Lumberjack Water Sports FAQ

In order to combat some of the common emails we receive, we established this FAQ page to answer most of your questions. Please read through thoroughly to see if the answer to your question is listed here before contacting us. If it is not listed here, please do not hesitate to contact us. We may end up posting it here at a later date.

Where can I get a log?

All log rolling logs are made out of Western Red Cedar. So naturally, the Pacific Northwest is one of the easiest places to find log rolling logs. If I lived on the east coast, or anywhere else for that matter, I would start calling up log home builders (since they have lathes) or mills around your area. It may be kind of expensive, but it may be the only way to get a log. If you find a log home builder or a mill that can get cedar logs, all you need to give them is what size log rolling log you need (12"-15" in diameter depending on what log, go 15" if you're a beginner) and what length (12'-13', depending on what division it's for and what diameter) and they will mill them for you. You should be able to get a log "turned" for around 300 dollars. Getting it to where you live and plan on using it is another matter. If you're willing to make a lengthy road trip for a log (or logs) I would start calling mills in Northern Idaho, Oregon, etc. That's where most of us in the Midwest get them from. An alternative route is to call telephone pole supply companies (like Bell Pole) to get the raw cedar log(s), and then find someone with a log home lathe to turn it. We have tried this with mixed results. If you really want to get into log rolling, it won't be cheap. Some rollers spend thousands on logs just to get into the sport.

How can I get into Boom Running?

Unfortunately, boom running is one of those sports where you either have it, or you don't. There are few places in the world for anyone to practice. So, unless you're like some of the more fortunate individuals and have a special made pond and a boom in your backyard, you'll just have to try your luck like the rest of us. I really wish I could point everyone in a more positive direction, but at this point in time, there isn't one. Many of us have only run a boom once or twice all year before we compete at some of the contests because we do not have access to a boom. But, if you are really serious about wanting to learn how to boom run, you can read the tutorials and make your own. Before you run off and make a boom however, you need to learn how to log roll. Boom running is really rolling while running.

Are there any log rolling schools where I live?

There are quite a few log rolling schools in the United States. Unfortunately, the majority of them are concentrated in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The Hayward Log Rolling School located in Hayward Log Rolling School is one of the largest log rolling schools in the world. Unfortunately, it only runs during the months of June and July. For more information contact the Lumberjack World Championships. Other programs run throughout the year. Most programs are run at YMCA's or at Colleges and Universities. Cities with programs at YMCA's are Madison, WI, Lacrosse, WI, and Hudson, WI. New startup programs slated for this fall include the Eau Claire, WI, YMCA and St. Olaf University in Northfield, MN. Information on these slated programs will be provided as it becomes available.

What are log diameters and lengths?

Log rolling logs come in different 2 different lengths and 4 different diameters. Diameters are the same in all divisions: #1 log is 15", #2 log is 14", #3 log is 13", and #4 log is 12". Lengths are different based on what division they are being used for. Pro Men and Pro women roll are the only divisions that use two different lengths. #1 and #2 logs are 12' long, while #3 and #4 logs are 13' long. In all other divisions, all logs, 1-4 are 12' long.

If you are a beginner looking for a log and don't know what to buy, I recommend buying a #2 log. It is a bit harder to learn on, but will provide much better practice than a one log. That, and you won't outgrow it nearly as fast. A one log will quickly become boring as you become skilled.

How can I get a log shipped to me?

Unfortunately the only company that we are familiar with went out of business. You will have to look for a freight carrier. Check your local yellow pages.

How do I learn how to log roll?

Look for a log rolling school in your area. If you do not live near one, you might want to start by reading some of our great tutorials.