I’m A Lumberjack (Photographer) and I’m OK
This past weekend was the annual Philomath Forlic & Rodeo. The Philomath (Oregon) Frolic & Rodeo, held every July, features traditional rodeo competitions, a lively parade, live music, delicious food, and engaging activities for all ages. It's a perfect summer outing that showcases the spirit of rodeo and Western culture drawing visitors from near and far to experience the excitement and camaraderie of this beloved local tradition. Part of this years festivities included a Timbersports competition and I was privileged to be apart of it as the photographer for the event.
The competition featured several professional timbersport athletes such as Mike Forrester and Cody Labahn as well as amateur competitors from around the region, including competitors from the Oregon State Forestry Club’s timbersports team. But what is “Timbersports”? Timbersports known as lumberjack sports, is a unique and thrilling competitive arena that showcases the strength, skill, and precision of athletes as they perform various wood-cutting disciplines. Rooted in traditional logging techniques, timbersports has evolved into an international spectacle, drawing audiences and competitors from around the globe.
The History of Timbersports
Oregon is the land of timber. Logging and timber remain two of the largest industries in the area. Timber build Oregon. So the historyand culture of logging runs deep in Oregon and timbersports go hand in hand with forestry. Timbersports traces its origins back to the 19th century, where lumberjacks would compete in informal contests to determine who was the fastest and most skilled in various woodcutting skills. These friendly competitions eventually formalized into organized events, with the first official timbersports competition taking place in 1985, hosted by STIHL, a leading chainsaw manufacturer. The sport quickly gained popularity, leading to the establishment of national and international competitions. This was my first time in person at a lumberjack competition. I used to watch them on ESPN when I was a little kid and always thought it was the coolest thing. So imagine my excitement when I got to be involved in one!
Main Events in Timbersports
Timbersports competitions consist of several core events, each testing different aspects of a competitor's abilities. The main events include:
Springboard Chop
Springboard Chop: the competitor places two springboards into pockets that are cut into a vertically mounted log. The aim is to chop through a block of wood positioned at the top of the log. The athletes first cut a pocket in the log at shoulder height. They then slot the point of the first springboard into it and stand on that board to cut a second pocket in the log. Standing on the second springboard, at a height of about two meters, the athlete cuts through the block at the top from both sides. Fastest times for the Springboard are under 40 seconds. The Springboard counts as one of the toughest disciplines and is often called the supreme discipline. Athletes usually learn this as the fifth discipline.
Underhand Chop
2. Underhand Chop: The Underhand Chop, which replicates the practice of cutting up a felled tree, involves chopping through a horizontally-mounted wooden block from both sides with an axe, whilst the athlete stands on top of the log. Cutting it through from only one side leads to disqualification. Best times for the Underhand Chop are under 15 seconds. The Underhand Chop counts as a basic discipline and is one of the first disciplines that new athletes learn.
Standing Block Chop
Standing Block Chop: The Standing Block Chop simulates felling a tree. A block of wood is anchored vertically in a metal stand and has to be chopped through from both sides as quickly as possible. Precise blows with the axe and a powerful swing are essential for success in the Standing Block Chop. Top athletes complete this discipline in under 13 seconds. The Standing Block Chop counts as one of the more advanced disciplines and new athletes usually learn this as the fourth discipline.
Single Buck
Single Buck: The athletes saw a complete disc from a horizontally mounted log, using a single man cross-cut saw, which is about two meters long. Rhythm and dynamics are what count in this event. Elite athletes can make a clean cut in under twelve seconds. The Single Buck counts as one of the more advanced disciplines. It’s easy to learn the technique for the Single Buck, but becoming a master at it is much harder and can take years to perfect.
Stock Saw
Stock Saw: In this discipline, all the competitors use a Stihl MS 661 C-M, an off-the-shelf STIHL chain saw. At the starting gun the athlete grasps the running saw and starts cutting the wood. The competitors must cut two complete cookies off a horizontally-mounted log with one downward and one upward cut, both within a marked area of 10 cm. Sawing over the marked line or not completing both cookies will result in a disqualification. Top athletes can complete this discipline in about ten seconds. The Stock Saw counts as a basic discipline and is one of the first disciplines that new athletes learn.
Hot Saw
Hot Saw: The aim is to cut three complete cookies from a horizontally positioned log within a marked area of 15 cm as quickly as possible using a Hot Saw. This is an extremely powerful, individually tuned and customized chainsaw. The challenge in this discipline lies in controlling the power delivered by the 60 to 80 HP saw. With a chain speed of approximately 240 km/h and a weight of nearly 30 kg, these machines demand maximum physical and mental performance from the athletes. The best times in the Hot Saw event are under six seconds. The Hot Saw counts as one of the most difficult disciplines and is usually the last discipline that an athlete learns and trains. This has to be seen in person. The saws are SO loud, they sound like straight piped V8s!
The entire competition was super cool to be involved with. It would have been a great time to be a spectator in the stands, but I got to be up in the action. I had a blast doing it and I hope that I’ll get to photograph another competition. Hell, maybe I’ll even pick up and axe and add timbersports to my ever growing list of hobbies!