Highland games--where to start?

[Yaish]

Yes.

First, general strength training will be an asset, as will any track and field experience you have. Many Track and Field events are derived from their older, Highland equivalents.

For equipment you can find them online at places such as Mjolnir Hammers. As you can see, while good quality they can be quite expensive, not to mention shipping.

An easier and cheaper alternative is to make your own. I've made practice weights from common tow chain and other materials. Use the length of chain for the weight, then get the proper handle for the implement.

For example, on the hammer I used 22 lbs of chain, threaded with a smaller gage chain connected with a removable loop. This made a nice tight bundle of chain to act as my weight. I attached it to a 3/4" PVC shaft, with a collar made from 1" EMT conduit. The collar is just there to add strength at the attachment point. I drilled a hole through the EMT and PVC, threaded an eyebolt through, fixed it in place with a wingnut, and attached the chain weight. Works PERFECTLY, and it feels just like the real hammer when throwing.
As a bonus, the chain has 'give' so it doesnt make divots in the park and can even be used on pavement.

Same sort of deal with the Weight for Distance and Weight for Height. Use the correct amount of chain for the weight, and connect it to a D handle. Again, it works very well and I have been able to use that to help with my techniques.

I'll get off my butt and make a pictoral essay on 'how to' make the chain weights this weekend.

[emolas]

Yes.

First, general strength training will be an asset, as will any track and field experience you have. Many Track and Field events are derived from their older, Highland equivalents.

For equipment you can find them online at places such as Mjolnir Hammers. As you can see, while good quality they can be quite expensive, not to mention shipping.

An easier and cheaper alternative is to make your own. I've made practice weights from common tow chain and other materials. Use the length of chain for the weight, then get the proper handle for the implement.

For example, on the hammer I used 22 lbs of chain, threaded with a smaller gage chain connected with a removable loop. This made a nice tight bundle of chain to act as my weight. I attached it to a 3/4" PVC shaft, with a collar made from 1" EMT conduit. The collar is just there to add strength at the attachment point. I drilled a hole through the EMT and PVC, threaded an eyebolt through, fixed it in place with a wingnut, and attached the chain weight. Works PERFECTLY, and it feels just like the real hammer when throwing.
As a bonus, the chain has 'give' so it doesnt make divots in the park and can even be used on pavement.

Same sort of deal with the Weight for Distance and Weight for Height. Use the correct amount of chain for the weight, and connect it to a D handle. Again, it works very well and I have been able to use that to help with my techniques.

I'll get off my butt and make a pictoral essay on 'how to' make the chain weights this weekend.

I was looking into using lead and coffee cans but this is an excellent idea! I look forward to the tutorial.

[James MacMillan]

The big thing is that there is no standardization.

While in the olympics, the shot is a shot is a shot, and the javelin is..... well you get the idea.

With highland games, they just cut down the first abandoned telephone pole and they are set. Find a huge rock, likewise.

[Yaish]

Well, somewhat. The hammers and weights are pretty standard. The rocks and cabers are catch as you can. It can make it hard to compare scores across events, but within the same event all the competitors have equal footing.

Beware of using lead. It can be worked safely, but unsafe exposure levels are always a possibility. Heating it to melt it can be severely dangerous, and even using solid pieces can be hazardous as it creates dust that can be inhaled or ingested.