Photo Credit: theskichannel
On October 8th, Sunday River Ski Resort in Maine will host the 12th Annual North American Wife Carrying Championship (NAWCC). 51 couples are entered in this year’s free event, and for the first time in the history of the competition, the event is completely sold out of any further registration spots. Prizes for winning include five times the wife’s weight in cash, or the wife’s weight in beer.
The race is comprised of an obstacle course set out over 278 yards. Although most teams employ the “Estonian” method of carrying, teams are welcome to compete as they see fit. Usually the man carries his wife through the course where various barriers like hurdles, mud bogs, and a water trap make up the obstacles. Apparently the water trap is infamous, and is known as the “Widow Maker” to competitors and attendees.
Photo Credit: toughology.com
The story behind the contest and the “Estonian” carry technique is based in Finnish lore. The “Estonian” method is when the wife grabs the husband around his waist so she can then tighten her legs around his neck. This allows her husband’s hands to be free for easier navigating of the course. Sounds interesting (the completion AND the method of handling).
We’re awfully curious as to how this Finnish legend got started, how GNAR could get involved, and what might happen if a team did the “Estonian” method fakie? Some interesting possibilities to say the least.
