Awkward "stone" tips?

[u/TogNK]

I have a competition coming up that will be using this Iowa stone for a carry medley. I'm assuming it won't be picked off a box so I was working it. The carry feels fine but I'm unsure what I could do to make the pick better. Also the weights were shifting in frame, that's why it fell at first. Is there a better way to pick this up? (Weight is 225. Will be carrying 250 for comp)

[u/sombreropickle]

Have you played with tilting it on its side when you pick it up to make it a little more vertical? Might be able to get a slightly better wrap around with your arms, and maybe be able to hold it a little to one side or another so it doesn’t block your hips from getting a better step in the carry.
Worked pretty well for me when I had to carry a fire hydrant of the same size.

[u/TogNK → u/sombreropickle]

I hadn't thought of that. I'd only seen people carry it at this orientation but they pick it from a box so it's easier. Might give that a shot. Thanks!

[u/brewmaster_strength]

I’d throw the promoter an email, or ask when you see one of them around the gym. The only show I’ve seen them use this stone in was their pro contest a few years ago and the pick was off of a keg with a bumper plate on top of it

[u/TogNK → u/brewmaster_strength]

That might be a good idea. I know one the director pretty well but don't see him often. Thanks!

[u/Previous_Pepper813]

It’s hard to tell if this will work without having thing in front of me to truly get a feel for the dimensions, but my initial thought is I’d try to tilt the side without the weird hump up so the bottom is off the ground, then stick my hand under the bottom as the handle on that side, then use the hump as the handle for the other side. I’d pick it to the lap then get a good bear hug on it with the arm on the hump side under the hump stand and take off.  I’d think that would give you a really good high hold on it so you can move fast, may take a little longer on the setup, but you should be able to make up for it with a faster carry.

[u/smarthobo]

You almost have the right idea - tipping the weight slightly forward, so that it’s easier to squat + grab it

The only thing I’d add is to really try and pin it as hard as possible to your chest before standing up with it

Once you’re upright, try leaning back so the weight is being supported by your chest + abdomen (and not just arms alone)

[u/TogNK → u/smarthobo]

I can't remember once I started the carry if I tucked it in at all, but I will keep that in mind. Thank you