Women’s Lumberjack Records
Three new women’s world records have been set at the Lumberjack World Championships competition held in Hayward Wisconsin, full of high-powered sawing, chopping, logrolling, speed climbing and cheers of “Yo-Ho!” This year, 66 men and 40 women attended the three-day competition in Hayward that ended Saturday. They represented 16 states and nine countries. Competitors take their gear seriously with custom-built chain saws, carefully sharpened axes and single buck saws that can cost upward of $400 just to sharpen. Karolina Urbanová from the Czech Republic set world records in two events. She earned first place in the Women’s Underhand Chop, cutting through 11 inches of white pine in 21.28 seconds. She also came in first in the Women’s Standing Chop, cutting through 9 inches of white pine in 19.38 seconds. Meredith Ingbretson of Hayward set a world record in the Women’s Boom Run, sprinting across the water and back over eight red cedar logs.
While women have been competing since the inaugural competition in 1960, the events they participate in have expanded significantly, organizers said. They started just competing in logrolling, and now participate in more than 20 timber sports events. “When I started chopping I was chopping with the men,” said Nancy Zalewski, a competitor for 27 years who has trained others, including fellow participant Kate Witkowski. The tradition of competition among lumberjacks began in the 1890s, according to the organization. The competition is held in the “Lumberjack Bowl” on the shores of Lake Hayward. In the past, the area had been a holding pond for log drives. The lumberjack theme is ever-present at the event with children in lumberjack socks, flannels and suspenders, and brands handing out blow-up axes and toy chain saws. Outside the competition bowl, there are wood-carving demonstrations, log-rolling practice for kids, live music, food trucks and axe-themed events.
Canadian Stephanie Naud was crowned the overall champion in the women’s division for the second time. She took first in the Jack and Jill Cross-Saw, second in the Jill and Jill Cross-Saw and Women’s Underhand Chop, and fourth in the Women’s Standing Chop and Women’s Single Chop. First-time competitor Brayden Meyer of Australia was named the overall men’s champion after taking first in Men’s Standing Chop, Springboard Chop, Men’s Single Buck, and Men’s Underhand Chop. The Lumberjack World Championships are held annually. The three-day event began in 1960 and is held at the Lumberjack Bowl in front of an estimated 12,000 spectators. There are 21 events for both men and women to compete for over $75,000 in prize money.
Felling humor
Two Irishmen walked up to a logging company, when they saw a poster:
“Tree fellers wanted! We are hiring”
“That’s a shame,” said one of the Irishmen, “There’s only two of us!
Two Canadian lumber jacks were in a bar pounding down one after another, when suddenly one fellow lurched backwards fell off the stool and landed passed out on the floor. The other lumberjack turned to the barkeep and commented, “One thing about Tom he knows to quit when he has had enough.”
Camping is not what it used to be. I started out roughing it, now when we go camping my wife asks, “Honey, we need some more wood for the fire, do you have change for a $50?”
I tried joining a lumberjack site for some strength tips.
I couldn’t log in.
July 21st Birthdays
1976 – Jaime Murray, 1986 – Diane Guerrero, 1977 – Allison Wagner, 1993 – Jessica Barden
1951 – Robin Williams, 1948 – Kat Stevens, 1924 – Don Knotts, 1948 – Kat Stevens