Wood chopping is an ancient sport, present for hundreds of years in various places. It's a popular sport which is majorly organized at fairs and agricultural events. It was first originated in 1870 in the town Ulverstone, Tasmania. The sport emerged as a bet between two axemen as an attempt to cut down a tree first.
The participants of wood chopping are regarded as axemen. These axemen try to cut the wooden log as fast as possible to beat other participants in the event. They are required to use skilful tactics and fast action to accomplish the winning title.
The sport of Wood Chopping was originated in the 1870s in Tasmania, with a bet between two axemen. Some records also explain that the sport originated in the 16th century where a man participated in a marathon and then chopped ten logs to propose his desired future wife in the Basque Country.
During the time from 1870 to 1890, plenty of events were hosted on a regular wager basis. In June 1890, Tasmanian H.R. Nicholas founded the first axemen's association and established the official rules. The first World Wood Chopping Championship was held during 1891 in the Bell's Parade, Latrobe, Tasmania.
Later, the wood chopping events were held in Australia, where the sport is organized even today along with the agricultural events for 10 days. It is a very popular event in Australia, where hundreds of competitors participate.
Underhand
It is a popular style of wood chopping where the participants place various foot holes in the log to block it. Later, they stand over it and cut the log with a sharp axe into two pieces as fast as possible. ,
Standing Block
It is a bit tougher style of the wood chopping. In this, the logs are vertically placed on a dummy, and wood slices are cut. ,
Tree Felling
In this variant, the participants cut various small pockets of a wooden board with a metal shoe placed at one end. ,
Single Buck / Single Saw
In this event, the competitors move a sharp saw across the log to chop it in small pieces. These saws have an average length of 5' 6" to 6' 4". ,
Double Buck / Double Saw
In this event, two participants have to move the saw together to cut the log. The axes used are longer and heavier than the usual ones.
