By Margaret Maccoll
After 42 years of woodchop, Phil Campbell still holds the sport in which he has won numerous titles in high regard. This week Phil competes at the Brisbane Ekka as a hobby.
The Cooroy builder started woodchop in Perth at the age of 20 when his older brother took up the sport.
As captain of the Australian side he will this week compete against New Zealand.
Over the years, he’s won world and national titles and can “still match it with the best” in cross cut sawing.
Phil’s son Dean, 32, is also on the Australian side and regularly teams up with his dad for the double hand saw.
“There are not too many father and son teams,” Phil said. “That’s an honour.”
Phil said it was very much a family and social-oriented sport. There are plenty of Jack and Jill teams with husbands and wives sawing together and the handicap system which staggers the times competitors begin their chop allows people of all ages to be part of the race.
“We’ve got guys who are 80 years old. It gives those guys a chance to compete and have a win,” he said.
Phil said it was skill not size that mattered when it came to woodchop, but added size did help.
“You don’t have to be a massive bloke. It’s got a lot to do with co-ordination and timing, but if you’re big and strong as well you’re awesome.
He said one member of the Australian team, David Foster, fits the category and was the main man of woodchop for about 30 years.
“He’s a massive bloke and quick and agile.
Phil spends most weekends away at woodchop event and when not competing, his training involves chopping logs.
“You have to use the axe to keep the eye in,” he said.
After the Ekka, Phil will be competing at the Noosa Show.
