Tossing the caber (or cabar)

This is undoubtedly the most spectacular and popular event of the Gatherings. It became a sporting event as far back as the 16th century. It’s origins are believed to go back to the crofters.

When transporting newly felled tree trunks (cabars) back to their crofts, if a fast flowing steam had to be crossed, the cabers were tossed so that they would turn end over end with the thick end landing in the middle of the stream. The other end would continue to travel forward and fall on the opposite river bank, where it was dragged ashore.

This ancient practice is emulated in the sporting event called ‘tossing the caber’.

With the narrowest end resting on the ground, the heavy end is hoisted vertically. The athlete steps forward and takes charge of the caber. Resting it lightly against his shoulder and side of his neck, he bends down until his hands can grasp the bottom. He swiftly stands up, takes a short fast sprint, followed by an almighty heave, which sends the caber flying through the air. It starts to turn end over end when the thickest end strikes the ground. The narrow end must continue the turning motion until it falls pointing away from the competitor. Imagine a clock face on the ground. The athlete is at 6 o’clock, the thick end of the caber lands at the centre and the caber itself acts as one of the clock’s hands. The best ‘toss’ is the one where the caber points nearest to 12 o’clock.

Competition cabers are normally 17 to 20 feet long and weighing 100 to 175 lb.