Gumboot Throwing

In Taihape, New Zealand, there is a celebration called gumboot day. This celebration takes place on the Tuesday that falls after Easter.  It was first celebrated in 985. From then onwards, it has become a regular celebration in these places. On this occasion, they host a game called gumboot throwing. This is a family affair, and people who are able to throw the gumboots the farthest distance win. Gumboots could be thrown in any direction. They can also be thrown in an upward direction.

 

This game involves fun and frivolity for young and old as whole families are involved in it. Thus, it makes the event more special. There are different sizes of gumboots and various colours. They might be heavy as well as light in nature. There is no special skill or training that is required for this game. Sometimes, it would depend on the effort put by the person to throw it really far. There is no age limit. Everybody and anybody can participate in it. This is why kids have the most fun during this event.

 

During the gumboot day, there are also some other events that take place, such as the best-looking gumboots as well as organising the shooting the loop with the gumboot. All these events are very well-organised, keeping in mind that it is a family affair and also the fun factor that should be involved. People love to participate in this game. As there is no skill required people prefer to participate rather than just watch. The number of participants has shot up as the years have gone by. The entire town would like to participate and have the time of their life. There are tourists who come into this city just to participate or to watch this event. There is no risk involved in this game as compared to any other game.

 

If you have a reasonably strong arm and enjoy throwing things, gumboot throwing is likely to be quite easy and right up your alley. Veteran gumboot throwers may differ in their approach to the sport. Some belong to the “hit and giggle” school of thought, joining in just for the fun of throwing things around for a laugh.  Others, however, are more serious, wanting to improve their performance over time. It is these people who have set, and continued to break, world records for gumboot throwing, proving that, perhaps, there is an art and technique behind the frivolity after all! For many, this is not important and just get joy out of the overall sport of it.

 

As far as the set-up of gumboot throwing competitions is concerned, unless world records are at stake, informality is usually the order of the day. Pre-registration is generally not required; interested onlookers need only walk up to the line and throw the gumboot as far as they possibly can. Most gumboot throwing competitions use distance as a yardstick to decide the winner. However, other categories, including most creative throwing method, highest throw, and lousiest throw, are part of the fun.