How to Be a Lumberjack

To become a lumberjack, a person has to dedicate time and practice to hone the skills necessary for successful competition. Knowing what kinds of equipment is needed and the rules and regulations of competitions is important. Learn how to become a lumberjack and you will soon be competing on local and national levels.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Understand that a lumberjack competitor uses many hours of hands-on practice to sharpen his skill with an ax and saw. Depending on competition goals (local, regional or national competitions) and time constraints, lumberjack training can be as time consuming as a full time job.
2. Know the types of individual contests within a competition. The popular events are ax throwing, ax chopping, individual and team sawing, log rolling and pole climbing. Each contest has specific rules and regulations that must be followed to avoid disqualification.
3. Realize that lumberjacks use specific tools to practice and compete. Axes with varying weights and size and saws geared toward practice and competition are necessary for the aspiring lumberjack.
4. Find lumberjack competitions in your area or travel to a competition that interests you. Watch several competitions to get a feel for the contests that you'd like to participate in. Mingle with competitors and ask them questions about how to become a lumberjack.
5. Practice for the contests you'd like to enter. Your size doesn't matter as much as the skill that you obtain. A small, skilled lumberjack can outmatch a burly, unskilled lumberjack.

Tips & Warnings

• Many universities offer teams and clubs that train and compete in lumberjack competitions.
• Follow safety rules and regulations for all competitions. Wear shin and toe guards during all contests.
• Lumberjack equipment is pricey. If you're able to do so, buy used equipment when you start training to make sure you truly like the contest before making a big investment.
• Always check your lumberjack equipment (axes and saws) before and during every competition to ensure your safety and that of the other competitors. Over time, ax heads can become loose.