Shinty Stick Guide: Choosing the Right Caman

Handmade in the Highlands of Scotland

By Alan MacPherson

🏑 Our Commitment to Every Player

Unlike most sports, shinty demands a variety of stick types tailored to different positions on the field: Forward | Midfield | Defender | Goalie. What’s more, camans are not “one size fits all” each stick should be cut and shaped to match the individual player’s build, age, and style of play.

Until now, players had limited access to position-specific camans that suit a players build and age. At Tanera Camans, we’ve changed that. After 10 years of development and testing we’ve developed over 26 different stick types, available in a wide range of lengths and tailored shapes, each shaped differently to suit the players needs a first in the sport’s history.

⚒️ With over 26 different caman types now available, this level of variety brings real challenges to the production process. Our camans are made in batches of 10, so if a club were to order just one of each stick, we’d need to manufacture 260 camans to fulfil the order. It’s not the easy way, but it’s the right way, and it’s a commitment we’re proud to make. Our goal has always been simple: to give every player the stick they truly need, one that’s specific to their build, their position, and their way of playing.

---

---

🏑The Shinty Club

📜 The Origins of the Caman

The original Gaelic name for the game of shinty is “Iomain”, and the traditional name for a shinty stick is a “caman” with the plural being “camain.”

A caman may be made from a variety of hardwoods, but hickory, ash, and birch are especially prized for their strength, spring, and workability. Every caman is made up of two main parts, both with Gaelic names:

• The “cas” – the shaft or handle of the stick
• The “bas” – the curved striking head

Traditionally, the bas is triangular in section. both sides slope inward to meet along the top edge, while the bottom remains flat. This construction provides strength, control, and a clean striking surface on both sides.

📏 Official Caman Specifications

All camans must conform to the following standards, as set by the Camanachd Association:

a) The head of the caman must be no larger than can pass through a ring of 2½ inches (6.3 cm) in diameter.

b) No plates, screws, or metal of any kind may be attached to, or form part of, the caman.

At Tanera Camans, we honour these traditional forms while enhancing them with modern Highland craftsmanship, creating sticks that are true to their roots and refined for today’s game.

---

---

Our handmade shinty sticks are available to order online through Shinty World.

---

📏 Fit Guide: Choosing the Right Caman

When selecting a caman, fit is everything. A properly sized stick will improve control, swing accuracy, and overall comfort during play.

Remember:
A lighter caman is easier to handle than a heavy one, it allows for quicker movements and doesn’t place unnecessary strain on stamina.

However, lighter also means less timber, so it’s important to find the right balance of weight and strength for your build and playing style.

Stand the caman upright beside the player.
It should not reach above the top of the hip.

For younger players, leaving a few extra centimetres gives room to grow without compromising swing balance.

Select the next size up and cut it down if needed.
This allows for a tailored fit and ensures the caman grows with the player.

Understanding Sizing
The number after the caman name refers to its length in millimetres. Simply remove the zero at the end to convert to centimetres.
Example: 1140mm = 114 cm

---

Forward Stick

Built for speed, control, and clinical finishing.

Forward camans are typically thinner and more agile, allowing for quick ball control, rapid swing recovery, and fast handling under pressure. They feature a flatter face to help keep the ball low when shooting on goal, ideal for striking on the run.

Often cut slightly shorter, forward camans encourage faster hand movement and tighter control in crowded attacking zones.

Midfield Stick

Balanced for control, built for transition.

Midfield sticks are the true all-rounders, typically lighter than forward camans, making them ideal for sustained movement and quick transitions across the pitch.

They feature a slightly angled hitting face, allowing for:

• Chipping the ball to gain height when needed
• Tilting the face down for accurate shots on goal

Designed to help players cover ground, control the tempo, and flow between defence and attack, midfield camans offer the best of both worlds: agility and control without unnecessary weight.

---

---

Defender Stick

Strong, reliable, and built for big moments.

Defender camans feature a broader, more triangular head with extra weight behind the swing, ideal for stopping the ball cleanly and lifting it high into the air for clearances.

Perfect for blocking, tackling, and long-range defending, these sticks prioritise control and durability over speed. They’re built to handle pressure and keep the ball out of danger, whether from the air or on the ground.

Goalie Stick

Specialised to stop the ball in the air.

Goalkeeper camans are crafted with a wider back and a more angled head, allowing keepers to get under the ball and lift it high and clear, whether during hit-outs or under intense pressure in the goal area.

The shape is optimised to block and deflect airborne shots, while the extended angle provides maximum clearance over incoming attackers. Despite their size, these sticks are carefully balanced for fast reactions and precise handling.

⚡ Looking for speed and agility?
Check out our specialised lightweight ash goalie camans, trusted by top players for faster reaction times, improved control, and confident clearances when it matters most.

---

---

Tanera Camans Adults XL 1220

Length: 1220mm
Positions: Forward | Midfield | Defender | Goalie
Material: Hickory

Crafted specifically for players over 6’2″, this extra-long caman is made from rare, hard-to-source hickory, typically imported for longbow manufacture.

These sticks are handcrafted with the same care and balance as our standard range, but built for those who need the extra reach and power. It can be cut down for a tailored fit.

⚠️ Supply is extremely limited due to the rarity of the timber.
📩 Please contact us directly to order.

---

Tanera Camans Adults 1140

Length: 1140mm
Positions: Forward | Midfield | Defender | Goalie
Material: Hickory

Crafted for adult players who demand precision, strength, and durability, these camans are made from the finest hickory available. Each laminate is carefully hand-inspected to ensure it is free from knots or imperfections, delivering the highest standard of play.

