The Lumberjack World Championships.
The DECKED team rolled into the 65th annual Lumberjack World Championships in Hayward, Wisconsin, and we were welcomed with open arms (large arms) and a hearty “Yo-Ho!” (Logger-speak for “hello, friend”) from the best lumberjacks and lumberjills in the world.
We came looking for chainsaws, cheese curds, and flannel — and we weren’t disappointed. But we also came to answer a few burning questions. Like:
- Which DECKED employee is the best at log rolling?
- Are lumberjacks stronger than Colorado rock climbers?
- Can we survive a week consuming nothing but cheese curds, sawdust, and spotted cow?
- Do they allow amateurs to climb the speed-climbing poll?
To find out, we sent in our crack team of cheese-curd-loving lumberjack wannabes.
WELCOME TO THE LUMBERJACK BOWL.
We set up shop at Lumberjack Bowl and found out early that the locals know their way around a solid piece of gear. We talked shop, shared stories, and made sure people got hands-on with the DECKED lineup. Thankfully, nobody ripped the handles off any DECKED products.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper showing without a little competition. Our Tough Guy Challenge tests grip strength, and almost all who step up to the plate fail. Not long ago, a bunch of Colorado rock climbers talked a big game at GoPro Mountain Games, but none of them succeeded.
We’re happy to report that the world’s best lumberjacks are the real deal, and have the grip strength to prove it. Many Tough Guys were crowned.
LOOKIN’ GOOD IN SUSPENDERS.
To keep the energy high, we handed out limited edition DECKED Suspender Tees and our ever-popular chainsaw stickers (a hit with kids and pros alike). Oh, and did we mention the 60-foot speed-climbing pole was hand-painted with the DECKED logo?
Since our name was on the pole, we asked the officials if we could try to climb it. They informed us that it was only for people who qualified for the World Championships. Maybe next year.
MAN VS LOG.
Instead of speed-climbing, the organizers let us take a shot at something a little less dangerous: logrolling. Sam LaSalle, Vice President of the United States Logrolling Association, gave us a tutorial, and then we were off and rolling, trying to send our coworkers into the lake.
Who won? The log.
FRIED CHEESE MAKES YOU STRONG.
No trip to the Lumberjack World Championships in Wisconsin would be complete without a review of the food. And what was on the menu? Fried cheese curds, prime rib sandwiches, and Spotted Cow ale.
The curds were crunchy, gooey and delicious. The prime rib sandwiches were divine. And the Spotted Cow hit the spot every time.
We came home feeling stronger than ever.
YO-HO TIL NEXT YEAR.
Big congrats to the newly crowned World Champions — true legends of the log. We were proud to be part of the celebration of strength, skill, and tradition.
See you next year, Hayward. Until then... Yo-Ho!
