InsideOutdoor Magazine

Inside Outdoor | SUMMER 2018 34 The Key Log team, Delaney added, is very excited about the idea of break- ing further into the consumer market. “The ability to sell first to institu- tions, and then to consumers really lengthens our product’s sales lifes- pan,” Delaney said. “We are also ex- cited about developing creative ways to work with retailers to reach con- sumers, first through rentals and dem- onstrations. Log rolling is so new to people so we believe that they would be interested in renting a Key Log for their families for the weekend to get introduced to the sport.” Delaney also pointed to another benefit of log rolling: It’s a great way to bring people into your store. “You can set up a super easy, af- fordable shallow-water pool indoors or in the parking lot and do demos. Log rolling is like eye candy, and people are really drawn to it.” At the very least, Delaney added, it’s important to respect log rolling as a popular recreational lifestyle sport with an Olympic vision. “It’s a sport that anyone of all ages can participate in. You can just have fun with it at the lake or a pool with friends and family. But you can also take it to the next level, and start train- ing and competing in tournaments. It’s thrilling to do and watch, but also ac- cessible to anyone.” m In-Season Summon your inner lumberjack; portaging the Key Log Key Log Rolling gave demos and lessons in Central Park this June as part of Adventures NYC, a free event put on by the New York City Parks Dept. Log Rolling Lingo Like any sport, log rolling has developed its own unique vocabulary over the years. Here are some key terms to know if you are considering a store demo: Birling: While most people today simply refer to this sport as log rolling, its formal name is birling — or rotating a log in the water by treading on it. Cuffing: This refers to the act of spinning the log forward or backward using short, rapid steps. Snubbing: Log rolling is a game of skill, and experienced athletes can “snub” their opponents by stopping or slowing the log. This requires some fancy footwork. Wetting: Opponents compete to “wet” their opponents, by causing them to fall into the water. Bobbing the log: Intentionally throwing a competitor off balance to get them to fall into the water.