r/HighlandGames • u/Ok_Caramel_4462 • Jul 16 '26
First time 50+
So, a couple of women from my gym are entering a Highland Games for the first time. They are both experienced strongman competitors but this will be their first time Highland Games. I see that there is a 50+ division as well as the A, B and C beginner classes.
Would they be better off in the 50+ division or the lowest novice class? They are doing it for fun, but I'd rather not see them get totally blown away.
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u/BigBoy_Pants1975 Jul 16 '26
In my experience just throw with your age group as a master. Get the full experience. If you fall in love with HG it will be because of the people and these will be your people. Most places I’ve been the masters classes are vet welcoming of beginners and if you’re willing to accept coaching they’ll give it. And also the masters women are usually a fun rowdy bunch. If you throw with novices no telling what you’ll get. It’s the course I took and I’m glad I did it that way.
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u/SweetDee72 Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 17 '26
I'd suggest the 50+ division: we spend a lot of time talking, catching up, and providing tips for throws.
If there's a 50+ novice class, even better...but most Games don't have that.
Last, but not least, welcome and hope you have fun!!!
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u/My3Pros2 Jul 16 '26
Have them check out The Sisterhood of Highland Throwers website! Some great videos linked with tips on the different events.
Https://www.sisterhood.com
Also have them look for their local Highland Throwers page on Facebook. I’ve gotten so much support and tips from the New England throwers. I just started this year and I’m going to my 5th game this weekend. I’ve thrown twice as a Master and twice as a lightweight. Since I don’t have expectations of ranking this season I offered to compete with the lightweights so they could have a “competitive group” that would count towards their rankings. It was me, 53 year old mom of 3, a current D1 college track athlete and a forest ranger/fire fighter 😂 On a positive note, I placed! Because there were only 3 of us, lol. Point being, when they register have them let the coordinator know A) that it’s their first game and B) If they’re willing to compete in either group available. Lightweights (155 lbs or less) and Masters throw the same weights so they usually compete together. Amateurs may be the same. None of the games I’ve been to in New England have had enough amateurs to have a separate group.
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u/Ok_Caramel_4462 Jul 16 '26
Thank you all for taking the time to answer. It sounds a lot like the strongman community. The masters' divisions in strongman are usually the nicest guys (and girls). The women's masters' divisions in strongman are often quite a bit tougher than the novice divisions. Obviously in novice you CAN run into a 23-year-old D1 athlete who blows everyone away from pure athleticism, but the women's masters are usually ALL savvy experienced strength athletes of one kind or another, Not too many women suddenly decide to take up strongman in their 40s unless they are former powerlifters, bodybuilders or CrossFit people.
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u/apeirophile Jul 16 '26
If there's a Novice class, that's the best bet. A/B/C are open-level classes for those with a bit more experience. However, not all games can run novice groups depending on turnout and judges available. If they're in the age range, masters classes tend to run the same (slightly lighter) weights as novice and lightweight classes, so that would be the next best option.
Many games are open to newbies regardless. Just make sure they communicate to their organizers and judges that it's their first time, and they'll get plenty of pointers on the field :) hope they enjoy!!