Opened my big mouth

**DTrain** · 14th July 08, 04:31 PM

I was at my gym the other day trying to get in shape, thinking of maybe trying my hand at future highland games. I have noticed (like most gyms) a predominance of muscular meatheads and thought "probably some guys in here who would be great at highland athletics."

Well, the gym I go to has an outdoor walking track 400 meters around with a inner field. I thought this looked great for a practice area for hammer throw, WFD, caber toss, etc. I was thinking of getting together a "club" of guys to begin trying some of these events using the info and tutorials provided here. You know, a group to work with and learn together. When I checked with the manager, he says "That's a great idea, why don't we offer a class in this and YOU can be the instructor."

He was serious. I tried to explain that I know NOTHING about this and have NEVER done it before. Talk about blind leading the blind.

I don't know of any athletes (highland athletes) in my area. Any suggestions?
The best I could think of was looking for a local track and field coach who might have some generic tips since the shot put and hammer throw do exist in modern field events.

**McMurdo** · 14th July 08, 04:35 PM

Perhaps you could get in touch with the local highland games to see where they get their athletes from, it may be worth a shot.

**Panache** · 14th July 08, 04:40 PM

I would PM Yaish ASAP. He is our resident expert on Highland Athletics and will steer you to the right resources (including hopefully an instructor).

I admire your interest but I really think it might be a very bad idea trying to teach others to do this if you have no experience. There is a whole lot to Highland Athletics beyond strength. One could easily hurt oneself pretty badly .

YAISH

PM

NOW!

Cheers

Jamie

**Ryan Nielson** · 15th July 08, 09:51 AM

If you are going to go for it I'd start practicing immediately, learn everything you can on the internet. I'd start with the events that will be safest and easiest to learn and add more events as you start to learn more. If it was me I'd do it, but I have a lot of passion for this thing and I care deeply about it.

**pdcorlis** · 15th July 08, 10:03 AM

In our family we call this the "ice tea plunge" - I highly recommend jumping in at the deep end - enjoy the adventure!

**Nighthawk** · 15th July 08, 11:13 AM

Originally Posted by Panache

I would PM Yaish ASAP. He is our resident expert on Highland Athletics and will steer you to the right resources (including hopefully an instructor).

I admire your interest but I really think it might be a very bad idea trying to teach others to do this if you have no experience. There is a whole lot to Highland Athletics beyond strength. One could easily hurt oneself pretty badly .

YAISH

PM

NOW!

Cheers

Jamie

Yes sir! As some of you know, I've been practicing shotokan karate for a few years now, and I see a lot of the same body mechanics being used in Highland athletics that martial artists use. It doesn't make much difference how strong you are (within reason). It's more about the technique than anything else. So what Panache said... He's a wise man.

**Darkislander** · 15th July 08, 03:42 PM

Never really had much success in gyms myself. First machine I tried made me sick after half an hour (it was the vending machine - mmm chocolate). Watched this guy do flips, squats etc to which I said: "wish I could do that". He asked, "are you flexible" to which I replied "sorry can't do Tuesdays and Fridays."

**DTrain** · 15th July 08, 09:18 PM

Well, wanted to clarify--this was only a conversation with the owner, it is far from a done deal. He tossed out the offer, seriously, and I expressed my doubt, seriously.

I had in mind an "interest group" or "training group" for encouragement and support. The owner has in mind making money.

I have taken some advice from this thread and we'll see what happens.

THanks

**SteveB** · 15th July 08, 09:50 PM

Please go forth with care and safety. The goal is to have fun, not the caber comfortably resting through your stomach, or the stone doing a bounce test on your head.
Safety is good instruction by a professional.
Safety is knowing when to stand back.
Safety is knowing when to stop.
Ambulance rides are very expensive.

**Arizona Scot** · 22nd July 08, 10:08 PM

Dtrain what you have described is exactly what me and a few friends have started doing. Using the instructions in the practice equipment thread I built my own throwing implements, then the next step was to learn as much as possible on the internet. Then I started to practice at a local park, just me at first then some of my buddies from the local kilt club started to come too. We now meet every Monday and Thursday and have even found a local athlete that competes at the A level to give us some pointers. The only thing stopping you is you. Look up nasgaweb.com and also try kiltedthrower.com and ryanvierra.com these will give some idea of what is out there. Also try googling highland competitions for your state then contact them to see if anyone in your area is practicing or giving lessons. The one thing that I have learned about this sport is that almost everyone seems to be more than willing to help a newbie out, the comradirie is unbelievable. Good luck