Lumberjack Show
Saturday, June 19
Show Times 12:30 & 3:30

Springboard Chop
Stock Saw
Standing Block Chop
Single Buck
Underhand Chop
Hot Saw
Axe Throw
Birling (Log Rolling)

Springboard Chop
A discipline based on the need for old-time loggers to establish a cutting platform above the massive root bases of old growth trees, the competitor uses an axe to chop pockets into a nine-foot pole and then place 6-inch wide springboard platforms into the pockets. Climbing up on the springboards, the competitor chops through a log at the top of the pole. This discipline is a true challenge of strength and dexterity because the competitor must power through the chop while balancing seven to eight feet in the air. The springboard chop world record (using white pine) is 32.77 seconds set by New Zealander David Bolstad in 2000.

Stock Saw
The stock saw discipline is a true test of operator ability. The competitor uses a chain saw and begins with both hands on the log and the chain saw idling on the ground. At the gun, the sawyer makes two cuts through a log. With only four inches of wood to work with, precision is key. If a competitor saws outside of that or fails to saw a complete cookie, he will be disqualified. Jason Wynyard set the world record with white pine in the stock saw discipline at 9.81 seconds at the finals in Columbus, Ga. in 2008.

Standing Block Chop
Mimicking the felling of a tree, the competitor races to chop through 12-14 inches of vertical log. The competitor must chop from both sides of the log and the time ends when the block is severed. Precision is key to success in this event. Stamina is the primary challenge because this is one of the most physically exhausting events. David Bolstad set the world record using white pine for the standing block chop at 12.28 seconds in 1999.

Single Buck
The competitor makes one cut through a log using a single man cross-cut saw. The competitor may have a helper wedge his cut into the log to prevent the saw teeth from sticking. Time ends when the block is clearly severed. The primary challenges of this event are technique, brute strength and stamina. The single buck is referred to as the "misery whip" because of the physical toll a body endures while using it. A key strategy is to keep the saw as level as possible so that it creates an even cut and the teeth don't catch in the wood. New Zealander Jason Wynyard set the world record for the single buck in white pine at 9.39 seconds in 2007.

Underhand Chop
The competitor stands with feet apart on a 12- to 14-inch log. At the signal, he begins to chop through the log with his racing ax. Before chopping all the way through he must turn and complete the cut from the other side. Time ends when the log is severed completely. The challenge in this event is precision as well as the location of the cuts. A competitor uses a variety of cutting patterns and varies the number of cuts based on skill level and wood conditions. Jason Wynyard set the world record using white pine in the underhand chop discipline at 12.11 seconds in 2003.

Hot Saw
In this discipline, the competitor uses a customized chain saw with a modified engine (usually taken from a personal watercraft or snowmobile). At the signal, the competitor starts the saw and makes three cuts. With only six inches of wood to work with, precision is key. If the competitor saws outside of the designated six inches or fails to saw a complete "cookie" (term used to describe the circular piece of sawed-off wood), he will be disqualified. Often described by competitors as both their favorite and most difficult discipline, the primary challenge with the hot saw is the reliability of their custom saw. U.S. competitor Matt Bush set the world record using white pine in the hot saw at 5.085 seconds in 2003.

Axe Throw
Contestants throw a double-bitted axe at a target from 20 feet away.  The 6 inch bullseye at the center of the target is worth 5 points, the next ring outside the bullseye is worth 4 points, the next ring 3 points, the next ring 2 points, and the outer ring is worth 1 point.  Contestants get three throws for score.  The person with the highest score wins.  The maximum score is 15 points.

  Birling (Log Rolling)
Contestants balance on a 12-16" cedar log floating on the water and battle to be the last one standing on the log.  Contestants must not cross the center line of the log or touch their opponent.  All other game play or distraction is 'fair game."  Matches are often settled base on the best two out three 'rolls."