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STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® Beginners’ programme

STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® actively seeks out young talent worldwide. In the USA for example, this takes the form of the Collegiate Series, in which around 1,250 students at 62 colleges are trained in the four disciplines of Single Buck, Standing Block Chop, Stock Saw, and Underhand Chop. In Norway, Sweden, and Austria, TIMBERSPORTS® is also available as an option in forestry schools or as an extracurricular activity for students. The sport helps to increase the attractiveness of a career in forestry. Germany runs a varied training and support programme through which anyone who is interested can get into the sport.

Click here to register and see an overview of dates on the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® website..

Talent scouting and action camp in Germany

A training centre has been set up in the Rhön Mountains to provide professional year-round training for future competitors. The training programme gives anyone interested the chance to test their skills with an axe and saw.

Attendees must be at least 18 years old, though in exceptional cases, forestry students may be accepted into the programme from the age of 14. Attendees don’t need to bring anything with them for the initial session, as we provide all necessary equipment and explain exactly how to use it.

The training given is in three of the six official TIMBERSPORTS® disciplines: Underhand Chop, Single Buck and Stock Saw.

In order to open up the training programme to as many participants as possible, we offer a range of training types.

As part of the talent scouting programme, attendees are tested in the various disciplines.

Talent scouting – your first step to becoming a competitive lumberjack

Think you could emulate Danny Martin, Nina Pokoyski and the rest?
Then come along to a talent scouting session and show us what you can do! Our trainers will check your knowledge of the basics and, most importantly, ascertain if you have the determination and drive to be in the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® Series. The talent scouting programme is designed for hopefuls under 30. There is an attendance fee of €180, with a reduced rate of €100 for individuals under the age of 23. Who knows; maybe one day you could be standing on the podium alongside the best competitive lumberjacks in Germany. 

Trainers are always on hand to offer advice to participants

Action Camp

Even if being a lumberjack is not the career for you, you can still take an opportunity to try out, hold, and get the feel of an axe or saw. At our Action Camp events attendees can learn all about the sport, and can experience for themselves just how much strength, technique, and passion is required of our athletes. It could even be your first step towards a long-term training commitment.

The Action Camp also costs €180 to attend, with a certificate of participation included. An Action Camp voucher makes the perfect gift for friends who would love to come along and experience the excitement of competitive lumberjacking.

Talent scouting sessions and Action Camps include professional instruction from our highly qualified trainers, rental of all training equipment, protective equipment, training timber, as well as food and drink for the day. Each attendee will take away a STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® t-shirt as a lasting reminder of their day.

Rookie Academy for top international talent

The Rookie Academy, led by Global Sports Director Spike Milton and supported by international coaches, gives promising young talent the perfect setting in which to complete their preparations for events. Preparation programmes include video analyses, as well as technique training and mental coaching.

Most young competitors experience their first taste of competition in Rookie Cups that take place as part of national championships, with winners at these events earning a place at the Rookie World Championship.

The podium at the 2019 Rookie World Championship