How to Compete in the STIHL Timbersports Series

Few lumberjacks actually make any significant amount of money so lumberjack sports will not likely provide you full-time employment. Nevertheless, the sport has been glamorized with the assistance of ESPN's Great Outdoor Games. Trade associations in lumberjack sports include the United States Axemen's Association (USAA) and American Lumberjack Association (ALA). The ALA has about 250 active members. The Lumberjack World Championships are held annually in Hayward, Wisconsin. Lumberjack water sports are governed by the American Birling Association (ABA).

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Tools and equipment (e.g., axes, saws, safety shoe and toe guards)
• Travel expenses
• Entry fees (if required)

Competing in Lumberjack Sports

1. Learn about the various events that lumberjack sportsmen compete in. These often include: Standing Block Chop, Underhand Block Chop, Log Rolling, Single Buck Sawing, Double Bucking, Spring Board Chop, Jack and Jill Sawing, Power Sawing, Speed Climbing and Boom Running.

2. Purchase or rent equipment that you will need in order to participate in the various events. Some of the stores that carry timber sports equipment include North Idaho Lumberjack Equipment, Bailey's Woodsman Supply and Sanetta Lumberjack Equipment. All told, your investment could be well over $1,000 for basic equipment in order to get started.

3. Practice, practice and more practice. If you are lucky, you can attend a college that has a timber sports program. Some of the colleges that have lumberjack sports programs include Colorado State University, University of Idaho, Oregon State University and Washington State University, just to name a few. In Canada, there are plenty of colleges that have such programs. There are a few lumberjack sports camps where you can hone your skills for competition. One such camp, Fishbuilt Productions, is located in Stillwater, Minnesota. The Hayward Log Rolling School is operated under the auspices of the American Birling Association (ABA). The camp lasts six weeks.

4. Join one or more of the lumberjack sports organizations. This will benefit you greatly as most of the top competitions are sponsored by one of these organizations.

5. Locate and travel to lumberjack sport events and contact show contacts by using the directory found at the Canlog website.

6. Compete in events. Don't plan to make a fortune competing but you can still take great pride by showing off your skills. The STIHL Timbersports Series is a major tour circuit in this sport.

Tips & Warnings

• Reading some of the timber sports trade publications such as "North American Axemen's News" (published annually) and "The Northern Logger" (published monthly) will help you to stay informed about timber sports.

• Some of the lumberjack sport events can be dangerous. Be aware of the risks and follow all safety techniques.

Resources

• This is the official website of the American Birling Association (ABA).
• Here's where you can find contact information for major timber sport competition promoters in Canada.
• The National Lumberjack Series scheduled events appear at this site.
• Check out this webpage to locate the Fishbuilt Productions lumberjack sports camp.