There’s a new federation in town hoping to bridge the gap between Highland Games competitions and Strongman competitions called the North American Highlander Association.  Very cool.

Here’s how their contests work in the words of the organizations co-founder, D.J. Satterfield:

NAHA competitions consist of half strongman and half highland games events. This is a prerequisite for all competitions. Contests have either a total of 4, 6 or 8 events. The strongman events will consist of what everyone is accustomed to, ie: log press, farmers, stones, yoke, loading, truck pull, etc. and some other unique events.

The highland games portion must consist of any of the std. 9 highland game events, ie: light weight for distance, heavy weight for distance, light hammer throw, heavy hammer throw, open stone put, Braemar stone put, sheaf toss, weight over bar and caber.

There are a number of divisions including:

• Men’s lightweight, under 200#
• Men’s Middleweight, under 250#
• Men’s Heavyweight, over 250#
• Masters
• Women’s lightweight, under 160#
• Women’s heavyweight, over 160#

If you’re looking for another type of strength test for yourself, this sounds like a good one.   A mix of strength and skill.

Oh, and though it isn’t required, a Kilt is recommended.  I love any excuse to wear my Kilt!

There’s a contest happening up just north of Seattle I’m considering entering at the end of August.  We’ll see.  I’ll keep you posted.

And if you’ve entered one of these contests already, share your experience with us in the comments section.