Logrolling (sport)

For the quid pro quo practice in politics, see logrolling.

"Roleo" redirects here. For the similarly named chocolate candy, see Rolo. For the similarly named concept, see role.

Log rolling

Logrolling (log birling or just birling), is a sport that originated in the lumberjack/log driver tradition of the northeastern United States and Canada, involving logs in a river (traditionally) or other body of water. After bringing their logs downriver, the lumberjacks have a competition to see who can balance on a log the longest while it is still rolling in the river.

The contest involves two lumberjacks, each on one end of a log floating in the river. One or the other starts "walking" (or "rolling") the log, and the other is forced to keep up. The contest involves attempting to stay on the log while attempting to cause the competitor to lose their balance and splash into the water.

Log sizes

There are four different sizes of logs currently used in competitions, though there are many other custom sizes used in training. Each log size has a number and color associated with it. In the United States the dimensions of the logs are standardized by the United States Log Rolling Association (USLRA) while CAN-LOG standardizes the sizes in Canada.

USLRA sizes I Log - 15 inches in diameter and 12 feet (3.7 m) long. II Log - 14 inches in diameter and 12 feet (3.7 m) long. III Log - 13 inches in diameter and 13 feet (4.0 m) long. IV Log - 12 inches in diameter and 13 feet (4.0 m) long. V Log (proposed) - 11 inches in diameter and 13 feet (4.0 m) long.

CAN-LOG sizes I Log - 17 inches in diameter and 12 or 13 feet (4.0 m) long. II Log - 15 inches in diameter and 12 or 13 feet (4.0 m) long. III Log - 13 inches in diameter and 12 or 13 feet (4.0 m) long. IV Log - 12 inches in diameter and 12 or 13 feet (4.0 m) long.

People

J.R. Salzman is a top log roller who has won many championships. In 2006, he suffered a serious limb injury while deployed in the Iraq War.

Roleo

A roleo is a logrolling competition where two people stand on a floating log and attempt to dislodge each other while spinning it. Victory is achieved by being the last one standing. These events have been televised on ESPN, as part of the Great Outdoor Games, and on the Outdoor Life Network.^{[citation needed]}

Rules

Over the years two main camps settled into the sphere of logrolling. These two distinct yet similar camps of thought developed into what is now commonly known as the "Flap Jack" and "Kinsey" rules.

Flap Jack logrolling has a slower rhythmic pace, as each lumberjack stands on the log facing outwards with their feet spread so that their feet almost touch. One lumberjack, also known as the "Jack," will get the match started by jumping and throwing his weight from side to side yelling "Flap Jack, Flap Jack" as each foot touches the log. As the game gets going, both lumberjacks will be shouting in unison until one less steady-footed fellow falls into the water.

Those who found the "Flap Jack" rules morally repugnant created what has today become known as the "Kinsey Rules." Under the Kinsey system each lumberjack will stand on opposite ends of the log facing each other. As both contestants look each other dead in the eye one lumberjack will start the match by running in place as fast as he possible can with his thighs raising to a 90 degree angle with his torso, and chanting "Kinsey, Kinsey, Kinsey" in a low monotone voice. Both lumberjacks continue this until one player falls into the water.

While both styles may seem to have the same end result, the Flap Jack style was created in the Cumberland Gap of Appalachia, while the Kinsey style was created in New Hampshire by Irish immigrants.

External links

• United States Log Rolling Association (USLRA)
• CAN-LOG
• Log Rolling from ESPN
• Picture
• American Birling Association