I’ve been throwing for the last 2 years as a beginner in the Nor Cal region games. I’ve been wondering if anybody out here knows of one: great places to practice, and two: a great place to purchase implements. I’ve got the itch for the sport and all I want to do now is be the best. Who else is out there?
I am quite new to the sport, and am interested in hearing any answer to this questions since I’m interested in getting some implements myself.
I have found this sites useful and they have advertisers that sell implements.
But 100bucks for a hammer and 150 for a weight seems a little rich for my blood. This guy discusses how to make your own.
Right now I practice with a stone I found. For WFD I took a 45 lb plate and a 25 and affixed a small chain via a caribeener to a shovel handle. It works surprisingly well. I’m planning on making a PVC hammer per the second website above. Caber? No Idea.
Where to practice? I cant bring myself to practice in the park. I just dont feel like making the cover of the local paper. I have found a small piece of turf on the local university property that is OK. I’m not sure it will be big enough for hammer throws though. The best place I can think of for that is an old softball diamond where people dont play; so you dont wreck the field with divots.
Anyway, I hope this helps. Its a great sport and I’m loving it so far.
I’m glad to see some members of T-Nation talking about the highland games. The NASGA site is a great resource with links to manufactures of equipment, a message board to discuss the games or find training partners, and a database with lists of games.
I feel it is important to have equipment that is comparable to the equipment you will find at the games. You can make reasonable copies of the weights with steel rods, chain, and some welding. My 56 is 5 to 6 inches of 6 inch diameter cold rolled steel with a length of chain welded to the center and the handle is attached with a shackle. My 28 is similar just 4 inch diameter steel. I had a local welder help me with the fabrication. Make a hammer with the same 4 inch diameter steel by having a hole drilled through the center and sliding it onto some PVC.
As for a caber, you need a small tree or the top of a big tree. For practice I think it is better to start with a small caber (thin and light but long 18 feet). Some people have had luck with 4 x 4 lumber that they shape at the end.
I used to throw in NorCal until I moved to TX. Great group of throwers out there, and SHA really does a good job running games. So far, the games I’ve been to in TX haven’t been as well organized. If you PM me I can get you in touch with the guys I used to practice with. They have full equipment, cabers, etc.
For equipment, I got a 28# and 56# from the Old Celt, his ad is on NASGA. The weights were well made, and the price (even with shipping to CA) was good. I made a practice hammer head with some cheap 5# plates duct-taped together. Not great, but it works OK for practice.
I’ve thrown for three seasons now and getting ready for 2011. I have a 42 WFD (and WOB) from Bobby Dodd in Washington, a homemade 28 WFD, a 16lb hammer, Braemar and Open stones, a fork and 16lb sheaf for practice. Also a 15’X 80lb practice caber. Anyone wanting to get in the game, I’m available to train with.