Looking to expand your knowledge of outdoor sports? Want to meet folks of all ages who are passionate about their pastime? Check out the U.S. National Kubb Championship, slated for July 14-16 in Eau Claire.
More than 125 teams are expected to participate in this event, which is the oldest and largest kubb tournament outside of Europe. Approximately 450 players from 22 states, as well as the countries of Sweden and Germany, will be on hand.
Kubb (pronounced [kubː] in Swedish and Gutnish) is a lawn game played by two teams where the objective is to knock over wooden blocks (kubbar) by throwing wooden batons (kastpinnar) at them. Kubb can be described as a combination of bowling and horseshoes. Play takes place on a small rectangular playing field, known as a “pitch”. “Kubbs” are placed at both ends of the pitch, and the “king”, a larger wooden block, is placed in the middle of the pitch. Some rules vary from country to country and from region to region, but the ultimate objective of the game is to knock over the “kubbs” on the opposing side of the pitch, and then to knock over the “king”, before the opponent does. Games can last from five minutes to well over an hour. The game can be played on a variety of surfaces such as grass, sand, concrete, snow, or even ice. [From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]
Kid Kubb, open to youth entering 8th grade and below, will take place on Friday. The two-day National Championship will follow on Saturday and Sunday, with the final 16 teams competing on the final day.
This traditional Nordic game is for everyone of all levels of skill and experience. First-time players are welcome, with previous participants ranging in age from 6 to 80+.
Known as the “Kubb Capital of North America,” Eau Caire is home to the largest weekly kubb league on the planet. For further details visit www.usakubb.org.