Highly durable and reliable under pressure, this caman offers a perfect balance of weight and control.

It can be cut down to 1040mm for a tailored fit, without compromising balance.
Looking for something lighter or smaller? Try the Intermediate Caman.

---

Tanera Camans Intermediate 1040+

Available Lengths: 900mm | 1040mm | 1140mm
Positions: Forward | Midfield | Defender | Goalie
Material: Hickory

Crafted for adults who prefer a lighter stick, and juniors ready to step up in weight and feel, the Intermediate Caman bridges the gap perfectly. Available in three sizes, each stick is carefully balanced and shaped to suit a player’s individual needs.

Every laminate is hand-inspected to ensure it’s free from knots or imperfections, upholding the highest standard of play. Each caman can also be cut down for a tailored fit.

Recommendations:
– For adults looking for a heavier caman, we recommend the Tanera Camans Adults 1140.
– For younger players needing a lighter option, try the Tanera Camans Junior 900.

---

Tanera Camans Junior 900

Available Length: 900mm (can be cut down to 740mm)
Positions: Midfield (All-Rounder)
Material: Hickory

Crafted specifically for junior players, typically suitable from around age 10/11 or Primary 6 and under, though this may vary depending on height and build. The Junior 900 is designed as a reliable all-rounder, ideal for players who are still developing their style and often rotating through different positions.

Though listed as a midfield caman, it is perfectly balanced to suit any role on the pitch. Its lighter weight and proportions help young players develop a natural, effective swing from an early age.

Each laminate is carefully inspected to ensure it is free from knots or imperfections, upholding the highest standard of craftsmanship.
Highly durable and easy to handle, the Junior 900 is a trusted choice for shinty players of all abilities.

Recommendations:
– For juniors looking to move up to a heavier caman, we recommend the Tanera Camans Intermediate.

---

Tanera Camans Kids 700

Available Length: 700mm (can be cut down to 540mm)
Positions: Midfield (All-Rounder)
Material: Hickory

Crafted specifically for younger players, typically suitable from around age 8 or Primary 4 and under , depending on the child’s height and size. The Kids 700 is designed as a versatile all-rounder, perfect for children still learning the game and exploring different positions.

Though listed as a midfield caman, it is well-balanced to support any role on the pitch. Its lightweight feel and proportions help players build confidence and develop a natural swing from the very start.

Each laminate is individually inspected to ensure it is free from knots or imperfections, maintaining the highest standard of craftsmanship.

Durable, easy to handle, and built to last, the Junior 700 is a perfect introduction to the sport for players of all abilities.

---

Tanera Camans Baby

Available Lengths: 540mm | 340mm
Positions: Midfield (All-Rounder)
Material: Hickory

Crafted especially for the youngest members of the shinty community, the Tanera Camans Baby is a miniature caman designed for display, gifting, or introducing the sport from day one.

Available in two sizes, 540mm and 340mm, these sticks are a popular choice for new-borns, christenings, birthdays, and those destined to swing a caman before they can walk.

Handmade in the Highlands of Scotland by the country’s leading caman makers, each stick is produced from the finest materials, and though small, is perfectly balanced and highly durable, a true introduction to the sport, built with pride and tradition.

---

Tanera Camans PRO 6

Available Lengths: 1140mm
Positions: Forward
Material: Hickory

Engineered specifically for forwards, the PRO 6 features a brand new and exclusive six-laminate shaft and handle design, a breakthrough in caman performance.

The updated handle shape is carefully contoured to prevent twisting during high-speed strikes, ensuring the caman face stays true and accurate in fast-paced play.

Balanced for power and control, the PRO 6 is custom made to fit the individual player, with sizes ranging from 1040mm to 1140mm, making it the ultimate striker’s stick.

---

---

Tanera Camans Ash Goalie Stick

Available Lengths: 1140mm
Positions: Goalie
Material: Ash

Light, Legal & Lethal, our goalie camans, made from carefully selected ash, weigh in at under 700g, making them lighter than a traditional hickory stick.
⚡ That means quicker reaction times, faster clearances, and sharper goalkeeping, with the added benefit of one-handed control for agile handling in tight situations.

These sticks have been trusted since 2012 by Scotland international goalkeeper Stuart MacDonald, and are now used by a growing number of top keepers across Scotland, including those in the National Premier Division.

🪵 Each caman is:

• Steam-bent with precision and care
• Built with extra laminations to maximise the hitting face
• Crafted with wide backs for stopping power
• Shaped to the maximum legal size, just small enough to pass through the 2½ inch ring gauge

These are high-performance camans, handmade with the same Highland pride we put into every stick.

---

---

🛠️ Maintenance Tips

To ensure the longevity and performance of your Tanera Caman:

Store smart:
Keep your caman in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight when not in use. Avoid leaving it in car boots, outside, or near radiators.

Choose light, handle right:
A lighter caman is generally easier to handle, allowing for quicker movements and reduced fatigue, especially for younger players or those in fast, mobile positions.

But remember:
A lighter caman means less timber, and that can mean less strength. Always choose a caman that suits your size, strength, and style of play. It’s all about finding the right balance between speed and durability.

Tape before play:
Never use a caman straight out of the bag. Always tape the handle, shaft and head to suit your style of play, this protects the stick and increases its lifespan.

Wipe & oil:
After each session, wipe your caman clean with a dry cloth and apply a light coat of raw linseed oil or varnish to nourish the wood.

📽 Check out our short video on stick repair and maintenance for more care tips. (Video Click Here)

---