Wannabe loggers can take a crack at skills in Sultan

Published 10:59 pm Friday, June 5, 2009

SULTAN — So you want to be a logger?

Here’s your chance.

The Sultan-Sky Valley Chamber of Commerce is offering lessons in classic logging skills, including spar-pole climbing, axe throwing and line splicing, every Saturday this month beginning this Saturday at Sultan River Park downtown.

This is the second year the chamber has offered the classes. They’re designed to give novices a taste of logger life and prepare local people to participate in contests at the annual Shindig celebration in July, said Debbie Copple, director of the chamber.

Members of Sky Valley Loggers teach the classes, which include skills that working loggers use in their day-to-day jobs, she said.

“These are all people who have worked in the industry many years,” Copple said.

One of the classes involves climbing part way up an 85-foot pole. Another involves the art of line splicing, a method of repairing cable.

Participants wear safety gear. Children and adults are welcome, she said.

The classes begin at 10 a.m. and run until everyone has had enough. The cost is $10 for each class. Students should wear boots or sturdy shoes with a heel and bring a long-sleeve shirt or jacket.

The chamber asks participants to register in advance by calling 360-793-0983.

Debra Smith: 425-339-3197, dsmith@heraldnet.com.