Encyclopedia of Sport: Every sport from around the world
Topend Sports Logo

Wood Chopping Competitions

Wood Chopping, which can also be spelled as wood-chopping or woodchoping, is a sport that dates back hundred years and is practiced in several cultures. Contemporary woodchopping originated in Ulverstone, Tasmania in the 1870’s. It was a result between a bet of two axemen on who could first fall a tree.

In wood chopping competitions, the participants attempt to cut or saw a log or other types of wood. Usually, woodchopping competitions are in state fairs and agricultural shows. The participants are usually called axemen.

a wood chopping competition in 1918 New Zealand soldiers compete in a wood chopping competition in 1918

There are many woodchopping events. One is called the standing block, which is to cut a scarf in one side. There is also an event called the underhand, the participants stand on the top of the log and then they use a downward motion split the log in two as fast as they can. The crowd favorite is the hot saw. In this event participants use a chainsaw to cut logs.



Similar Sports

Related Pages

send us a comment Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.

Sport Extra

Check out the 800+ sports in the Encyclopedia of Every Sport. Well not every sport, as there is a list of unusual sports, extinct sports and newly created sports. How to get on these lists? See What is a sport? We also have sports winners lists, and about major sports events and a summary of every year.

 → How to Cite