The 2012 Olympics are right around the corner, so it only makes sense that we have our own Hammock Olympics!
Warm up all you competitive hangers! Now is your chance to compete for the coveted Gold, Silver, and Cuben-fiber "medals" that will be cherished for years to come.
I was inspired after reading a quote on the Hennessy Hammock site about a scout who set up his hammock in 38 seconds. There are no other details about the criteria for this speed record, but I figured we could set up our own event and let the forum score the outcome.
For this olympics, any hammock, tarp, bug net, and insulation style can be used (e.g., bridge hammocks, gathered-end, spreader-bar, full-length UQ, hex tarp, asym, etc.). Use the gear you feel gives you the best competitive advantage. The judging panel (you) will ultimately decide if a competitor should be disqualified for "illegal" gear.
HAMMOCK OLYMPICS 2012
EVENTS
1 - The Dash
This event is to find out how quickly a hammock can be pitched. Tree webbing straps must be used. This event is all about the hammock alone. How fast can you go from stuff sack to sag? Time ends when the competitor lays in the hammock without the hammock failing.
Can the 38-second barrier be breached? Points for speed, safety, and style.
2 - The Long Throw
This event is to see how far apart you can hang your hammock without the use of tools or supports (e.g., ladders). Just how far you can reach and safely hang. This event pits the competitor against the natural selection of trees/supports that aren't the ideal distance apart.
Once the hammock is hung, the competitor must enter the hammock. The hammock must not touch the ground. Points for distance, speed, and safety considerations.
3 - The Pitch
This event pits olympian against Mother Nature. This may be a tough one to compete in because it _requires_ wet weather. The competitor must pitch a tarp in wet weather (doesn't have to be a gale; drizzly rain works, or a well-placed sprinkler or hose) as quickly as possible. Time stops when the competitor sits under the tarp. No hammock needs to be hung.
Points for speed, safety, and ability for competitor to stay dry under pitched tarp.
4 - Hammock Pentathlon
This is the ultimate, most coveted event in the Hammock Olympics. The competitor must put together a complete hammock system, including:
* Tarp
* Hammock
* Bug net (can be integrated)
* Top insulation (e.g., sleeping bag, top quilt)
* Bottom insulation (e.g., pad, under quilt)
Once all the elements are properly hung, the competitor must lay in the hammock and get in the insulation, protected under the bug net and tarp.
Having a videographer for this event is helpful.
Points for each element, speed, style (e.g., taut pitch tarp, good sag in the hammock if applicable, "porch mode", winter mode, etc.), and safety. For example, someone might earn points for style with a fairly quickly pitched "porched" hex tarp and _tie_ with someone who just pitched a wicked fast asym tarp.
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HOW TO COMPETE
The Hammock Olympics begins NOW through the end of the regular summer 2012 olympics (Sunday, August 12, 2012). You have time to train and practice and post your best entry.
You can post ONE (1) video per event. After the scoring is complete, the high-scoring competitors will have a final match-up to determine the olympians.
Entries must be _uncut_ VIDEOs posted publicly and then linked here on the forums. The judges (you) will determine if the videos have been edited or retouched in such a way that would disqualify the entry.
SCORING
All events are scored on a 1-10 scale. Voting is open to forum members. Competitors cannot vote. Points should be awarded for 1) successfully accomplishing the goal (e.g, speed, distance, etc.), 2) safety, 3) use of standard protections and practices (e.g., tree webbing straps, LNT practices), 4) creativity, and 5) presentation.
We will start four (4) new threads for each event. Post your video entry in that thread. Judges must enter their score next to the handle of the competitor, like this:
> dejoha - 9.5
If you judge an entry, you must score ALL competitors so the points will be fair.
Scores will be tallied in a Google spreadsheet for all to view.
The top 4 scores will be entered into the final match to determine the winners.
SAFETY
It must be stressed that this is not a Jack *** competition. Points are awarded for safe practices. Unsafe or extremely risky hangs (e.g., over canyons, high hangs, etc.) may disqualify the competitor and their entry removed. Undue risk is not "style," it's "stupid."
AWARDS
I'm still figuring that out. Probably some hammock gear I have in my closet that is colored gold, silver, and cuben-fiber Plus a home-made medallion. How's that?
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