30-YO Rookie.

[CoreyMacLeod]

All, I really want to try my hand with the athletics next year. I don't get to many games at all, but want to give it a shot at the ones I do make. Advice from you experienced members is appreciated.

[HeathBar]

Well, a few weeks ago I was a 35 year old rookie. I guess I still am if you count the whole season and not just one game. Anyways, like Alan said in another thread, read the stickies in this forum. Lots of good info. Read the forums on www.nasgaweb.com. Since you are in the southeast, you should also check out www.thessaaa.org and highlandathletics.com. These are folks in the southeast region.

You look like a braw lad and have probably spent some time in a gym. So heavy things may not scare you. I need to get in a gym to add some strength. From what I read most of the lifts throwers do focus on quickness and multiple muscle groups. Such as dead lifts, clings, front and back squats, and dumbbell presses. And I think a high weight low rep is the usual routine. But you should find what works for you.

In most games you will usually do at least seven events. If anything is left out it is usually the stone put and the light hammer. Sometimes finding a field that the A's can safely throw a light hammer is hard to do. And yes, you will have to do the sheaf if you do games on the east coast.

There are lots of suggestions for making your own implements in other threads. Study them. Or find some guys in your area that are already throwing and work with them. Speaking of the guys, they are usually very welcoming of newbies. Anything that helps the sport to grow. And its better to learn your technique from an experienced thrower.

The next thing to do is watch the youtube videos. Hunt for ones of the pros like Larry Brock or Craig Smith. If you are going to watch someone, watch someone who knows what they are doing.

At the event... Get there early and get to know who you will be throwing with. You will likely be throwing with the B class. Not too many games around here have enough competitors to have a C class. Usually by the first event, you will know the guys names. And most important, don't forget to take your turn shagging the weights. Nobody likes the guy who thinks he's too good to shag. And by shagging I mean returning the weight to the throwing area for the next competitor. If you don't know how to do something, ask questions. There are no trade secrets. Everyone is usually happy to help. Don't worry if you can't pick the caber your first time out. Its harder than it looks. Don't wear your best kilt and most favorite kilt. Wear comfortable shoes. Don't go out and buy a lot of new equipment until you know you wan to do this more than a couple times. Bring a towel, bring two towels. Maybe bring an extra if someone forgets. You will make a friend that way. The 56lb weight is humbling. At my first games, there was a guy who owned a gym, was 290lbs and built like a brick ****house. He told me that the 56lb WFD scared him. I would stick to single spins on the distance throws. For my last throw on the 56lb weight, I walked up to the trig and did an underhand swing and let go. It went 15 feet. I was thrilled.

There is so much more I could tell you from my first experience. But I've already said enough. Hopefully you will find some of it useful.

Anything else you want to know that I didn't mention?

[Detroitpete]

Corey,

Welcome! Anyone who sees a caber turned, stone thrown or weight foisted and says, "I'd like to do that" is our kinda guy.

There are some here with a lot more experience than I have, but I'll toss out my 2 cents worth for you. Read the "sticky" posts at the top of this forum. They are "so you want to be an athlete..." And the other is about throwing equipment.

Then I'd say go to the games and chat with the lads. We are VERY accomodating to anyone who wants to learn. Find out if there are local guys practicing and hook up with them. Then, well...practice. If there aren't local guys/gals, then most of your practice will be by yourself. Don't let that worry you. I live in Detroit and practice in a city park! Check out videos on youtube. I'm sure guys here can point you to some.

Next, enter a competition. Let them know you are a novice and just mash in with the rest. From my experience, you'll get great coaching from the other guys. We want new people in the sport and we want you to have as much fun as we do.

This is exactly how I started and I started at 42 years old, 5'7" and 185 lbs.

Here's my word of caution though:

See this as a chance to enjoy the brotherhood of others who throw heavy stuff for fun. Laugh. Don't take yourself or the competition too seriously. Make friends and laugh some more. I've seen the intensely competitive types show up, growl and gouse, be all too intense and flame out. You need friends at these games cheering you on. I always say--we don't compete in the Games--we SURVIVE them.

At my first competition a guy in my division pulled me to the side and helped me a bit on technique and I wound up beating him. He was cheering the loudest for me and was the first to shake my hand.

30 is a great time to start--it gives you 15 years before your in my division LOL!

Trust me, once you do it: pick a caber, put a stone, swing a weight and foist a sheaf in competition, you will love it!

Compete against yourself--your own Personal Records (PRs) and enjoy the games!

Welcome brother!

[Alan H]

I can't add a lot to what's already been written.

I'll just say this.... If you want to try it, then DO it. "There's always the next Games" will get you watching the lads at the next Games, and the next Games and the next Games.

Being all worried about whether you're big enough or strong enough or fast enough or experienced enough is a waste of energy. You ARE all of those things, because you're out there to do your best, not beat a whole bunch of other guys who are your mates.

maybe someday, in a couple of years when you hit the upper level of the A athletes, and trying to break into the Pro's, THEN you worry about beating the other guys. For now, get out and throw, have a freaking great old time, and give back to the sport when you can.

[Alan H]

You're in South Carolina? Crikey, there are MOBS of guys who throw in south carolina.

Get on the NASGA site (http://www.nasgaweb.com) start reading, and put up a post that says you're looking for someone to work out with.

[Arizona Scot]

I can't really add anything to what has been said except welcome to another athlete.

[TimC]

3 years ago, I was a 43 y/o rookie. And at 5' 8" (on a good day) and 175 lbs. (again, on a good day), I say go for it. There is so much good information here and on the rest of the web...but my advice, go out and do it. There is nothing like just getting in the mix and then working it out from there. Welcome to the madness and the passion!

-Tim

[CoreyMacLeod]

Thanks y'all.

[Detroitpete]

Corey,

Welcome to the MADNESS!!!!! Just remember to bring Motrin and Biofreeze.