Stihl Timbersports: Extreme action comes to Kelowna this weekend
The Stihl Timbersports Canadian Championships are set to take over Prospera Place this weekend.
This high-energy event will showcase the best pro-division athletes as they compete for the prestigious title of Canadian Champion. Among them, reigning champion Ben Cumberland will be defending his title in what promises to be a fierce competition.
Ben Cumberland, a seasoned timber sports competitor, shared his excitement for the upcoming event and offered insight into the sport's rich history and thrilling nature.
"We like to say that timber sports is the original extreme sport," Cumberland explained.
"Competitive wood chopping dates back to the 1800s in Tasmania, Australia and New Zealand. It’s rooted in the history of how both the east and west coasts of Canada were settled."
For Cumberland, timber sports is more than just a competition; it's a family tradition.
"I'm a fourth-generation woodsman. My dad and brother have also competed, and my youngest sister Caitlin just missed out on qualifying for the women's division this year by a few seconds," he said.
"It's pretty awesome to compete on the national stage with my family."
The Stihl Timbersports Canadian Championships will feature six events in the male pro division, each rooted in historical logging practices.
Spectators can look forward to three axe events and three saw events. The axe events include the standing block chop, simulating felling a tree; the underhand chop, mimicking bucking a tree into length; and the springboard chop, where competitors climb a nine-foot pole using notched pockets and boards to chop a block at the top.
"The adrenaline and excitement are intense," Cumberland noted. "These axes are sharp enough to shave with, and we’re out there chopping with chain mail under our shoes for protection. It's definitely a sight to see."
The saw events are equally thrilling, with the stock saw testing competitors' chainsaw skills, the single buck featuring a long one-man crosscut saw, and the hot saw event, the loudest and most exhilarating part of timber sports.
"The hot saw is essentially a Frankenstein chainsaw with a snowmobile engine. It fills the arena with smoke and noise. It's wild," Cumberland described.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the women's division, a milestone that highlights Canada's role as a leader in promoting female participation in the sport.
"The calibre of female competitors in Canada is incredible," Cumberland said. "It's a testament to what we're doing here."
Families attending the event can expect a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of entertainment.
"Timber sports is very family-oriented," Cumberland emphasized. "It's like a rock show with lights, loud music, and action on stage. There’s something for everyone to enjoy."
The Stihl Timbersports Canadian Championships not only offer a chance to witness incredible athleticism but also serve as a stepping stone to international competitions.
"The winners will go on to represent Canada at the world championships," Cumberland explained.
"For the men's division, the individual world championship will be in Toulouse, France, in October, and a team of four to six individuals will compete at the team world championship."
Whether you're a timber sports enthusiast or just looking for a unique and exciting family outing, the Stihl Timbersports Canadian Championships have something for everyone.
"Come out and see us on stage," Cumberland encouraged. "It’s going to be an unforgettable experience."
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