You've got to roll with it

Canadian Darren Hudson, current two-times world champion log roller, feels privileged to be back in New Zealand to spread his knowledge of the sport.
As part of his tour, Darren, who comes from five generations of log rollers, will join the Kiwi Loggersports team to demonstrate chainsaw carving, axe throwing, crosscut sawing and his logrolling moves at this year's Royal Easter Show.
The 164-year-old show, the country's largest and most varied family festival, has something for everyone, including new international acts.
All the old favourites remain, such as the ever-popular carnival with its rides and stalls, the Cadbury Great Bunny Show, the Royal Easter Cat Show, displays of award-winning wines from the Royal Easter Show Wine Awards as well as street entertainers.
The five-day event will also feature local animals competing for honours at the show - alpacas, dairy and beef cattle, calves, donkeys, goats, pigs, poultry, rabbits and sheep.
The show is expected to attract a large crowd, based on its track record of 82,000 visitors last year.
Darren, who spends between 15-18 hours a week practising on logs, says he was destined to learn the sport, having grown up on the Barrington River in Nova Scotia.
He says, ``I love everything about log rolling. It's a beautiful game because of its intricate nature.
``I really enjoy the cat and mouse game that you play with your opponent.''
The 27-year-old says it can get tiring over a long period of time but never boring because ``I'm always refining my technique.''
Besides physical training like running up 1000m-high mountains and skipping, Darren spends many late nights discussing strategies with his uncle, nine-times champion Phil Scott.
Darren says, ``Patience and enticing the other person to be the aggressor help you maintain the perfect stance. You need to be able to wait patiently until your opponent starts to break down mentally. And above all, never show any weakness.'' - by Sharu Delilkan
Royal Easter Show, ASB Showgrounds, April 5-9. For details see www.royaleastershow.co.nz.