Sleds and Tubes

Let's say you would like to give the snow a try but you're not into strapping things on. Never fear, the inner tube is here. Or what about sleds, toboggans or saucers? This could be a very cool date.

A sled usually has a wooden top and runner underneath. It is often small and steerable and is used for coasting down snow-covered hills. A toboggan is a long, light, flat-bottomed sled that's usually made of thin boards curved up at the front. Most toboggans have handrails or handholds on the side. A saucer is a small saucer shaped device made from metal or plastic. Sit on it and shred. An old fashioned car or truck innertube will often work just as well.

COST

Many ski slopes have a designated hill for sledders. The cost is usually very reasonable—anywhere from free to $8.00 per person. Many sledding slopes will supply the sliding device as part of the cost. Ask when you call.

SKI and SLEDDING SAFETY

Experienced skiers are just as likely to be injured as recent bunnyhill grads. The most common serious snowboarding injury is the shattered wrist. (Wear wristguards!) Check out a very nice site by Scottish Ski Patrol member and medical doctor Mike Langran. It's dedicated to the prevention of ski and snowboard injuries at www.ski-injury.com. (You won't believe one of the more common forms of ski-related deaths... Find it on this site.)

From 1991 through 1995, there were 250,361 sledding-related injuries treated in emergency rooms. The Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends these safety guidelines:

Sled only in designated areas free of fixed objects such as trees, posts and fences. Be sure the lighting is good.

Never sled head-first down a slope. Sit in a forward-facing position, steering with your feet or a rope tied to the steering handles of the sled. See the illustration on the prior page.

Do not sled on slopes that end in a street, drop off, parking lot, river or pond. If you hope to ever have children, do not sit or slide on plastic sheets or other materials that can be pierced by objects on the ground. Wear lots of clothing for protection.

Use a sled with runners and a steering mechanism. This is safer than toboggans or disks.

Children under twelve years old should wear a helmet and must be supervised by adults.