THE RISE OF LOGGER SPORTS
Call it logger sports, timber sports—or just good old-fashioned bragging rights with a blade. However you spin it, the sport has carved out a reputation as one of the toughest and most entertaining contests around.
According to STIHL, the modern competitive format in Australia traces back to Tasmania in 1987, when two neighbours turned a friendly rivalry over chopping firewood into something much bigger.
But like any great tale, there are competing origin stories. Some point to Australia and New Zealand more than 150 years ago, while others argue it was born in the logging camps of British Columbia in Canada.
Wherever it began, one thing’s certain—the spirit of competition has never left.
Today, the sport showcases elite lumberjack athletes going head-to-head in six adrenaline-pumping events: the underhand chop, standing block chop, springboard chop, stock saw, single buck, and the crowd-favourite hot saw. It’s raw power, precision, and timing—all played out with razor-sharp axes and roaring chainsaws.
Around the world, communities have added their own twist. You’ll find log-rolling battles on water, tree-climbing races using ropes, and even chainsaw carving turning timber into art. It’s a sport that keeps evolving, while staying firmly rooted in its rugged past.
In Australia, logger sports are a cornerstone of local rural shows, where generations of families have gathered ringside to watch woodchips fly and cheer on their favourites.
From small country towns to major regional events, the woodchop arena is often the heartbeat of the show. It’s where up-and-coming “Jacks and Jills” test their skills, and seasoned competitors cement their reputations.
With show season rolling through May, there’s no better time to head along to your local event, grab a spot by the fence, and support the athletes who keep this iconic sport alive.
Whether it’s your first time or a yearly tradition, you’ll feel the energy, hear the crack of timber, and even pick a new favourite to cheer on.
Chitchat Newspaper – May 2026