Genesis of the SAWA

In 1994 the North Carolina Axemen's Association was formed to promote lumberjack sports in NC, to represent this region's professional competitors on the national stage, and to foster the advancement of college competitors into the professional ranks.

 For several years the primary role of this association was related to providing clinics to train college competitors and to assist them with obtaining equipment. 

In 2002 the membership of the NCAA decided to expand operations to include neighboring states and to research the possibility of bringing professional competitions to this region. 

In 2003 the South Atlantic Woodsmen's Association was formed, from the core of the NCAA, and the SAWA Pro Lumberjack Series was born with a three contest series. 

In 2004 The SAWA expanded to 8 contests, with a consistent and professional format throughout every contest on the series. 

The SAWA continues working to expand the number of competition venues in the southeast and to bring increased corporate sponsorship into the series. 

The SAWA is a regional sub-association of the United States Axemen's Association and is represented on the USAA board by Mike Slingerland who is currently serving as President of both the USAA and the SAWA.