Ah, but it's such a fun time. You're only sore for a week or so after the competitions, not so bad.

KiltedWonder, give it a shot. Start yourself off with a couple river rocks, one around 16lbs and another around 22lbs. Go for nicely rounded 'loaf' shaped ones. The price is right (free usually) so it's a good place to start.

For those interested in cost, each 30' section of chain was running me about $35.00, assorted hardware, PVC, EMT, and a D handle cost me an additional $30.00 total.