Chopping in blood of newly-arrived axeman

Marlborough sports teams love to get one up over Nelson, though the province's woodchoppers have had to wait longer than most to celebrate beating their closest rivals.

David Dawkins chatted with a West Coaster who helped return a prized trophy to Marlborough following an 18-year drought.

New Zealand has many family sporting dynasties, though few sportsmen can claim the the pedigree of Daniel Gilsenan.

For over a century the Gilsenan name has been prominent in South Island and New Zealand chopping.

Daniel's great-grandfather started the tradition that has now been passed down through four generations. For Daniel the inspiration to pick up an axe came from his father, Dan, and uncle Les Gilsenan.

Daniel's father has chopped for over 50 years and, at 75 years old, still competes.

Les was one of the country's top axemen, representing New Zealand for 17 years, while his son Anthony has carried on the family tradition as a long-time South Island rep.

Despite the family history and growing up in Reefton – a hub of the sport in New Zealand – Daniel didn't pick up an axe until he was 21.

Rugby and golf – where he has an impressive three handicap and has represented Buller-Westland, Tasman under-18 and the New Zealand Police Force – were Daniel's first sporting passions, but the call to be an axeman was never far away.

"It's in the blood you might say," Daniel said. "It's something you just do as a Gilsenan. You're not expected to chop – but you do."

He quickly made up for lost time and the 34-year-old has made his mark, particularly in the standing chop, where he has represented the South Island on numerous occasions and has travelled to Australia to compete.

He holds five New Zealand records, four in pinus contorta and one in cedar – particularly memorable since his uncle Les also holds standing records in that wood.

Daniel grew up in Reefton, but moved to Nelson to pursue his career in the police. After a year off to travel, he and partner Cath Laugesen settled in Marlborough, joining a small but high-quality chopping community.

Daniel has joined the iconic Hocquard family, Robbie Brownlee, Willie Abel and other top axemen in the province and last month helped Marlborough claim the L Dillon Challenge Trophy off Nelson – contested for the first time since 1991.

Often, in chopping, bigger is better and, at 104kg, Daniel is large by most standards but he is often dwarfed by other competitors.

While the sport looks like it is just about brute force, Daniel said there is a lot more to it. Different wood types, axes, styles and attitudes all play a part.

"Les was regarded as one of the better swingers of an axe and I think I've picked up a bit of his style, using my whole body.

"I've been taught some good habits, initially from my father and have a swing that just allows me to put the axe in the wood well. That and some natural ability."

Daniel admits he probably hasn't made the most of his natural gifts, but the shift work involved as a constable in the police force and having a young family – 22-months-old son Flynn and a second child on the way – often aren't conducive to travelling to shows or long training hours.

An avid outdoorsman, Daniel can often be found in his backyard garden, with Flynn usually at his side.

Judging by the energy Flynn shows and his willingness to emulate his Dad, it's a fair bet there will be a fifth generation of Gilsenans making their mark with an axe.

WEEKLY SPORTS STAR

Name: Daniel Gilsenan.
Nickname: Tipper.
Born: Reefton, October 1 1975.
Educated: Inangahua College.
Earliest sporting hero: Buck Shelford.
Must-watch TV programme: Coronation Street  I am forced to watch!
Must-have food: Steak and eggs.
What's hot on your MP3 player: Neil Diamond.
Favourite holiday spot: Collingwood.
Superstitions: None.
Favourite sporting moment: Competing in Perth in the Australian Standing Championship.
Worst sporting moment: Losing the school long plunge.
In five years I'll be: "Living the dream" at the Franz camping ground

- © Fairfax NZ News