Beginner Resources
New to the sport or thinking about giving it a try? Welcome to logrolling!
Beginner Q&A
Q: What are the benefits of logrolling?
A: Logrolling fosters mental toughness, fitness, agility, quickness, and core strength. It's also a lot of fun for all ages!
Q: Who can learn how to logroll?
A: Anyone who can walk and swim!
Q: How long does it take to learn to logroll?
A: Learning to roll takes time, but the journey is a blast! If you can't stay on the log for more than a few seconds at first, don't sweat it. First-timers should aim to get at least a few steps on the log before falling into the water. Logrolling instructors will help each beginner find their footing and stay on the log longer and longer each session. With practice and patience, everybody can improve and achieve goals on the log!
Q: Is logrolling safe?
A: Yes! Logrolling is a very safe, low-impact sport. Logrolling injuries are very rare.
Q: Can I learn to logroll with my family?
A: Yes! Logrolling is a perfect activity for the whole family- the sport is accessible to kids and adults alike. If your child is six years old or younger, check your program's age requirements.
Q: Do I need logrolling shoes?
A: Beginners do not need to wear shoes. However, as rollers improve to an intermediate level, shoes are highly recommended for traction and ankle support. Lots of logrollers wear Merrell or New Balance trail running shoes with a grippy sole.
Q: Where can I sign up?
A: There are plenty of logrolling opportunities all across the Coulee Region! The Dahl Family Y in La Crosse offers year-round classes. Outdoor summer programs take place in La Crosse, Onalaska, Holmen, and La Crescent. Keep up to date with Coulee Region Logrolling for info on Try Logrolling events and area programs.
Q: How much experience do I need to try a logrolling tournament?
A: Not very much! Several logrolling tournaments open to brand-new beginners take place in the La Crosse area throughout the year. Don't be shy!
I'm new to tournaments!
Q: How does a match work?
A: Matches are best three out of five rolls (or "falls"). At some tournaments, matches are best two out of three. The roller who stays on the log longest (Last sole of the foot on the log) wins each fall.
Q: How do I get on the log at a tournament?
A: The log will ALWAYS be held for beginners. You might see more experienced rollers starting their match by holding onto poles.
Q: Who will I roll against?
A: Rollers are split into divisions based on age, gender, and/or experience level. There are two different types of tournament formats:
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Round Robin: Each roller rolls one match against everybody in their division.
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Double Elimination: Championship-style bracket (See example). A roller will compete until they've lost two matches or reached the 1st/2nd place or 3rd/4th place match.
Q: Are there tournaments JUST for beginners?
A: Yes. The Holmen Summer Splash (August) and Jingle Bell Roll Novice Tournament (December) are geared specifically to new rollers. However, beginners are welcome at all amateur tournaments!
Q: How often do I need to practice to enter a logrolling tournament? Do I need to take tournaments seriously?
A: That's up to you! Lots of beginner rollers participate in tournaments for the fun and experience. Tournaments are a great opportunity for rollers of all ages to make friends and have a blast. Others enjoy the challenge of improving. Like any sport, progress comes with practice. Talk to your instructor about it!
Q: What is the US Log Rolling Association?
A: The USLRA is the national governing body of the sport of logrolling. Many of the amateur tournaments in La Crosse are sanctioned by the USLRA, meaning the tournament format, age divisions, and rules align with the Association's.
If you are interested in competing in tournaments regularly, consider becoming a member of the USLRA! Members earn exclusive benefits and become eligible for Super Series/rankings points.
Q: What is Speed Rolling?
A: Speed Rolling is a fun and optional challenge at some of our Y tournaments. Rollers aim to spin the log as many times as possible.
Q: What is Boom Running?
A: Boom Running is the tough and exciting sister sport of logrolling: Boom Runners race across chained logs in the water. To boom run, athletes need several years of logrolling experience and spiked shoe