Embedded Files
Stonelifting Background
Stonelifting is an ancient strength tradition that can be found in many diverse cultures around the world, including Iceland, Scotland, Ireland, Basque Country, Japan, French Polynesia, and others. In each place, there is a rich history and cultural tradition around stones of strength (“clach-neart” in Gaelic), and in some places the same stones have been lifted for hundreds of years and are given names. Stonelifting was an ancient way to measure strength, and was used in local festivals and competitions, as rites of passage, and even as a ‘job interview’ for warriors and fishermen. Here at Shaffer Park, we hope to start our own tradition of stonelifting with the introduction of the Santa Cruz Stones of Strength.
The Santa Cruz Stones of Strength
To Be Determined!
61.3 kg (135 lbs)
Become a part of the Santa Cruz Stones of Strength by helping us name this stone! Stay tuned for updates on the website and our social media sites about a contest to name this stone.
“Clach Shaffer” (Shaffer Stone)
123.5 kg (271 lbs)
Named in honor of Wayne Shaffer, who has created this private park and graciously shared his passion for strength sports of all kinds with the greater Santa Cruz and Bay Area community.
“Takakuna”
203.8 kg (448 lbs)
The Ohlone word for “powerful person,” Takakuna was also the name the indigenous people gave to an alleged local Bigfoot that, according to legend, lived just north of Felton (about 5 miles from this spot).
Natural Stonelifting Etiquette
Don’t Get Hurt
Stonelifting is inherently dangerous. If you are ill-prepared, please do some training with natural stones before attempting to lift these stones. Lifters assume all responsibility for any injuries incurred.
Respect The Stones
If possible, please do not drop the stones (unless you are avoiding injury – see above) and put them back where you found them. We wish to start a long tradition of lifting these very stones, and that begins with treating them with respect. Ideally, the stones are lowered with some degree of control, or dropped onto a pad.
No Tacky!
Chalk is o.k., but tacky is not allowed in natural stonelifting.
Stonelifting Levels
Level 1: “Putting the Wind Beneath the Stones” means simply lifting the stone clearly off the ground for at least two seconds.
Level 2: “Lapping the Stone” means getting the stone above the knees and sitting back with it into a squat.
Level 3: “Chesting the Stone” means standing tall with the stone at your chest in a bear hug.
Level 4: “Shouldering the Stone” means balancing the stone on one shoulder with only one hand holding it in place. The other arm should be extended out to the side to clearly indicate that only one hand is being used.
Level 5: “Pressing the Stone” means getting the stone overhead, ideally with arms fully extended and stable for one second.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse