Teens Flip for High Speed Sleds

Back flips and high speed turns are not maneuvers normally associated with sledding. Advances in technology have led to a resurgence in the sport and teens are taking notice. Long gone are the days spent trudging up the local hill in soggy wool socks with a cheap plastic contraption for a short unrewarding ride.

Sledding has been around for over one hundred years, since the Flexible Flyer went into production in 1889. For decades, two things cut into the fun of sledding for many teens: wooden sleds like the Flyer were supremely uncomfortable and weighed as much as a heavy backpack. Over time, toy manufacturers replaced classic wooden sleds with inexpensive offerings like plastic toboggans and tinny metal saucers. These flimsy devices appealed to young children looking for a little fun in the snow, but afforded a more serious sledder little incentive to stick with the sport.

Things have changed with modern-day sledding and there are plenty of reasons for teens to head for the hills. Today's sleds are made of lightweight materials and are eminently more controllable. Thanks to polyethylene seats and aluminum frames the newest sleds can withstand the rigors of tricks and provide a stable ride.

To get inspired for your next sledding adventure, check out www.freesledding.com a website for creative sledders. Teens designed the website to capture the latest developments in the sport. The site features cool video clips, as well as, edgy digital photography. These daredevils are executing jumps and stunts taken from the pages of skateboarding and snowboarding. Tricks like the "corked 540" are cataloged and explained.

Since 2002, the team at Hammerhead sleds has been devoted to getting more teens back on the slopes and away from video games. To take advantage of the long outdoor snow season in Minnesota, designers engineered a lightweight sled with great maneuverability. The Hammerhead has an updated steering system and a swap ski device that allows the sledder to enjoy runs regardless of conditions (the versatile Hammerhead can perform well on both packed snow and powder). This sled will carry up to 250 lbs. and can withstand the demands of high performance athletes. The inventors made sure the sled could negotiate sharp turns and handle the impact of jumps.

On the East Coast, creative minds at The Mad River Rocket Company in Vermont developed a high-tech sled built for speed. According to Whitney Phillips, President of The Mad River Rocket Company, racers have been known to reach speeds of 50-60 mph (note: any high-speed sledding should always be undertaken with a proper fitting helmet). The sleds weigh around six pounds and are designed to carve turns and withstand sledding acrobatics. The Killer B sled incorporates a kneeling position similar to riding in a kayak. This position gives the rider heightened control while racing or pulling off a "misty flip" (a front somersault and 180 degree twist done simultaneously, finished with a backward landing).

Performance like this comes with a price - the Hammerhead sled starts at $289 and the more affordable Killer B is $89. Compared to the ride on a traditional wooden sled (costing around $70) or an inexpensive plastic sled (around $20) the extra money seems like a good investment in fun. There's more good news for thrifty teens, unlike snowboarding and skiing there is no lift ticket involved and no extra gear to purchase.

Another bonus of sledding - even the most uncoordinated person can maneuver a sled. With snowboarding and skateboarding, it takes months or years to become proficient. Sledding comes naturally to just about everyone. It's is a perfect group sport and is a great way to socialize with friends. Some sleds, like the Hammerhead, can be fully accessorized with headlights and taillights so evening sledding is terrific option-a great alternative to being cooped up indoors during the next snow day. If stunts aren't your thing, an alternative idea for group fun is to create a racecourse with cones and develop a speed competition. Whichever way you decide to get down the hill, sledding provides a healthy rush of adrenaline.

When the weatherman predicts the next snowstorm, call your friends and get your sled ready. You'll be in for a thrilling ride this winter.