Updated: June 10, 2009, 1:33 PM ET
STIHL TIMBERSPORTS events
STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Drawing Board -Springboard
A discipline based on the need for old-time loggers to establish a cutting platform above the massive root bases of old growth trees, the competitor uses an ax to chop pockets into a nine-foot poplar pole and then place 6-inch wide springboard platforms into the pockets. Climbing up on the springboards, the competitor chops through a 12-inch diameter white pine log at the top of the pole. This discipline is a true challenge of strength and dexterity because the competitor must power through the chop while balancing seven to eight feet in the air. The springboard chop world record (using white pine) is 32.77 seconds set by New Zealander David Bolstad in 2000. This discipline also requires competitors to wear special protective gear.
