How to Caber Toss

A traditional Scottish athletic event, caber tosses are staples of Scottish festivals from Glasgow to the American South. In the caber toss, men toss large wooden poles, called cabers, that resemble telephone poles or even full logs. Competing in this event requires immense strength: each caber can weigh as much as a fully grown man.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Fashion a wooden pole about 16-22 feet long, and weighing anywhere from 80-180 pounds - different festivals have different regulations. One end of the pole should be tapered. This pole will be your caber.
2. Have the pole brought to you, which usually requires at least three grown men. Lift the caber into your arms - this is called the 'pick.'
3. Hoist the caber, so that the bottom of the pole is about level with your elbows. Cup the smaller, tapered end of the pole in your palms, and balance its weight against your shoulder.
4. When properly balanced, run forward with the caber for about twenty yards, so as to gain momentum. This is called the 'approach.'
5. After a good running start, plant your feet so as to provide a good throwing platform. This is called the 'plant.'
6. Push upward and out, away from your shoulders. Your intention is to flip the pole, with the larger end of the caber hitting the ground, so that the pole lands in a straight line perpendicular to your shoulders.

Tips & Warnings

• The winner is judged not just by the distance of the toss, but also by the style of throwing - which includes judging your stance, steps, strength, agility and balance.