Sources for Information
MASA - Mid-Atlantic - http://www.heavyevents.com
SSAAA - Southeast - http://www.thessaaa.org/
NESA - Northeast - http://www.newenglandstrength.com/index.htm
GLSAA - Great Lakes - http://www.glsaa.com
NCHA - North Central - http://www.northcentralheavies.com
RMSA - Midwest - http://www.rmsa.org
SAAA - West Coast - http://www.saaa-net.org
NASGA - North America (also general gathering message board for Highland Games) - http://www.nasgaweb.com
The Events
Open Stone (16 - 22 lbs) - http://www.highlandgames.net/videos/vierra-stone-2.mpg
Braemar Stone (22 - 28 lbs) - http://www.highlandgames.net/videos/gudmundson-braemar-2.mpg
56# Heavy Weight for Distance - http://www.highlandgames.net/videos/sandford-56-1.mpg
28# Light Weight for Distance- http://www.highlandgames.net/videos/brebner-28-1.mpg
22# Heavy Hammer - http://www.highlandgames.net/videos/vierra-22-3.mpg
16# Light Hammer - http://www.highlandgames.net/videos/king-16-1.mpg
Caber Toss - http://www.highlandgames.net/videos/vierra-caber-1.mpg
16# Sheaf Toss - http://www.highlandgames.net/videos/kd-wr.mpg
56# Weight Over Bar - http://www.highlandgames.net/videos/sandford-wob.mpg
Rules
You can review the MASA rules here: http://www.heavyevents.com/rules/index.php
Local Training Groups
Post your name and where you live - with a request for in-person help on the Training page of this forum, or Private Message Bryan McClain, aka Sheaf Daddy, from this forum and he will help you find a training group in your area.
Signing Up for MASA Competitions
Please read the other Announcement titled Competition Registration Procedure - http://www.heavyevents.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=153 - and follow the directions for monitoring competition dates, available classes, and registration opening dates.
How to Get Started
1. Review online videos for the events. Good sources include: Google (search for Highland Games), Ryan Vierra ( http://www.youtube.com/user/throwfarther) and Sorinex - http://sorinexforums.com/community/forumdisplay.php?s=91c81d254d84632ceb116e2177769990&f=8
2. Find an experienced thrower in your area and learn the basics.
3. Find a clinic and attend. Larry Brock - http://www.brockthrow.com - and Ryan Vierra - http://www.ryanvierrausa.com/ are top pro's that both conduct top-notch clinics.
4. Video yourself throwing and compare to better throwers so you can learn to identify your mistakes.
5. Get out and compete!
Equipment
Malcolm Doying (Old Celt) - http://www.nasgaweb.com/ads/oldcelt/
Tony Dziepak has some ideas on everything, including making training equipment - http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/8682/heavy/
Tacky - A sticky substance that helps you hold onto the weights and hammers. Larry Brock - http://www.brockthrow.com is the best source.
What to Wear?
Requirements for competition: Kilt and Highland Hose.
Kilts - A lot of the guys like Stillwater Kilts - http://www.stillwaterkilts.com/ - or Sportkilt - http://www.sportkilt.com/ - for fairly cheap and functional kilts. You can also do a search and find many custom kilt makers for higher end kilts. You can also get your Highland Hose (long socks basically) from the kiltmakers.
Shoes - A lot of guys wear Tanel 360 - http://www.tanel360.com/ - or javelin shoes (from track and field).
Posting Etiquette
- Use your real name when asking for help.
- If you expect people to give you help, be courteous enough to provide details like where you live, your basic background, etc.
What if I make a post like this? - "This is Big Daddy (no other name given) talkin to you. Why don't you help me get started and go ahead and sign me up for all the competitions while your at it."
I will definitely make sure you get into a competition...so I can beat the monkey crap out of you once I figure out who you are.