AXEMEN KEEN TO MAKE THE FINAL CUT

JAMES Geiger was three years old the first time he wielded an axe.

Now 24, the Canungra electrician and free range chicken farmer will compete in the Stihl Timbersports Championships at the Broadwater Parklands this weekend in the under 25s rookie division.

More than 30 athletes will swing razor-sharp axes and wield high-powered chainsaws in a bid to be crowned Australian champion.

It’s the first time the competition has been held on the Gold Coast.

“It’s one of the world’s fastest-growing sports,” said Mr Geiger (pictured).

“It’s great to compete in and great to watch too.”

Mr Geiger’s father, a long-time axeman himself, taught his three boys how to chop competitively.

James won his first chopping championship at age 10 in an under 18s competition and is now passing on his love of woodchopping to his eldest son, Hartley, 2.

The two-day event begins tomorrow. The winners will represent Australia at the World Championships in the UK next month.