Mastery of woodchopping recognised

Broadwood-raised Selwyn Semenoff had his impressive woodchopping career recognised at the North Hokianga A&P show at Broadwood on Saturday, when he was presented with life membership of the Northland Axemen's Association.

Selwyn began chopping competitively in 1975 as a consequence of his wife Frances' family's involvement with the sport. His father-in-law, Pero Smith, was a notable axeman in his day, having won New Zealand championships, and was a great influence in Selwyn's early years.

The couple left the Hokianga in 1983 to live and work in Whangarei, where they still live.

The Northland competition in Selwyn's early days was a lot tougher than it is now, with bigger fields. At least 50 competitors would contest as many as eight events on the Christmas circuit. Selwyn mainly cut in the North, but also competed at the national championships.

One of the most notable competitors during Selwyn's career was Nelson Parker, who not only won most of the Northland championships but was a member of the New Zealand team for several years, and still holds New Zealand records. Innes Davidson was another of that vintage who had an outstanding career.

Stand-out moments for Selwyn included winning the $500 chop on the Christmas circuit event at Pawarenga in January 1978, in a field of 60 and starting on a 12-second handicap, winning the championship on the Christmas circuit at Kohukohu in 1983 against New Zealand team members and winning the Bill Shelford Memorial Trophy in 1987 and 2007.

Another highlight was being part of the New Zealand Veterans' team in 2011/12, the first Kiwi team to beat the Australians on their home soil.

Seeing his son Jason selected for both the New Zealand U21 and the New Zealand senior teams was also special.

On the subject of Saturday's presentation, Selwyn said he was rapt, although "I suppose it had to happen some time".

He also noted that chopping was regaining some of its past popularity.

"There's a lot of young guys getting into the sport. Those who have stopped playing rugby and want to keep doing something for their fitness or what have you seem to be picking up the axe and giving it a go," he said.

And in 29 years of wielding an axe, he had never had an accident. He also teaches the "young fullas" how to stand and chop safely.

He still enjoys the competitive nature of the sport and getting together with the other choppers, but it's more than a social outing.

"Wood chopping is an art. There's a technique to it for sure. You gotta get the right angle, try and hit a second a hit. There's a lot to do about breathing. If you don't hit at the right time you'll run out of breath."

He's now keeping the family woodchopping tradition alive by coaching and encouraging his grandsons in the sport, and continues to support other axemen with any knowledge or advice he can pass on. And he plans to keep winning off his 30-second handicap for many years to come.