Competitive woodchopping in Australia is a longstanding tradition, with competitors aiming to cut through logs as quickly as possible in various configurations. The top woodchoppers can get through a 13-inch block in under 30 seconds, showcasing their technique and strength. Many participants come from families with a history in woodchopping, with some starting as early as four or five years old. The Ekka, one of the oldest competitive chopping events in Australia, has seen a rise in female participation, with about 35 women competing in the latest edition.
The woodchopping events at the Ekka draw a large crowd, with hundreds of spectators filling the stands and over 65,000 tuning in to online livestreams. The competitive events last for nine days, keeping the woodchoppers busy and leaving little time for anything else. Despite this, the sense of community among the competitors makes it all worthwhile. Daniel Beams, who traveled from Tasmania to participate in the Ekka, emphasized the family-oriented nature of the sport and the close bonds that form among the competitors. While the focus is on competition, woodchoppers also enjoy socializing and sharing a drink after the events.
For Daniel Beams and many others, woodchopping has provided opportunities to travel the world and compete in unique locations. Beams has chopped wood in countries like New Zealand, Canada, and the US, with hopes of expanding into Europe in the future. The sport’s global reach has allowed competitors to showcase their skills in front of diverse audiences and experience different woodchopping traditions. Despite the competitive nature of the sport, camaraderie and friendships formed among competitors remain an essential part of the woodchopping community.
Woodchopping requires a combination of physical fitness, technique, and strength, with competitors striving to improve their skills and speed. Many woodchoppers devote themselves to staying in top physical condition to excel in their craft, even though their appearance may not always reflect their fitness level. The sport’s long history and tradition in Australia have created a strong sense of heritage and legacy among participants, with many following in the footsteps of family members who were also woodchoppers. This generational aspect adds to the community spirit that defines competitive woodchopping events like the Ekka.
The Ekka has been a significant event for competitive woodchopping for almost 140 years, attracting top talent from around Australia and beyond. The increase in female participation in recent years has brought a new dynamic to the sport, with more women joining the ranks of competitive woodchoppers. The sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among competitors, regardless of gender, underscores the inclusive nature of woodchopping as a sport. As the sport continues to evolve and grow, it remains rooted in tradition and family values, offering a unique blend of competition, community, and camaraderie for participants and spectators alike.
Woodchopping at the Ekka is a highly anticipated and popular event, drawing large crowds and enthusiastic support from fans. The mix of competition, tradition, and community makes it a unique and cherished aspect of Australian culture. Competitors like Daniel Beams embody the spirit of woodchopping, traveling the world to showcase their skills while fostering connections with fellow woodchoppers. As the sport expands internationally and gains recognition on a global scale, the sense of camaraderie and shared passion for woodchopping continue to unite competitors and fans worldwide.
