During the 19th century logging reshaped the landscape of Wisconsin and provided a livelihood for thousands of workers.  The bravest of these lumberjacks, known as “log drivers” or “river pigs” rode and drove the timber from the woods to the sawmills using the current of a river.  At the end of the log drives, lumberjacks would compete to see who was the best “birler” or as we call them now… log roller. 

The sport evolved into a serious athletic event featured on ESPN, Outdoor Life, ABC Wide World of Sports, and much more.  Men and women of all ages log roll in pools, lakes, ponds, and tanks all over the US and Canada. 

Back in the 1970’s log rolling was introduced to the West YMCA in Madison.  In 2005, Olivia Judd and Shana Martin began teaching outdoor log rolling lessons at Wingra Canoe and Sailing Center.  In 2007 the first boom run was set up in Madison.  And in 2010, Madison Log Rolling LLP was formed to preserve the rich history of Wisconsin logging by growing the sport of log rolling in the greater Madison community.