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One of New Zealand’s top competitive woodchopping and sawing events will return to the grounds of the Puhoi Historic Pub on Saturday, January 12 .
Puhoi Axemen’s Club secretary John Sanderson says nominations to compete are usually full about a month prior to the annual woodchopping carnival, a tribute to Puhoi’s continuing popularity.
“Puhoi is one of the sought-after events to compete in. Some competitors class it as the best one-day chopping show in New Zealand, which is pretty good for us,” he says.
Around 50 competitors are expected to take part from all over New Zealand, along with Nick
Fredericksen – a legendary one-armed axeman from Australia.
Competitors’ ages will range from as young as 12 to those in their 70s.
Events include underhand chopping, standing chopping, single and double hand sawing, axe throwing, and the jigger board where competitors cut their way down from the top of a ‘tree’.
Competitors compete in divisions according to their ability and are handicapped according to how much prize money they have won in the past.
Typically, a competitor is delayed from starting by one second for every $50 they have won.
The system ensures tight and exciting finishes and women competing alongside men in the same event have as much chance as being among the prize winners.
John says woodchopping is not necessarily about having big muscles.
“It’s about the equipment you are using, the style of the axe, the size of the axe, the technique you use and your ability. You can get a big muscly guy and he’s not necessarily going to beat the little skinny guy if the skinny guy is a lot faster and has got better technique. It’s not about power all the time.”
John thinks this explains much of woodchopping’s appeal – that a man who does not look especially big or strong can cut through a block of wood within seconds.
John says team events are among the most popular. This is where a team from Puhoi will take on a combined team of visitors.
“The crowd at Puhoi tend to go for someone in a Puhoi singlet obviously,” John says.
The annual woodchopping carnival starts at 9am and continues until around 4pm. Entry is free.
Woodchopping classes (and prizes)
Underhand 275mm ($100)
Single Hand Sawing 350mm ($50)
Standing 250mm ($100)
Double Hand Sawing ($100)
Championship Standing 325mm ($200)
Axe Throw ($40)
Novice Underhand 275mm (-)
Jigger Board Open 275mm ($100)
Standing Open 300mm ($200)
Underhand Open 325mm ($200)
Jack & Jill Sawing 400mm ($100)
Championship Underhand 325mm ($200)
Boys Underhand Chop 275mm (TBA)
Teams Race – Puhoi v Visitors (-)
