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!