Intro/Training

**Dave Ogilbee** · 25th June 09, 09:18 AM

Hi guys. Newbie here, anxious to get my first comp under my belt, which looks like it could be either A) Sept. in Fresno CA or B) SCOTLAND at the Airlie Castle games (if the stars align, this would be my preference). Was planning a trip to Scotland mid to late summer and found out about this comp in researching family castles.
I recently sent my membership app. to the SAAA, made my training implements (WOB, WFD, Hammer, etc) and have been practicing Sat mornings at a local field. I'm from the central valley CA, Turlock/Modesto area and I'd really like to find some local guys to train with, if any exist that is

Anyway, just saying hey, and of course any tips would be appreciated!

Cheers!

**HeathBar** · 25th June 09, 10:03 AM

Welcome to the group. You'll enjoy competing. You might want to re-think making your first appearance at a games in Scotland. They usually have different rules about who they let throw in their games. Some games are considered invitational and some are open. But you might have to be able to meet certain requirements before moving on. You might want to check with the AD for the games to see what they allow. That's good to do for any place. Many have pre-registration that fills up well before the event day.

I just finished my first competition and I wish I had more than 3 weeks to prepare. Its fun and the guys I threw with were all very helpful. I wish I had someone close to practice with. Someone with experience that is. I don't want to start any bad habits that a pro could spot out.

Best of luck, and let us know what you decide.

**Dall_Piobaire** · 25th June 09, 10:15 AM

There are so many games to cut your teeth on here in the states, there have got to be more than just a few in your area! It would seem to me to be tough on so many levels to go over and compete, even with just a couple seasons of experience. But, I am piper so that is the only frame of reference I have.

Are there levels, or is it just Amateur and Open? How does one practise the Caber? I am trying to get my son in it, can't afford to mess up my fingers and shoulders, already bad enough trying to play catch up!

**HeathBar** · 25th June 09, 10:24 AM

http://www.albagames.co.uk/

This link has information about getting started in games in Scotland. It talks about local events leading up to senior events. Then there are two different organizations that officiate the games. And I'm not sure if you have to join one or the other. It would be worth reading up on if you were interested in going that route. The game you mentioned might be the Cortachy Highland Games. It was the only one I could find on the Airlie Estates. But I did not find a website for it.

**Alan H** · 25th June 09, 11:05 AM

Turlock? LOLOLOLOL...

Yeah, you have somebody to train with in your locale. He's pretty good, I guess.

His name is Ryan Vierra.

Uh........he's a five times world champion, and eleven time North American Champion. He's also the throwing coach at Modesto Community College.

There's also a local beekeeper by the name of Rusty Price, who is sort of OK. You know, he's now the two-time National Champion in both the Braemar and Open stones.

He just posted a Braemar toss of 42 feet and change at the Modesto Games. Rusty just threw the 28 lb weight for distance 79 feet at the Modesto Games. Those are OK marks, I guess.

Ryan Vierra has a web site. He's an extremely nice guy, very approachable and while he charges for clinic time, he'll know who's around locally to work out with. Google him and call him up.

**Alan H** · 25th June 09, 11:41 AM

Here's the site for the SHA, our local Nor Cal organization.

http://www.rwdb.us/sha/index.cfm

Dunsmuir House Games are in Oakland but they're coming up pretty fast. I might pass on those if I were you. I mean, come out and watch, for sure but that's pretty quick for your first Games. However, the Monterey Games are in Monterey, California and they are the first weekend in August. Absolutely, you could throw in the C's at Monterey.

You can pretty easily put together a busy "late season" hereabouts.

Monterey...August

Pleasanton...it's by invitation over Labor Day weekend, but come out and watch the Pro's. The best Pros and top level A's are at Pleasanton. You will get an eyeful, believe me, and it's an education. Besides, you'll meet the rest of the Nor Cal Rabble.

Fresno... late September

Ventura or Reno...mid October. These are SAAA events

**Dave Ogilbee** · 25th June 09, 08:36 PM

Thanks for all the info Gents.

I did email the AD about the Cortachy Games. Basically an open event, just check in before a certain time in the morning and be prepped w/ kilt on, etc. I think i'm going to plan it for next year however, had some other things come up on my agenda.
Wouldn't mind making it out to Monterey that first weekend in Aug. I figure I would be ready to get going by then. The Sept. games in Fresno was definitely on my schedule.
Alan:

I had read about Ryan before, but didn't realize he was so close. Like I said, I'm new to this, but I'm sure I'll get to know guys soon enough! Modesto JC is just a stones throw (pun intended) from me, so I'm sure I could talk to him.

**Alan H** · 26th June 09, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by Dave Ogilbee

Thanks for all the info Gents.

I did email the AD about the Cortachy Games. Basically an open event, just check in before a certain time in the morning and be prepped w/ kilt on, etc. I think i'm going to plan it for next year however, had some other things come up on my agenda.
Wouldn't mind making it out to Monterey that first weekend in Aug. I figure I would be ready to get going by then. The Sept. games in Fresno was definitely on my schedule.
Alan:

I had read about Ryan before, but didn't realize he was so close. Like I said, I'm new to this, but I'm sure I'll get to know guys soon enough! Modesto JC is just a stones throw (pun intended) from me, so I'm sure I could talk to him.

Ryan has a mess of his younger throwers do some Highland games after their track season is over, so there are guys to throw with. Rusty threw a track season at MCC this year, so missed a couple of the early Games, but I'm sure back into it, now that summer is here..

**Arizona Scot** · 21st July 09, 11:36 AM

Dave I'm not sure exactly where you are located but I just moved to California and am looking for some throwing partners also. I live in San Clemente, down by San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point. If this is not to far pm me and maybe we can get together.

**Dave Ogilbee** · 21st July 09, 01:13 PM

Sorry mate, I'm quite a ways away from there! But that's down south far enough that I'm sure there are quite a few other folks to get together with in the area.