikkel’s dedication and accomplishments. “Mikkel’s perseverance and commitment are something we proudly stand behind. His dedication to both his sport and his work is an inspiration to all of us and a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and the right tools. We are proud to support him on his journey to the World Championships,” says Kim Schmidt, Managing Director and Partner at FSI Stump Cutters.
