The Caber Toss

Often considered the signature event of the games, this is a test of accuracy rather than distance.

• The Implement: A long, tapered log (usually Scots pine) called a caber, typically 16–22 feet long and weighing 100–180 lbs.

• The Goal: The athlete hoists the caber upright, balances it, and runs before “tossing” it so that the large end hits the ground and the small end flips over.

• Scoring: Success is measured on a “clock face.” A perfect toss lands at 12:00, meaning the caber flipped straight over and fell directly away from the thrower.